Alabama has more than 180 freshwater mussel species, more than any other state.
A research team led by the University of Alabama has received $1.8 million to study biodiversity of freshwater mussels. The National Science Foundation announced the award Thursday.
Carla Atkinson, an assistant biology professor at the University of Alabama and one of the principal investigators on the study, says Alabama has an abundant variety of mussels. “We have over half of the species that occur in North America, so it’s a really excellent place to study patterns of biodiversity in this particular group,” Atkinson says. She and fellow biologists from the University of Alabama and the University of Mississippi want to know how and why so many species exist.
Research will focus on the potential role of the mussels’ gut microbiome, genetic diversity and environmental factors. Most North American mussel species are imperiled and Atkinson says findings could help improve conservation efforts. The research is scheduled to last four years and will take place across Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Alabama's top health official says the state has "literally shrunk." According to preliminary data, it saw 64,714 total deaths and 57,641 births in 2020.
Alabama is gearing up for flu season. Health professionals say it's okay to get the COVID-19 vaccine in conjunction with the flu vaccine.
For the last sixteen years, Birmingham City Councilor Steven Hoyt has represented areas like Ensley, West End and Five Points West. But Hoyt will leave office next month after choosing not to run for reelection. His last meeting is October 19.
The interactive art exhibit “All In” put viewers in the shoes of Ramsay High School students.
The Jefferson County Commission unanimously passed a $882,750,611 budget last week. It includes a 3% across-the-board raise for county employees.
The city of Birmingham will apply for a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to purchase and maintain license plate readers in an effort “to improve the [Birmingham Police Department’s] response to violent crime.”
