The New York Times: Woolly mammoth left diary in her tusk
UC professor explains how we are learning more about Ice Age behemoths
The New York Times talked to a geosciences professor about what we can learn about mammoths from their tusks.
UC College of Arts and Sciences paleoecologist Joshua Miller studies animals such as caribou and extinct mammoths and mastodons to learn more about environmental changes over time. For example, he and his research partners in 2022 revealed the epic annual migration of male mastodons that roamed hundreds of miles each year across what is now Indiana.
The Times reported on a new study by the University of Alaska that examined the life of a mammoth nicknamed Elma. From her tusks, which grow throughout the mammoth's lifetime, researchers can use isotopic analysis to follow her movements across the landscape.
They learned that she was born in what is now the Canadian Yukon but moved hundreds of miles west into central Alaska where she likely was killed by people. Her remains were recovered in an ancient hunting and fishing camp.
Miller was not part of the study but has conducted similar research on ancient mammoth and mastodon remains in his lab at UC. Miller said as we learn more about the lives of individual animals, we can recreate the fascinating life history of the species.
“There are answers out there,” Miller told the Times. “We’re just starting to build it. And that’s exciting.”
Read the New York Times story.
Featured image at top: UC Assistant Professor Joshua Miller examines a mastodon tusk at the Cincinnati Museum Center's Geier Collections and Research Center. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
Cincinnati researchers want to know if MRIs can work better
June 28, 2024
WVXU and the Cincinnati Business Courier highlighted a new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, UC Health GE HealthCare, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to create an MRI Research and Development Center of Excellence located on UC’s medical campus.
UC opens Blood Cancer Healing Center
June 28, 2024
Media outlets including WLWT, Local 12, Spectrum News, the Cincinnati Enquirer and Cleveland.com highlighted the opening of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Blood Cancer Healing Center.
Financial factors to consider when moving
June 27, 2024
Moving can be a stressful and expensive endeavor. When it comes time to move, there are important financial implications to consider, Gary Painter, PhD, the academic director of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business real estate program and a professor of real estate, told USA Today.
New project aims to better support teen mothers in Adams County
June 27, 2024
WCPO highlighted a partnership between the University of Cincinnati and the Adams County Health Department that is aiming to provide better support for teen mothers in the county.
Free Wi-Fi, work area coming to Greater Cincinnati
June 27, 2024
St. Lawrence Park in Price Hill now has free Wi-Fi and a furnished outdoor space for community members to access digital needs. The space is part of The Nodes Project, which stands for “Neighborhoods of Design Engagement": a collaboration between UC DAAP communication designers and community entities.
Study aimed at reducing opioid overdose deaths presents results
June 27, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's John Winhusen and Caroline Freiermuth discussed the evidence-based practices implemented during the HEALing Communities Study to fight the opioid epidemic with Spectrum News.
UC alum credits journalism program with early success
June 26, 2024
Zachary Jarrell came to the University of Cincinnati in 2019 to pursue a degree in statistics. In 2023, he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Journalism. For many undergraduates, the journey through college rarely takes the expected track. Detours happen, and majors change. When plans switch up, it can be helpful to a student’s success to find support. For Jarrell, it was the people he worked alongside in the journalism department who helped him on his journey. It has left a lasting impression on his life so far, guiding him to multiple internships as an undergraduate, real-world experience in prominent news outlets, and eventually a successful career in the highly competitive field of journalism.
The health impact of living near a natural gas leak
June 25, 2024
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Amy Townsend-Small talks to the BBC about the health issues faced by neighbors of leaking natural gas wells.
Male birth control gel inches towards FDA approval
June 25, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Wesley Baas spoke with Yahoo News and the Cincinnati Enquirer about a new male birth control gel that could be close to receiving FDA approval.
University of Cincinnati Cancer Center launches Blood Cancer Healing Center
June 25, 2024
The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art Blood Cancer Healing Center June 24.