Susan Bassham Featured in Scientific American’s 60-Second Science
Dr. Susan Bassham has been featured in Scientific American’s popular “60-Second Science” podcast series with a segment titled “Fish on Evolution’s Fast Track”!
This prestigious platform, reaching millions of science enthusiasts worldwide, highlighted Susan’s groundbreaking research on rapid evolution in threespine stickleback fish. Being selected for Scientific American represents recognition of both the importance of the research and Susan’s ability to communicate science effectively.
About 60-Second Science
Scientific American’s 60-Second Science is: - One of the most popular science podcasts globally - Downloaded millions of times monthly - A trusted source for breaking science news - Known for making complex science accessible - Part of Scientific American’s 175+ year legacy
Featured Research
Susan’s segment highlighted discoveries about: - Evolution occurring in just decades - Stickleback fish as “evolution’s lab rats” - Genomic mechanisms of rapid adaptation - Parallel evolution in multiple populations - Real-time observation of evolutionary change
Key Messages
The feature communicated how: - Evolution is not just a historical process - Organisms can adapt rapidly to environmental change - Standing genetic variation enables quick responses - Genomics reveals evolution’s mechanisms - Basic research has practical applications
Scientific Impact
This research has implications for: - Understanding responses to climate change - Conservation biology strategies - Predicting evolutionary trajectories - Managing invasive species - Protecting biodiversity
Reaching Global Audiences
Scientific American’s platform provides: - International visibility for UO research - Inspiration for young scientists - Public understanding of evolution - Support for science funding - Counter-narratives to evolution denial
Research Team
The featured work represents years of collaboration by: - Susan Bassham (Senior Research Associate) - Bill Cresko (Principal Investigator) - Graduate students and postdocs - Undergraduate researchers - International collaborators
Broader Impacts
Media features like this: - Increase scientific literacy - Showcase women in STEM - Highlight Oregon’s research excellence - Connect citizens with science - Build support for research funding
Listen to Susan explain how stickleback fish are revealing evolution’s secrets in real-time!