Science and the Environment

Hearing, the brain and aging: Dr. Dwayne Simmons has built an international reputation as a leading researcher into hearing loss and what it can teach us about the aging process. Simmons, the Cornelia Marschall Smith Endowed Professor and Chair in Biology, came to Baylor three years ago from UCLA and has invested time and energy that invigorate research throughout the biology program. In this Baylor Connections, he shares why he came to Baylor and what motivates his research. 

Dr. Tamar Carter and Dr. Jason Pitts are Baylor biologists who study mosquitoes and use their findings to fight disease. In this Baylor Connections, they share information about one of the ubiquitous and unwelcome guests, both close to home and abroad. Learn tips to diminish the impact of mosquitoes on summer plans and discover how, more broadly, mosquito research can stop the spread of disease in impoverished communities around the world.

Clever story of a group of friends returning for their 30th/31st college reunion.

Last summer, Waco went on a record-setting 49 days without any rain. That’s not too uncommon in Texas, where areas of the state have been under drought-like conditions for years. Little to no rainfall can stress plant life, and that can lead to worried gardeners over watering their plants - which during a drought might not be the best idea. But as KWBU’s Carlos Morales reports, a new research site by the Texas Agrilife Extension Service and local master gardeners looks to study smart water use - and how gardeners can benefit from this research. 

Are you addicted to your smartphone? Do you find yourself constantly checking for texts and emails? One researcher has found that smartphone use negatively impacts relationships and that smartphone addiction plays a significant role in our lives. 

At least 1 in 4 of the 700,000 soldiers that served in the gulf war suffer from something called Gulf War illness. There are no known treatments for the sickness, but Dena Davidson, director of research at the Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans at Waco is undertaking a new study to change that. KWBU’s Carlos Morales sat down with Davidson to talk about the illness and a potential treatment.
 

Gary Elkins – a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor University - has recently been using hypnotic audio recordings to help his patients reduce pain. Specifically, his research has focused on using clinical hypnosis to treat symptoms that postmenopausal women face, like hot flashes and an inability to sleep.

Quail hunting season opens this weekend. And there’s new hope that the bobwhite quail is making a rebound. The population has dropped off by about 75 percent over the last 40 years—partly because their grassy habitats have been depleted by development and cattle grazing. Conservationists are trying to get more landowners to restore native prairies on their property.

Zebra mussels have been found in Lake Waco. The invasive shellfish are worrisome because they can clog pipes to the water system and power plants.