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The Best of Our Knowledge
The Best Of Our Knowledge

Feather formation and synthetic amber

By Lucas Willard
Published June 16, 2025 at 3:00 PM EDT
Images of chicken embryos displaying altered feathers
Courtesy photo
/
PLOS Biology

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research.

New research offers a glimpse at the evolutionary link between prehistoric creatures and contemporary fowl.

And fossilized amber is sought after for jewelry. A new study demonstrates the substance that takes Mother Nature millions of years to create can be synthesized in the lab.

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The Best Of Our Knowledge amberFossilsdinosaursfeathers
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Lucas Willard
Lucas Willard is a news reporter and host at WAMC Northeast Public Radio, which he joined in 2011. He produces and hosts The Best of Our Knowledge and WAMC Listening Party.
See stories by Lucas Willard
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