After I began my weblog, The Adventures of a Younger Naturalist, I used to be simply 10 years outdated, writing about no matter captured my curiosity. Quick ahead to right now, and right here I’m, celebrating the fiftieth put up on my web site. That’s 50 subjects explored, numerous late-night edits, and various moments of panic over whether or not anybody would truly learn what I wrote. However it’s additionally 50 probabilities to study, join, and (hopefully) encourage. Right here’s the wild half: for this milestone put up, I received to interview somebody whose work was revealed in Biology Letters, a rigorous, peer-reviewed Royal Society journal, and featured in a information blurb in Nature—one of the vital prestigious scientific journals on the planet.
Reaching this milestone received me enthusiastic about what drives curiosity. For me, it’s the enjoyment of uncovering one thing sudden—like a lizard that breathes underwater. Sure, you learn that proper. My fascination with the pure world lately led me to interview Lindsey Swierk, a scientist whose analysis on bubble-breathing water anoles is so fascinating it belongs in a sci-fi novel. However it’s not sci-fi—it’s actual, and it’s as revolutionary as it’s bizarre.
It’s not simply the analysis that’s spectacular. Getting an article revealed and featured is a big deal within the science world, so having the prospect to speak with Lindsey about her work, her journey, and the cutting-edge tech her analysis is inspiring appears like an honor.
Earlier than we dive into the fascinating world of bubble-breathing lizards and the unbelievable scientist who research them, I simply need to say how grateful I’m—for the readers who’ve adopted me on this journey, the individuals who’ve impressed me alongside the way in which, and to the tiny anoles of Costa Rica for being delightfully unusual. Right here’s to curiosity, onerous work, and chasing huge desires—regardless of your age.
The Article That Popped My Bubble
I leaned nearer to my pc display, captivated by the shimmering creature I noticed. I used to be studying an article a few water anole, perched on a submerged rock, the skinny layer of air on its scales glinting like silver. All of the sudden, a bubble fashioned on the lizard’s snout, rising till it appeared it could float away. However nope, the lizard inhaled it once more like, “What? You thought I’d waste this?” The lizard hadn’t exhaled; it re-breathed, drawing oxygen from the bubble like a diver utilizing an air tank.
Was this actual? May a lizard actually breathe underwater? Amazingly, sure. The semi-aquatic anole is the one vertebrate identified to make use of bubbles for underwater respiration, staying submerged for as much as 16 minutes and reusing the air it carries—an ingenious survival technique meant to maintain it protected from predators.
At this level, I’m hooked. I’ve questions. How does it do this? Can I do this? (Spoiler: no, I can’t.) As I learn, I couldn’t assist however think about how bubble-breathing may encourage futuristic devices. Water anole-inspired scuba-diving gear, anybody? I’d purchase it.
After studying about these creatures whereas studying Anole Annals, I wished to know much more! Lindsey’s dynamic writing and analysis captivated me, and after some analysis of my very own, I discovered her electronic mail and requested for an interview. To my pleasure, Lindsey responded enthusiastically, even sharing a draft of her upcoming article, now revealed in Biology Letters.
Regardless of her packed schedule, Lindsey graciously made time for me, which I’m very grateful for. At the moment, I’m excited to share a few of Lindsey’s insights, publishing course of and her plans for future analysis with you.
Lindsey Swierk is a behavioral ecologist, herpetologist, and assistant analysis professor at Binghamton College. Her analysis focuses on issues like reproductive methods and animal communication—which mainly means she in all probability is aware of extra about lizard relationship habits than most lizards do. Lindsey’s path to finding out bubble-breathing anoles wasn’t precisely a straight line.
Initially, she was targeted on finding out wooden frogs, however in 2014, a chance to mentor faculty college students in Costa Rica led her to the Las Cruces Organic Station. Climbing by means of the misty, high-altitude atmosphere, Lindsey encountered her first water anole, a creature that might change her analysis path.
Photograph of Lindsey with a Water Anole, by Lindsey Swierk
The water anole wasn’t a brand new discovery, but it surely was new to Lindsey. Its color-changing capacity fascinated her, and its uncommon habits set it aside. One misty hike, one flashy lizard, and Lindsey’s analysis plans flipped sooner than a water anole diving for canopy. I can relate—once I first moved to Georgia, the native anoles instantly piqued my curiosity. They’re not the bubble-breathing selection, however with their quirky side-eyes and daring personalities, they’ve fully charmed me.
After deciding that water anoles have been price finding out, Lindsey returned to Costa Rica with a crew to dive into her analysis—each figuratively and actually. She immersed herself within the lizard’s bubble-breathing capacity and couldn’t wait to share her findings. When requested whether or not she knew her discovery was groundbreaking sufficient for a journal as prestigious as Biology Letters, she stated:
“Truthfully, I didn’t [know]. I simply thought folks would discover it cool. What I did know, is that I had by no means heard of one other anole doing one thing like this. And anoles are tremendous cool as a result of they’ve tailored to so many several types of habitats… [Researchers already] knew that there was a gaggle of anoles referred to as semi-aquatic anoles and all of us thought that they simply tailored to hanging out close to streams, however I had by no means heard of this [bubble breathing] habits earlier than.” – Lindsey Swierk
I beloved her reply. It’s such a refreshing reminder that you just don’t must got down to resolve world starvation or treatment a illness to make an impression—generally, chasing what you assume is cool can result in extraordinary discoveries. Lindsey didn’t overcomplicate it; she thought, “Bubble-breathing lizards? Sure, please!” And but, getting revealed in Biology Letters is not any easy job. She needed to flip her observations right into a convincing scientific story that appealed to specialists and readers who may battle to know what an anole even is.
As I discovered extra about these bubble-breathing reptiles and Lindsey’s journey, I couldn’t assist however really feel her enthusiasm bounce off the web page. It’s not simply the invention that’s superb—it’s the way in which she turned it into one thing the world couldn’t ignore. I’ve caught myself pondering, Okay, that is wild—inform me the whole lot!
Part of Lindsey’s story that actually caught with me was her distinctive method to writing scientific papers. For Lindsey, these papers aren’t only a method to current knowledge—they’re tales designed to captivate and interact readers, and her methodology of constructing that narrative is as fascinating because the discoveries themselves.
Lindsey begins by diving into the nitty-gritty: documenting her strategies and outcomes. This step isn’t nearly ticking packing containers—it’s the spine of her work, guaranteeing different researchers can replicate her findings and bolstering the credibility of her research. From there, she tackles the statistics and outcomes sections, the place she analyzes and presents her knowledge in a method that’s clear, exact, and leaves no room for doubt.
However right here’s the place her course of takes a inventive flip. As an alternative of beginning with the introduction, Lindsey saves it for later. She calls this the “investigative half” of her writing course of, the place she crafts an introduction that doesn’t simply clarify why her analysis issues however ties it into the broader scientific context just like the opening chapter of an exhilarating thriller. This backwards-seeming method lets her construct the introduction round a narrative that’s already full and cohesive.
The ultimate hurdle is submitting her draft for publication and navigating the revision course of. Lindsey’s expertise publishing in Biology Letters was impressively easy—she submitted in June and had her article accepted with solely minor edits by August. It’s a testomony to her ability in turning uncooked analysis into a sophisticated, compelling narrative.
Listening to Lindsey describe her writing course of felt like a lightbulb second for me. Currently, I’ve been beginning my very own writing initiatives within the center, working my method to the top, after which ending with the introduction. It’s messy, but it surely works—and now I do know I’m in good firm. Listening to her made me need to write my very own scientific paper. All I want is an effective analysis topic—or perhaps a collaborator who’s as enthusiastic about quirky reptiles as I’m!
Right here’s the place issues get even cooler: Lindsey’s analysis is inspiring cutting-edge expertise. Yep, bubble-breathing lizards may someday revolutionize the whole lot from water-repellent clothes to oxygenation programs for lakes. Take that, science fiction!
Photograph of bubble-breathing water anole, by Lindsey Swierk
She’s already collaborating with researchers in Germany to uncover what makes the water anole’s pores and skin so efficient at repelling water. They’re exploring whether or not a waxy coating or distinctive floor buildings play a job. This analysis may encourage potential purposes in the whole lot from water-repellent clothes to electronics that want safety from moisture.
However that’s not all. Lindsey can be investigating how the form of the water anole’s head retains the bubbles firmly connected, even underwater. This discovery has impressed a collaboration with researchers at UMass Amherst to discover how related rules might be used to pump oxygen into our bodies of water, akin to lakes with low oxygen ranges, by permitting oxygen to diffuse from bubbles into the water. Such expertise may assist restore broken ecosystems.
These initiatives, whereas nonetheless of their early phases, are a captivating glimpse into how biology can encourage revolutionary options to real-world challenges. Whereas it is perhaps some time earlier than you’ll be able to put on a rain jacket designed with water anole-inspired expertise, the probabilities are thrilling. For me, studying about Lindsey’s analysis jogs my memory of how interconnected the world is—how a tiny lizard’s variations may result in options for challenges people face daily. It’s a reminder that innovation can come from sudden locations, and it makes me marvel what different secrets and techniques the pure world is ready to share with us.
Right here we’re—50 weblog posts later, and I’m nonetheless amazed by the place this journey has taken me. From writing about yard discoveries to interviewing a scientist whose work was revealed in Biology Letters, it’s been an unforgettable journey. I’m deeply grateful for each reader who’s joined me alongside the way in which. Whether or not you’ve been right here since put up #1 or simply stumbled throughout this on Anole Annals, your help means the world to me.
This Thanksgiving, I’m particularly grateful for the prospect to share tales that spark curiosity and rejoice the wonders of the pure world. Lindsey’s analysis on bubble-breathing water anoles is an ideal reminder that science isn’t nearly answering huge questions—it’s about uncovering small, sudden marvels that join us to the world (and generally encourage futuristic scuba gear).
As I mirror on this milestone, I notice that The Adventures of a Younger Naturalist wouldn’t be what it’s with out you—my readers. Your feedback, questions, and enthusiasm have turned this from a solitary mission right into a shared journey. So, right here’s to all of us—embracing curiosity, chasing huge desires, and perhaps discovering a teleporting lizard for my a centesimal put up.
Let’s make these bubble-breathing anoles well-known! Share this weblog in your socials and along with your favourite science-loving associates. And don’t overlook to hitch the enjoyable within the feedback—what’s essentially the most fascinating factor you’ve learn these days? I’m prepared for some epic options!
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