April 15, 2016

Voices of Pain, Voices of Guidance

April 15, 2016/ Bruce Science

If you catch a cold in Connecticut you could expect it to feel about the same as if you caught a cold in China. Treatments might differ but you would still expect a human body to respond similarly to the virus no matter who caught it where. The same cannot be said about mental illnesses. In this fascinating study we learn that schizophrenia can be very different depending on where you live - And to some people it may be considered a blessing rather than a curse.

April 12, 2016

Invaders of Connecticut

April 12, 2016/ Bruce Science

At this very moment Connecticut is fighting back an invasion! These invaders hurt the Connecticut economy, cause environmental devastation, and sometimes even do harm to humans. Some invaders make themselves obvious but we might be fond of others before we realize their true nefarious nature. These invaders are plants and animals whose species don’t belong here, and they’re called invasive species.

April 04, 2016

Pelagornis Takes Flight at the Bruce

April 04, 2016/ Bruce Science

Pelagornis flies once more in the entrance of the Bruce Museum! It is no easy feat to wrangle the largest flying bird ever, even when it's only bones.

April 01, 2016

Fool Proof: A Look at Foolish Science and Why It's Bogus

April 01, 2016/ Bruce Science

It’s April Fools’ time here at the Bruce! Don’t worry- We won’t try to fool you on this blog. Rather, we’ll delve into some of the more outlandish science-based theories (conspiracy or otherwise) in honor of the occasion.

March 28, 2016

We Should Be Worried about the Plant That Can Count.

March 28, 2016/ Bruce Science

Few plants have inspired such delight and mystery as the Venus fly trap. That very allure is causing their downfall.

March 14, 2016

Help Track Turtles in Connecticut

March 14, 2016/ Bruce Science

Spring looks like it may have begun and turtles are waking up from hibernation. Spotted turtles have already been out and about for a month or so and even the non-native, red-eared slider is out basking. Please consider joining the citizen science project, the Connecticut Turtle Atlas.

March 11, 2016

Getting by with a Little Help from Their Friends

March 11, 2016/ Bruce Science

Most wildcats, big and small, are solitary creatures. This is a system that works well for the feline body and lifestyle. However, there is one notable outlier when it comes to the hunting habits of wildcats: Lions. It took very specific evolutionary conditions to cause ancestral lions to abandon their solitary ways and start living in groups.

March 08, 2016

Animals for Conservation Education

March 08, 2016/ Bruce Science

9:00am - Our fieldwork is now complete and I fly back to Connecticut this afternoon. It has been a very busy and productive week. As I leave, I get a chance to reminisce about my career.