10 avsnitt
Clash of the Myrmidons Tristan Darwin Kubik
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- Utbildning
The South American rainforest is home to two titans. Leafcutter ants are sedentary farmers responsible for processing appreciable biomasses of tropical vegetation. They use their foraging material to cultivate obligate, fungal mutualists protected within their subterranean fortresses. Army ants are nomadic hunting machines that march in fanning swarms of thousands of individuals. They flush out and overwhelm kilograms of prey every day with their numbers, mandibles, and venomous stings. While mature leafcutter colonies can reach in excess of eight million, their societies cannot always repel, let alone recover from, army ant predation. During swift and coordinated raids, army ants perturb fungal gardens, pilfer countless leafcutter brood, and introduce virulent pathogens to fungal gardens, all of which pose serious threats to mature leafcutter colonies. Though we know that these two groups of ants share a predator/prey relationship, the rest remains a mystery. What specifically is going on when these massive societies go to war? What are the ecological consequences of their colossal conflicts? Join me as I set out in search of the answers to these and more questions concerning the Amazon's most ferocious warriors. I'm Tristan Darwin Kubik, a budding myrmecologist (merm-uh-col-uh-jist), or someone who studies ants. I'm a graduate student at the University of Texas in Austin and I invite YOU, my fellows from across the globe, to tag along on my journey through a doctoral degree where I will introduce you to my favorite organisms on earth and share with you my passion for insects, science, and storytelling. From interviews with famous entomologists to narratives that highlight the humanity of science and bold adventures into steaming jungles, I am excited to have you join me as I embark on my life's greatest adventure.
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Episode 9: Such sweet sorrows
We talk about frogs that chirp like crickets and ants whose best buddies are caterpillars, but more than anything my story is heavy here. Upheaval and change consist and comprise life. In this episode, we take a turn, but every good tale is full of twists and turns. Enjoy!
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Episode 8: The much anticipated return!
This week we roar back into production and learn about the emerging field of war ecology, some cool things about the chemistry and weaponry of ants, and get to hear some updates about what all I have been up to while away from the podcast.
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Episode 7: Adventure!
Greetings everyone, join me this week for some insect locomotion and the importance of adventures! I also share one of my creative writings, a link to which can be found below. Thanks for listening and, as always, stay curious!
"I wasn't always me...": https://medium.com/@T_Kubed/i-wasnt-always-me-92727165695
Question, comment, concern? Email me at tristan.kubik@utexas.edu and include "cotmquestion" as the subject of your email. -
Episode 6: Flash Philosophy
Greetings everyone! This week's episode is shorter than usual. Some of you may already know that I released a special episode already this week honoring my best friend. At any rate, this week's episode juxtaposes advanced computing technologies with a little bit of deep introspection. Let the humanities shine I say. Please enjoy and thanks for listening!
Please feel free to email with questions, comments, or concerns! I am at tristan.kubik@utexas.edu and be sure to include "cotmquestion" in the subject line of your email. -
Tribute to Mr. Vincent Braud
He was always there for me, always ready to help me out of a bind, give me a ride, join me on a daring adventure, save me from my own foolishness, expose me to new and beautiful things... His death has opened a tremendous void in the lives of all who knew him. But, we are humans and this tragic event has presented us with an opportunity to fill that void with the very courage, strength, kindness, and beauty that Vincent Braud brought to our lives. It is my pleasure and my privilege to stay strong with the help of a heart decorated in humanity from having known the comfort and warmth of his friendship. The direction of my life glitters with stardust from his countless contributions. It is now that I, embracing where a path that crossed with Vincent's has taken me, shall live fuller, stronger, and more deliberate than ever. Let these sentiments serve as a dedication to Vincent. I shall shine in all I go on to achieve knowing that I have him to thank. So here's to my mechanical mentor, my patient role model, and my best friend. Love, TDK
Here are links to videos and stories of research made possible only through Vincent's selfless acts of kindness:
https://source.colostate.edu/are-there-fireflies-in-colorado/
https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2019/07/26/colorado-fort-collins-home-biggest-baddest-brightest-firefly/1827885001/ -
Episode 5: Fermented Fantasia
Join me this week for a love story, a foray into how fungus, bacteria, and viruses enchant our lives with their decomposing superpowers! Also, check out this neat article about animal drunkards! If you have questions, comments, or input for the show please email me at tristan.kubik@utexas.edu and include "cotmquestion" as the subject of your email. Hope everyone enjoys this week's episode, and, as always, stay curious!
Drunk animals: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-alcoholics-of-the-animal-world-81007700/