Science

Quail populations across Texas have been plummeting for decades. But now, a Texas Tech researcher and his team may have turned that trend around with the invention of a medicated wildlife feed that’s been approved by the FDA and is now commercially available.

The Home Utility Management System would allow households to collect and utilize energy and water for themselves, rather than relying on a grid. While federal funding is still up in the air, researchers with the project are seeking new opportunities to implement the system in practice.

The Lubbock Lake Landmark is offering free public tours and activities from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday through Saturday, as part of its “Archaeology in Action” event. KTTZ's Bishop Van Buren reports the event will also feature a children’s excavation area, demonstrations and storytelling. The Lubbock Garden and Arts Center’s 55th annual Fall Festival is coming up in September, and organizers are encouraging vendors and entertainers to register for spaces and performances. To register or find out more, visit ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/garden-arts-center.

On Tuesday, scientists held an event organized by House Democrats in which they stood in front of posters outlining their work — and the federal cuts that now threaten it.

The tooth of the prehistoric giant ground sloth has been uncovered right here in Lubbock as part of an environmental review for the Loop 88 highway project. Our Bishop Van Buren spoke with TxDot and reports on the discovery. Today marks the first day Lubbock's splash pads are open for the summer. The Mae Simmons, Maxey, and Rogers splash pads will be open this weekend from 10 A.M.to 8 P.M., beginning at 3 P.M. during the week, and return to normal hours starting May 23.

More than 1,000 criminal cases will be reviewed in Texas because of the problems with Qiagen DNA tests.

McDonald Observatory astronomers worked with energy companies to dim their lights.

Just an hour outside of Dallas, Eden Green Technology is one of the companies that has navigated the challenges of indoor farming.

“If that’s a stump, it’s the weirdest stump I’ve ever seen.”

The report found that 16 universities qualify as Tier 1 institutions, compared to 14 in California and 11 in New York.