Kidding Around with Science

Wait, what?! A comic strip in the NGRA newsletter? Yes, it’s a first. And hopefully not the last!

NGRA has supported the VitisGen project since it first started exploring grape breeding for powdery mildew resistance in 2011. Now in its unprecedented third round of funding from the USDA’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI), the team is taking its extension goals seriously—by, among other things, making comics.

Earlier this year, VitisGen3 team members from the University of Minnesota hosted a “Spotlight Science: Plant Genetics” event at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, MN, where they explained grape breeding for disease resistance to 5- to 10-year-olds. To connect with the kids, they commissioned this “zine” from illustrator Mariel Jones (a hydrologist herself), couching their research as “how to make a SuperGrape” and depicting an improved variety fending off “evil spores.” (VG3 Project Manager Kate Fessler provided the content.) The result is a science communication tool that makes genetics accessible to the young…and young at heart.

Similarly, federal agencies leveraged the magic of Santa Claus this holiday season to illustrate their critical—and complex—work to kids of all ages. On December 23, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a transit permit to Mr. S. Nicholas Claus of the North Pole. It allowed him and his reindeer to enter and exit the United States and its territories between the hours of 6 p.m. on December 24 and 6 a.m. on December 25, local time. Among other points of inspection, USDA confirmed that, at ports of entry, Mr. Claus’ sleigh, including its runners and underside, would be cleaned and disinfected to safeguard against potential livestock diseases and insect pests of concern. Mr. Claus also provided a cargo list, including any food items, should they pose a threat to US animal or plant health. “APHIS is thrilled to grant Mr. Claus and his reindeer this special permit once again, ensuring their smooth passage for a night of festive joy and goodwill,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

The North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command got in the act, too, announcing just after Thanksgiving, that it would be “tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way across the globe delivering presents to children.” The NORAD Tracks Santa website and app launched on December 1, enabling visitors to track Santa’s flight in real time. The agency also offered a hotline (1-877-HI-NORAD) on December 24 for Santa trackers worldwide to ask live operators about Santa’s location.

Why go to all this trouble to share science with kids? For the chance and hope that little people will be inspired to continue this important work when they grow up. And for the more immediate recognition that appealing to the child in all of us helps connect people with research and why it matters. Plus, if you can’t explain something to a child, the message is too complicated!

So, how would I explain NGRA to someone who’s 7? Easy. We’re a group of smart people who work together to come up with ways to solve hard problems related to growing grapes. We help figure out how to fight the bad bugs and nasty diseases that attack grapes, dream up stuff that farmers can use to make grapevines grow healthy and strong, and work on making better kinds of grapes that can thrive, even when it’s super-hot or cold, dry or wet, or the soil sucks. (Language!)

I hope your holidays were merry and bright. See you next year!

Donnell Brown
President

December 2024