Biostration

We all know about robots like R2D2 or androids like Commander Data, but what if robots were patterned after plants and not animals? That may become a real possibility. Read all about it in my latest article in Colorado Gardener magazine: https://www.coloradogardener.com/post/plantoids-and-growbots
Sadly, this is their last print issue. They are leaving their archives open and may create special features online in the future. My thanks to editor, Jane Shellenberger, who has become a good friend over the years.

If you've ever wondered about those little warty growths on your trees and shrubs (galls), you will enjoy my latest article in Colorado Gardener magazine entitled "Inspired by Galling Mysteries." It highlights the joy of scientists when they suddenly find out that life is even more amazing than they thought. See

Inspired by Galling Mysteries By R. Gary Raham: Colleagues love to share epochal moments. These are times when expectations are dashed and they remember why their professional obsession of choice ignited their passion in the first place. I follow the blog of Chris Helzer, a Nebraskan who identifies himself as the Prairie Ecologi...

If you are wandering around the natural areas near Fort Collins, you may notice that the rabbitbrush plants have been invaded by dark, blue-green larvae. They belong to a beetle in the genus Trirhabda that specializes in munching on rabbitbrush. The adults (not in evidence yet) look like the beetle I've sketched on the right. The larvae serve as great treats for black birds.