Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC)

Boise State University Master’s student Kristina Parker uses a syringe to collect blood from a Great Basin rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus). The blood’s ribonucleic acid, or RNA will be analyzed to track genetic change in the snake from habitat disturbances. RNA, along with deoxyribonucleic acid – or DNA, are the molecules that carry genetic information.

Boise State University Master’s student Kristina Parker and a volunteer use snake tongs to catch and hold down a rattlesnake.

Boise State University Master’s student Kristina Parker carries a Great Basin rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus). The snake’s head is enclosed in a plastic tube to allow her to safely handle it during the biological sample collection process.

A Great Basin rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus) is coaxed into a plastic tube. This plastic tube allows researchers to safely handle the rattlesnake during biological sample collection.

A USGS Hydrologic Technician collects eDNA samples alongside a stream in the Nevada wilderness

Sue Phillips headshot

USGS researchers are studying how enhancing moss growth may lead to improved practices to restore soil biocrusts. 

Blended photo of a wind and solar energy facilities.

Root nodules are a symbiotic relationship between a plant and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. A symbiotic relationship is one where both organisms benefit. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria change inorganic nitrogen from the air into ammonia, a form of nitrogen most organisms can use. They also use a process called rock dissolution to release other nutrients, such as calcium and

The alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata) is an introduced species common to Southwest Idaho. They originate from the old world, most likely from northeastern Africa or the Middle East. These bees are successful pollinators of various crops and have been imported to North America for use in agriculture and beekeeping.

Opening slide for the Intro to GenEst, A Generalized Estimator of Mortality, Workshop held at the National Wind Coordinating Collaborative's Wind Wildlife Research Meeting XII on November 26, 2018 in St. Paul Minnesota. https://www.nationalwind.org/meetings/wind-wildlife-research-meeting-