Artemis II Astronaut Christina Koch Combines Climbing Passion with Space Exploration Christina Koch, a 47-year-old astronaut aboard the Artemis II mission, has long embraced rock and ice climbing as a core part of her identity. Her NASA profile highlights the sport as one of her hobbies, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to the activity that began during her college years at North Carolina State University. Koch described her love for climbing as encompassing the physical challenge, the gear, and the trust she places in her climbing partners. Her dedication to the sport has extended beyond recreation, influencing her training and mindset as an astronaut. Koch’s climbing journey reveals a decade of lead climbing experience, with a particular affinity for traditional (trad) routes and ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon, Montana, where she once resided. She has also backpacked through Wyoming’s Wind River Range, a renowned climbing destination. These experiences underscore her commitment to the sport, which she has often linked to her work in space. During a NASA interview, Koch shared a pivotal moment when Peggy Whitson, a veteran astronaut and former record-holder for the longest time in space, asked her, “When you rock climb, have you ever been scared?” Koch responded candidly, acknowledging her fear but emphasizing how she transformed it into focus—a skill she credits with her success in both climbing and space exploration. Her climbing background has also shaped her physical and mental preparation for space missions. Before joining NASA, Koch trained at the Carmichael Gym, where she completed laps on an indoor wall to build strength and endurance. In a 2015 Instagram post, she noted that “training comes in many forms.#artemis_ii #christina_koch #north_carolina_state_university #peggy_whitson #hyalite_canyon
Invasive Asian Needle Ants Spread Across the U.S. with Potentially Lethal Stings The U.S. is facing a growing threat from invasive Asian needle ants, which have spread rapidly across the country and are causing significant ecological disruption. These ants, known for their potent venom and ability to deliver a painful sting, have become a major concern for scientists and residents alike. Experts warn that their expansion is not only affecting natural ecosystems but also posing risks to human health, particularly for those with allergies to insect stings. Asian needle ants, native to Asia, have been identified in multiple states, including Washington, Wisconsin, and others along the West Coast and Midwest. According to AntMaps, their range is likely larger than currently documented, as the ants are adept at remaining undetected. Emilee Poole, an entomologist with the U.S. Forest Service, noted that the ants have infiltrated heavily invaded forests in Georgia, where they now occupy nearly every stump, log, or branch on the forest floor. This widespread presence has led to a dramatic shift in local ecosystems, with native ant populations declining in areas where the invasive species have established themselves. The ants’ venom is particularly concerning. While the sting is described as a throbbing, stinging sensation that can last over 30 minutes, it may trigger severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Poole reported that the sting site becomes red, itchy, and mildly swollen, but the effects can persist or recur later in the day. For those with known allergies, the risk is even higher, as the venom is more likely to cause anaphylaxis compared to the sting of a honey bee.#north_carolina_state_university #us_forest_service #asian_needle_ants #emilee_poole #antmaps
Northwestern Track Team Kicks Off Outdoor Season With Raleigh Relays And WashU Distance Carnival Northwestern’s track and field team began its outdoor season with a dual meet at the Raleigh Relays in North Carolina and the WashU Distance Carnival in St. Louis. The Wildcats competed in both events, focusing on distance races such as the 5,000m and 10,000m runs. The Raleigh Relays, hosted at North Carolina State University’s Paul Derr Track & Field Facility, featured live coverage via ACC Network Extra starting at 6 p.m. CT on Friday. The team’s participation in the WashU Distance Carnival began on Thursday evening with the 800m run, followed by events in the 1,500m, 3,000m steeplechase, and 5,000m. Live streaming of the carnival was available through FloCollege. The Wildcats’ outdoor season follows a strong indoor campaign, highlighted by their return to the Big Ten Indoor Championships in Indianapolis. Making their first appearance at the indoor league meet since 1988, the team secured four podium finishes across three days of competition. Skye Ellis led the individual efforts with a fourth-place finish in the mile run, clocking 4:40.71. Ava Criniti and Maddy Whitman also performed well in the 5,000m run, placing sixth and seventh with times of 15:58.40 and 16:03.35, respectively. Ellis also contributed to a strong distance medley relay team, which finished fourth with a time of 10:58.21 alongside Cary Drake, Anna Hightower, and Olivia Capala. Looking ahead, the team will compete at the Chicagoland Championships in Elmhurst, Ill., from April 10-11. The outdoor season’s early events set the stage for further competition as the team aims to build on its indoor success.#northwestern_track_and_field_team #raleigh_relays #washu_distance_carnival #north_carolina_state_university #big_ten_indoor_championships
