Might a Modified Mouse Make a Mammoth?

by John Agbo, age 14

Researchers have taken a preliminary step toward the potential revival of the prehistoric woolly mammoth. However, one must consider whether this endeavor signals a promising future for Earth, a misuse of advanced technology, or humanity's attempt to intervene in natural processes, essentially trying to play God, as mentioned by a professor at Arizona University.

Based in Dallas, Texas, Colossal Biosciences has successfully developed the first genetically modified “colossal woolly mouse.” This mouse features attributes such as thick fur and body fat typically found in woolly mammoths, representing the first step toward the company's goal to “de-extinct” prehistoric creatures. [Read More]

Wisconsin State Parks Celebrate 125 Years of Natural Beauty

by Moore Vang, age 16

From vibrant forests and towering rock formations, to picturesque lakes and flourishing wildlife, Wisconsin has preserved some of its natural areas for 125 years. To celebrate this milestone, staff of the parks system are hosting a year-long event to encourage people to enjoy the land and learn about the parks’ history. There are 50 state parks, 44 state trails, 15 state forests, nine state recreation areas, and eight rivers and resource areas. In total, the state park system covers around 307,000 acres.

The first iteration of a state park in Wisconsin came in 1870 when the Legislature set aside 50,000 acres of land in Vilas and Oneida counties known as The State Park. However, the land was sold and did not become official as it was only meant to preserve a piece of land for a limited amount of time.

Following this, citizens of Minnesota and Wisconsin pursued an idea from Harry Baker and George Hazard, residents of St. Croix Falls, were dedicated to preserving the St. Croix River on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota. The park was approved by Minnesota in 1895, followed by Wisconsin in 1900. This state park would be officially named Interstate State Park. Today, it remains the oldest state park in Wisconsin, containing various attractions such as distinct geology, hiking trails, cliff-top views, canoeing, and kayaking. [Read More]

Driftless Historium Unveils New Mural in Mt. Horeb

by Abigail Gezae, age 13

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Mount Horeb Historical Society is unveiling a mural that reflects Mount Horeb and the surrounding Driftless Area.

The mural was painted in sections inside Sign Art Studios, a company and artist workshop just a few blocks from the museum. The project cost is around $25,000. A team of artists from this company are working on the painting. Shirley Martin, age 95, and her great-grandson Jaxson took part in the process of creating this mural.

The mural was designed by Dave Correll of Brushwork Signs. The Driftless Historium is based on the idea that, even if you’re new to the area or have been there before, you are bound by this land we live on. [Read More]

Capybaras Are the World’s Largest Rodents

by Delia Moreno, age 7

Capybaras are the largest rodent species in the world. They can be found in Southern and Central America inside rainforests, near ponds, rivers, and lakes.

Capybaras are semi-aquatic animals. These rodents are 1.5 ft by the shoulder, 4 ft in length, and weigh around 75-150 lbs Capybaras don’t usually hunt, yet water is important to capybaras because it helps them hide from predators like jaguars, anacondas, caimans, pumas, and ocelots. Their webbed feet helps them move easily in the water.They eat grass, aquatic plants, and their own droppings. Capybaras eat their own droppings, which is an activity called coprophagy. [Read More]

The Natural Beauty of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

by Dayanara Flores, age 17

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a calm and quiet natural escape just outside the heart of Madison. The conservancy has a broad view of the Capitol building and downtown Madison. The Pheasant Branch Conservancy includes Pheasant Branch Creek, Pheasant Branch Marsh, the Pheasant Branch Watershed, and the Pheasant Branch Natural Resource Area. Three municipal organizations share these 682 acres of land and water: Dane County Parks, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the city of Middleton.

People who enjoy nature can visit the Pheasant Branch Conservancy wetlands to hike, bike, bird watch, and enjoy the views. Dane County Parks worked with the DNR to expand the lands to grow the number of people interested in nature. This conservancy includes upland oak savannah and lowland wetland prairies, where Pheasant Branch Creek flows.

The Pheasant Branch Creek flows into the Pheasant Branch Marsh, which supplies millions of gallons of water to Lake Mendota and the Yahara chain of lakes. [Read More]

Wisconsin or Miss Forward?

by Semaia Zerezghi, age 10

Who is the statue atop the Wisconsin State Capitol? She might not be who you think she is, and you might find the truth surprising.

Many people mistake the golden statue atop the Capitol as “Miss Forward.” “Miss Forward” actually stands at the State Street corner of the Capitol Square, and the statue atop the Capitol is called “Wisconsin.”

Most people mistake “Wisconsin” for “Miss Forward” because “Wisconsin” was placed on top of the State Capitol dome as a symbol of the state motto “Forward” and also represents “the spirit of Wisconsin progress.” [Read More]

How the Mayans and Aztecs Imagined the Birth of the World

by John Agbo, age 14

The Aztecs and Mayans shared numerous mythological figures. For instance, both cultures worshipped a feathered serpent as a central mediator between the heavens and the earth. The Mayans recognized Kukulkan as the god of cycles, encompassing life and death, while the Aztecs viewed Quetzalcoatl as a cosmic entity who ruled over the sun during one of the five eras, or “suns,” in their creation story.

Kukulkan played a vital role in Mayan mythology. He was revered as a god of rain, wind, and storms, symbolizing renewal, like a snake shedding its skin. For the Mayans, time was cyclical and occurred in intervals known as Baktuns, signifying one of the most important concepts in their culture. Kukulkan embodies the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. Priests and kings often claimed descent from this god to reinforce their power. [Read More]

Madison Public Library Celebrates 150 Years of Community and Books

by Theodore Morrison, age 17

“It was a pleasure to burn.” That is the opening line of the book Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, where the main character lives in a dystopian society where firefighters start the fires, not put them out. It is these worlds that the Madison Public Library helps share among our community by circulating all kinds of books, ranging from steamy romances to horror & suspense, and everything in between. [Read More]

Missing Cargo Ship Found in Lake Superior

by Max Moreno, age 12

On Aug. 30, 1892, the Western Reserve, a 300 foot cargo ship carrying 28 people, set sail from Cleveland, Ohio. The captain of the ship was Albert Myer. The owner of the ship was on board with his family with plans to go to Minnesota. The Western Reserve was one of the first all-steel vessels on the Great Lakes and was considered one of the safest and fastest ships of its time. [Read More]

Henry Vilas Zoo Helps Save the Red Panda

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 9

With their unique anatomy and small size, red pandas look a little different than their giant black and white cousins. This furry animal is endangered and Madison’s zoo is trying to help them. Some of the reasons these animals are endangered are because of habitat loss, human interference, and poachers that kill them for their fur. [Read More]

Sand Boa’s Hunting Skills and Goofy Eyes Go Viral

by Lincoln Roos, age 12

An unusual creature thrives in the deserts of Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, this amazing creature is called the Arabian Sand Boa. Its name represents where it is from and the way it makes burrows deep in the sand. Being a nocturnal creature this snake hunts from dusk to dawn. [Read More]

These Long-Necked Antelope Stand Tall in the Wild

by Lucas Abiy, age 8

Gerenuks are not your typical antelope. This species has distinguishable long necks, legs, horns, and large eyes. [Read More]

Toucans Are More Than Just Big Bills and Bright Feathers

by Kai Shade-Adamus, age 8

There are roughly 10,000 species of birds always moving around the world. Birds, in general, are the descendants of feathered dinosaurs from long ago, and their limbs turned into wings over time. There are two types of feathers. One is the strong-stalked “contour.” where are the outer feathers. Beneath the contour feather are fluffier “down” feathers, which keep birds warm. [Read More]