TechKnow 126: Zoo freezes animal cells to prevent extinction

The Frozen Zoo at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is a collection of genetic material from more than 1,000 species/subspecies. Consisting of viable cell cultures, semen, embryos, oocytes and ova, blood, DNA and tissue specimens, the Frozen Zoo is a valuable resource for studies in conservation biology, evolution, and human health. Researchers also hope that the genetic material could potentially be cloned in the future, giving new life to extinct species.

The Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere is a multi-sector partnership among universities, the government, and other industry leaders to improve the nation’s weather sensing network. The team has built a new high tech radar system that give meteorologists a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground, ultimately leading to improved forecasts and better tornado warnings. 

The National Wind Institute (NWI) at Texas Tech University is an interdisciplinary research and education facility in Lubbock, Texas. The NWI supports atmospheric and engineering projects that study wind speed and conduct debris impact testing for storm shelter construction. With over 40 years of experience and expertise, NWI is the place for innovative research on extreme weather and its impact.