Research

It’s one of the mysteries of the insect world. How, and why, do fireflies seem to shine their lights in sync with one another? To find the answer, a pair of computer scientists from CU Boulder recently spent time studying swarms of fireflies in a swamp. And they say what they learned may eventually help robots work together more effectively.

A new study by an archaeologist at Colorado State University looked at dice first used by Native American hunter-gatherers more than 12,000 years ago. The games were a way for tribes to connect with each other and trade goods, even without speaking the same language. We look at what this discovery reveals about the role of game-playing in human society.

Over the past decade, a group of zoos and aquariums have teamed up for an unusual rescue project. They work together to save and grow threatened coral from an underwater zone off the coast of Florida. Meet a marine biologist in Colorado who’s leading an important part of that preservation work, even though she’s hundreds of miles from the ocean.

Around the world, venomous snakebites kill tens of thousands of people each year. Antivenom can be an effective treatment, but it’s expensive and difficult to produce. A biologist at the University of Northern Colorado hopes to change that, with a new type of antivenom that’s cheaper to produce in large amounts. He discusses his research and recent breakthrough on In The NoCo.

The Rocky Mountain Poison Center in Denver keeps track of the substances that can sicken or kill us. It tracks prescription drug abuse – and helps hospitals treat venomous snake bites. Today on In The NoCo: A snapshot of the things that poison Coloradans, and how the trends have changed over the years.

Life with bipolar disorder or chronic depression can come with intense periods of sadness or despair. But these conditions might also come with some surprising advantages – including better social relationships and creative abilities. That’s according to new research from the University of Colorado. We dig into the possible “silver linings” of mood disorders.

Life with bipolar disorder or chronic depression can come with intense periods of sadness or despair. But these conditions might also come with some surprising advantages – including better social relationships and creative abilities. That’s according to new research from the University of Colorado. We dig into the possible “silver linings” of mood disorders.

Around the world, venomous snakebites kill tens of thousands of people each year. Antivenom can be an effective treatment, but it’s expensive and difficult to produce. A biologist at the University of Northern Colorado hopes to change that, with a new type of antivenom that’s cheaper to produce in large amounts. He discusses his research and recent breakthrough.

Bladder cancer affects thousands of people in the U.S. each year – and it’s difficult to treat. But scientists at CU Boulder may have found an innovative way to deliver chemotherapy to patients with bladder cancer. It’s inspired by the gripping power of gecko feet.

Kevin France, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Colorado Boulder, discusses the Habitable Worlds Observatory, a new space telescope that could help us find new worlds.