From Medicine to Architecture to Astronomy: the Blob That Does Everythng
Physarum polycephalum is a single-celled organism that is often mistaken for a fungus. These myxomycetes are more commonly known as slime molds. Slime molds are amoebae that are remarkably similar to various fungi, which is why they were classified as such for many years. They release spores to reproduce, exist in damp areas, often on mulch in gardens, and grow off of dead plant material just like a fungus. However, while fungi produce enzymes that help break down dead plant
Fiona Hamilton
2 days ago6 min read
Ash Creek Woods Pt. II
Hammering a stake into the cliff's edge, you clip your harness to a new rope. Shuffling towards the edge, you sit down on the edge as the snow around you slides off the edge and falls. You lower yourself onto the cliff wall and begin sliding down the rope. As you get to your partner's harness, you see that it looks like it was attacked; a large slash cuts the side of the harness in half. There's a trail of red leading to a cave, as you go to take a closer look, I realize it i
Everett White and Elijah Betancourt
2 days ago3 min read
Native Plant Highlight: Kōlea Lau Nui (Myrsine lessertiana)
The plant for this native plant highlight is the beautiful Kolea Lau Nui, Myrsine lessertiana. Plant Description Kōlea Lau Nui is an endemic tree that grows in dry, mesic, and, more commonly, wet forests at elevations between 700 and 4,000 feet. It grows on all of the main Hawaiian islands. Kōlea Lau Nui can reach heights of 60 feet, but are usually found growing shorter than this. They typically grow very straight and have light gray bark. They have dark green leaves, though
Kai Garcia-Tobar
2 days ago2 min read
Chapters 34-36
Wanted They gathered food and supplies from nearby shops, then prepared to travel back to Trilliah. Rienna figured she'd let Mæri know about the caves and ask her for directions back to Vieryen. They traveled along the lake again and reached Mæri’s house just a couple hours before dusk. Despite having hiked all day, Rienna was feeling much better and could tell her magic was about halfway replenished. Xio in one hand, Rienna raised an arm and knocked on the door. A moment lat
Fiona Hamilton
2 days ago38 min read
Almost, Enough
I remind you of a time, running through the hills and dips of the park—past. The grass still wet, the earth soft enough to forgive your steps. Hesitating over the bridge, as I once did, fingers grazing over the wooden railing. Knowing once you cross it something will already be different. Sitting in the sun that feeling arises again, settling into every vessel of your body. Every muscle tightening and loosening all at once, almost embracing the encapsulation of how y
Kenzie Pajinag
2 days ago1 min read
