A coral reef in French Polynesia where MSU scientists conducted collaborative research examining the importance of sea cucumbers to coral health. Photo courtesy of Zoe Pratte.

BOZEMAN – Montana may not have any coral reefs of its own, but a team of scientists in Montana State University’s Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology is studying a surprising partnership that may offer insight into keeping the world’s reefs healthy.

Associate professor Frank Stewart (Bozeman Magazine's May 2024 Cover Artist) and research assistant professor Zoe Pratte are part of a multi-institutional team that recently published a paper in the prestigious journal Nature Communications examining the importance of sea cucumbers to the health of nearby coral. The paper, titled “Removal of detritivore sea cucumbers from reefs increases coral disease,” was authored alongside researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Sea cucumbers, Stewart said, are a part of the animal group known as detritivores, meaning they clean the sediments that surround coral reefs, feeding on bacteria, algae and organic matter. Detritivores keep the environment clean and can help reduce the spread of pathogens that threaten coral.

“When you boil things down, it's a pretty straightforward interaction,” Stewart said. “Cucumbers, by cleaning sediment, seem to help corals. The mechanism by which that occurs is not so clear, and that's the next step. That's where more of the microbiome science comes in.”

Coral reefs are known to be in decline and are particularly threatened by disease, note the paper’s authors. Those diseases are commonly spread through the sediment in which corals grow – the very part of the environment kept clean by sea cucumbers. However, sea cucumbers have been harvested by humans for more than 100 years, Stewart said, and population recovery can take decades or can fail altogether. The paper’s authors estimate that at peak harvest, as many as a billion sea cucumbers are harvested annually.

To examine the direct interaction between sea cucumbers and corals, the team used open-water containers surrounding corals at a research station in French Polynesia. The containers allowed the environment to maintain natural water flow, and the team added or removed sea cucumbers to observe the impacts on nearby corals. The results were surprisingly stark.

In one of the coral species studied, removing sea cucumbers for 45 days increased tissue mortality by 370% over mortality levels when the cucumbers were present, said Stewart. The risk of overall coral colony mortality increased by as much as 1,500% in the same time frame.

“Sea cucumbers are so overlooked,” said Pratte. “I think it speaks to the importance of the entire ecosystem staying in balance, not just the things we think are pretty. Ecosystem balance depends on everything, even the creatures on the bottom of the ocean floor.”

With such dramatic results, Stewart said the study points to a potential, if logistically challenging, opportunity for remediation.

“I think the effect points to this idea of keeping the system as close to natural conditions as possible,” he said. “Sea cucumbers were a natural component of reefs for a very long time, and that speaks to an obvious strategy that could help corals. You try to keep the participants there that have that have a positive effect on the reef.”

Stewart said that next steps in this project include narrowing down the chain of microbial events that allows sea cucumbers to be so effective at keeping the environment clean and healthy for coral. But there are also ongoing projects closer to home that illustrate similar phenomena.

This work, said Stewart, highlights sea cucumbers as a touchstone species with outsized impacts on their local environment. When those species are disrupted, the downstream effects can be surprisingly large, and those types of critical species exist in all types of ecosystems, including Montana’s most spectacular landscapes. He highlighted an ongoing collaboration with scientists in MSU’s Department of Ecology exploring the environmental importance of caddisflies, a common sight on many Montana waterways.

“They're everywhere in our stream ecosystems and they're also known to have a disproportionately large effect on other species, including changing the water flow dynamics through the system, impacting things like the retention of nitrogen,” Stewart said. “It's the same idea here, in a very different system. We’re looking at participants with outsized effects and the mechanisms by which those effects exert themselves.”

Whether returning sea cucumbers to depleted environments can help coral reefs recover remains to be seen, but providing more knowledge about the health of delicate and threatened ecosystems can help scientists and managers make decisions about how to protect them, said Pratte.

Stewart said the collaborative project also highlights the interconnectedness of seemingly remote environments. While the species may not be the same around the world, many of the systems and processes are, and the more that is known about those processes, the more diverse species and their homes can be protected.

“This is a principle that’s likely operating in most ecosystems, whether it's an agricultural field or a forest,” he said. “There are likely to be animal and plant components of the system that have these really strong effects. If we can identify those participants and effects on the health of others in the system, we can figure out how it works.”

BOZEMAN — An exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of the publication “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance,” the influential bestseller penned by one-time Montana State University instructor Robert Pirsig, is now on display in the Montana State University Library.

Located on the second floor of the library near the entrance to Archives and Special Collections, the display is open to the public during library hours and will be up through this summer.

With his book, Pirsig motivated a generation to look inward to the "high country of the mind." Published in 1974 to wide acclaim, “Zen” was inspired in part by events that started between 1959 and 1961, when Pirsig was an English professor at what was then Montana State College, now MSU.

The library’s display includes biographical information about Pirsig, photographs, the briefcase that Pirsig carried while he taught at Montana State, maps of Pirsig-related places on the MSU campus and more. It also includes information about several collections in MSU’s Archives and Special Collections that are connected to Pirsig’s books and his time at MSU.

More information is available at https://guides.lib.montana.edu/c.php?g=1335017.

Why does a simple "hello" matter so much? In the bustling world of local businesses, the person greeting your customers—often a receptionist—plays a pivotal role not only in setting the tone of customer interactions but also in the broader success of your establishment.

Frontline of First Impressions
The receptionist is the first human touchpoint in your business. They're not just opening doors; they are opening opportunities with every greeting, every call handled, and every problem solved. The impact of their efficiency and warmth can be profound, often transforming a first-time visitor into a regular.

Skills That Define Success
Attention to detail, mastery of multitasking, and impeccable communication skills are the staples of a top-tier receptionist. Imagine a day filled with back-to-back client appointments, each requiring a personalized touch. The ability to manage this without a hitch not only keeps the day running smoothly but also elevates your business’s reputation for professionalism and reliability.

More Than Just Answering Calls
A receptionist’s role often goes unnoticed until you experience a bad one. Their day-to-day duties extend far beyond answering phones. They manage appointments, handle billing inquiries, resolve minor issues before they escalate, and maintain a calm, organized lobby area. Each task, performed well, knits a tighter, more successful business fabric.

Impact on Customer Service Excellence
The correlation between customer service and business success isn't new. However, the receptionist's role in mediating customer experiences is critical. They often act as the problem-solver, the information provider, and sometimes, the calm in a storm. Excellent customer service isn't just about meeting needs but also about making each interaction feel personal and valued.

Upskilling: A Path to Greater Impact
Investing in your receptionists through training and development isn't just beneficial; it's essential. Upskilling in areas such as CRM software, conflict resolution, and advanced communication techniques can transform good receptionists into great ones. For those looking to deepen their understanding of this career, a comprehensive job description template might offer insights into how to elevate their skills effectively.

Real-World Influence
Consider a local clinic where the receptionist not only greets patients but also ensures that their records are up to date and that they understand their post-visit instructions clearly. This not only improves patient satisfaction but also operational efficiency. Effective receptionists also build relationships, remembering client preferences and details, which enhances the personalized service that clients treasure.

A Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Ultimately, a well-trained, capable receptionist provides a competitive edge. They ensure that every customer interaction starts and ends on a high note, fostering loyalty and encouraging word-of-mouth promotion, which is invaluable for local businesses.

The Broader Scope of Influence
Beyond the immediate tasks at hand, receptionists play a crucial role in the marketing and branding of a business. They often control the flow of information, managing what new and returning customers see, hear, and experience from the moment they enter. This control makes them integral to brand consistency—ensuring that every interaction aligns with the business’s values and image.

Training for Excellence
Businesses that recognize the strategic role of receptionists invest heavily in their continuous training. Workshops on customer service, technical training on the latest office technology, and sessions on stress management are not just beneficial—they are crucial. This investment pays off in enhanced customer interactions, more efficient office management, and a happier workplace.

The Receptionist as a Catalyst for Growth
A dynamic receptionist doesn’t just keep your business running; they propel it forward. By efficiently handling logistical tasks, they free up other team members to focus on their core responsibilities. This efficiency boosts the overall productivity of the business, turning it into a well-oiled machine capable of growth and expansion.

In conclusion, the humble receptionist does more than answer calls and manage schedules. They create an atmosphere of welcome and efficiency that directly impacts customer retention and business success. It's clear that in the tapestry of local business success, the threads woven by a skilled receptionist are crucial. So, next time you pass by your reception desk, remember—the person behind it is not just part of your team; they are integral to your success. Their role is critical, and their contributions are vast, reinforcing why every local business needs to invest in empowering this key position.

On Saturday, May 4, 2024, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in conjunction with Gallatin County Emergency Management will conduct a full-scale aircraft disaster exercise on airport grounds. 

This exercise will test on-scene coordination between the airport, airline, hospital and emergency response personnel from across the Gallatin Valley. It is another opportunity for these agencies to collaborate to improve emergency plans and response protocols, all for the benefit of our county’s residents and visitors. 

Multiple agencies, business and organizations partner with airport staff for this exercise, including Bozeman Health, Central Valley Fire District, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin County 911, Hyalite Fire District, Salvation Army, Red Cross and numerous others.  

Due to this exercise, from 10 AM to 2 PM on May 4, folks will see an increased presence of emergency response vehicles at the airport. These will be for exercise purposes only and will not impact airline or air traffic at the airport. Please do not call 911 to report.  

“This exercise gives us the opportunity to test and revise our airport emergency plans as we continue to grow, not only as an airport, but also as a community,” said Jake Simpson, BZN Senior Director of Operations and Maintenance. “We rely heavily on our partnerships in Gallatin County when it comes to large scale emergencies and this exercise lets us strengthen those relationships.”  

Kevin Larsen, Gallatin County Emergency Management’s operations and training manager added: “Gallatin County Emergency Management strives to maintain a prepared and resistant community, and to support coordinated interagency responses to incidents and events throughout our county. This exercise is a great way to test plans, improve communications at numerous levels, build capability, and challenge assumptions. Collaboration with our emergency response partners builds community resiliency, and better prepares us to face a variety of disasters, both natural and man-made.”  

The exercise also meets the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement for the airport to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every three years in addition to annual table-top drills. 

Anna Nemudraia, left, and Artem Nemudryi are lead authors on a new paper exploring the use of CRISPR technology to edit RNA genetic material. MSU photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez.

BOZEMAN – A team at Montana State University published research this week that shows how RNA, the close chemical cousin to DNA, can be edited using CRISPRs. The work reveals a new process in human cells that has potential for treating a wide variety of genetic diseases. 

Postdoctoral researchers Artem Nemudryi and Anna Nemudraia conducted the research alongside Blake Wiedenheft, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology in MSU’s College of Agriculture. The paper, titled “Repair of CRISPR-guided RNA breaks enables site-specific RNA excision in human cells,” was published online Thursday in the journal Science and constitutes the latest advance in the team’s ongoing exploration of CRISPR applications for programmable genetic engineering.

CRISPR, which stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a type of immune system that bacteria use to recognize and fight off viruses. Wiedenheft, one of the nation’s leading CRISPR researchers, said that the system has been used for years to cut and edit DNA, but that applying similar technology to RNA is unprecedented. DNA editing uses a CRISPR-associated protein called Cas9, while editing RNA requires the use of a different CRISPR system, called type-III.

“In our previous work, we used type-III CRISPRs to edit viral RNA in a test tube,” said Nemudryi. “But we wondered, can we program manipulation of RNA in a living human cell?”

To explore that question, the team programmed type-III CRISPR proteins to cut RNA containing a mutation that causes cystic fibrosis, restoring cell function.

“We were confident that we could use these CRISPR systems to cut RNA in a programmable manner, but we were all surprised when we sequenced the RNA and realized that the cell had stitched the RNA back together in a way that removed the mutation,” said Wiedenheft.

Nemudryi noted that RNA is transient within the cell; it is constantly being destroyed and replaced.

“The general belief is that there’s not much point in repairing RNA,” he said. “We speculated that RNA would be repaired in living human cells, and it turned out to be true." 

Wiedenheft has mentored the two postdoctoral researchers since their arrival at MSU nearly six years ago, and said that the impact of their scientific contributions will lead to significant and continued advancements. 

“The work done by Artem and Anna suggests that RNA repair might be a fundamental aspect of biology and that harnessing this activity may lead to new lifesaving cures,” said Wiedenheft. “Artem and Anna are two of the most brilliant scientists I have ever encountered, and I’m confident that their work is going to have a lasting impact on humanity.”

RNA editing has important applications in the search for treatments of genetic diseases, Nemudryi said. RNA is a temporary copy of a cell’s DNA, which serves as a template. Manipulating the template by editing DNA could cause unwanted and potentially irreversible collateral changes, but because RNA is a temporary copy, he said, edits made are essentially reversible and carry far less risk. 

“People used Cas9 to break DNA and study how cells repair these breaks. Then, based on these patterns, they improved Cas9 editors,” said Nemudraia. “Here, we hope the same will happen with RNA editing. We created a tool that allows us to study how the cells repair their RNA, and we hope to use this knowledge to make RNA editors more efficient.”

In the new publication, the team shows that a mutation causing cystic fibrosis can be successfully removed from the RNA. But this is only one of thousands of known mutations that cause disease. The question of how many of them could be addressed with this new RNA editing technology will guide future work for Nemudryi and Nemudraia as they finish their postdoctoral training at MSU and prepare for faculty positions at the University of Florida this fall. Both credited Wiedenheft as a life-changing mentor.

“Blake taught us not to be afraid of testing any ideas,” said Nemudraia. “As a scientist, you should be brave and not be afraid to fail. RNA editing and repair is the terra incognita. It’s scary but also exciting. You feel you’re working on the edge of science, pushing the limits to where nobody has been before." 

HELENA – This year’s Montana paddlefish season kicks off on May 1 with the opening of the Upper Missouri River section from Fort Benton downstream to Fort Peck Dam. Anglers must have a White Harvest Tag to participate in catching and keeping a paddlefish from this section of the river. These tags are issued through a lottery system. FWP mails these tags to successful applicants. 

Unsuccessful paddlefish drawing applicants will be issued a snag-and-release only license for the Upper Missouri River. Others may also purchase snag-and-release tags for this fishery, even if they are not part of the lottery. 

The paddlefish season on the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam and in the Yellowstone River below the mouth of the Bighorn River opens May 15, and the archery fishing season for paddlefish in the Fort Peck Dredge Cuts below Fort Peck Dam opens July 1. As in the past, anglers may only select one area to fish for paddlefish in Montana: Upper Missouri River (White Harvest Tag), Yellowstone River and Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam (Yellow Harvest Tag) and the Fort Peck Dredge Cut archery-only season (Blue Harvest Tag). 

All harvested paddlefish must be immediately tagged and reported within 48 hours. Reporting options include: on-site where fish were harvested (at check points like Intake Fishing Access Site or roving creel staff along the Missouri), on the phone hotline at 1-877-FWP-WILD (877-397-9453) or 406-444-0356, or online at MyFWP at fwp.mt.gov. 

Three Forks, Montana – No-Coast Entertainment presents - ‘Rappin The Rivers Festival”, taking place August 16th & 17th 2024 at The Bridge near Three Forks Montana, where they have held CountryJam and the legendary Rocking The Rivers Festival every summer for the last 23 years. After its first year, Rappin The Rivers Festival was the winner of the Bozeman Choice Awards for Best Local or Regional Event.

This event is a two-day festival of live Rap / Hip Hop and EDM performances, as well as camping options and many of your favorite merchandising and food vendors.

List of acts includes:

Brother Ali, Cordel Drake, Dizzy Wright w/ a live band, Mac Lethal, Dirtysnatcha, DL Down3r, Stevie Stone, Killah Priest of Wu-Tang, Kosha Dillz, Kottonmouth Kings, Lady Dice, Mickey Avalon, Montana of 300, Filth and Foul, TALIB KWELI and more to be announced.

No-Coast Entertainment is proud to bring Rappin The Rivers Festival to Three Forks Montana for the first-ever Montana Rap and EDM festival. Rappin The Rivers will provide an entertaining and safe summer atmosphere for concertgoers, combining live music and the great outdoors with camping and RV spots available. Providing 3 stages and live music Aug 16th from 4pm-3am and Aug 17th from 12pm-3am.

No DOGS or GUNS allowed on property. Positive vibes only.

All tickets for the festival are available at www.rappintheriversmt.com

“Early Bird” two day concert passes and two day “Early Bird” camping passes are on sale for just $100. Follow Rappin The Rivers Festival on facebook and instagram for free ticket give aways and contests, as well as updates on the event.

Rappin The Rivers Festival will be the ultimate experience of the summer if you are truly a lover of live music and the outdoors. Please come and be a part of history at Rappin The Rivers Festival 2024.

The host and co-owner of the festival, Nickel Barney of No-Coast Entertainment has been booking and promoting live concerts and events across the northwest since 1998, and has worked with many of the best in the business. Now No-Coast Entertainment has teamed up with the folks at legendary Rockin The Rivers to help bring you something else to enjoy this summer. 2 Days of live Rap / Hip-Hop / EDM / Camping / Friends in beautiful Cardwell Montana. Hope to see you there.

The Rowan Tree Story:

Our Founder, Chelsey Patera, enjoyed an ordinary childhood while growing up here in Bozeman, MT. Her life took an abrupt detour in 2003 when she began witnessing addiction within her home. Circumstances worsened when her father tragically took his own life in 2004. Struggling to cope with the trauma, Chelsey started acting out. Like any concerned parent, her mother was filled with fear and desperation, desperately trying to save Chelsey from a path of self-destruction. Her actions eventually let her into the US "Troubled Teen Industry", a network of privately owned, powerfully punitive, residential academic programs. Within the system, Chelsey was subjected to harsh punishments and lost the vibrant spirit she once possessed. Like most teens who experience trauma, what she truly needed was to be heard, validated, nurtured, and guided on how to address the profound emotions she was experiencing.

After completing the program, Chelsey encountered additional trauma. Each ordeal added to the calluses on her heart, leading her to cope with alcohol. However, in 2021, she reached a breaking point. She committed to sobriety, to healing, and to confronting her suppressed emotions head-on. Through her journey to sobriety, Chelsey uncovered a profound desire to help teenagers who are struggling with life's adversities, trauma, and substance abuse. From this profound experience, The Rowan Tree was born.

The Rowan tree, native to the UK, is renowned for its resilience, often found thriving in challenging environments such as high altitudes, rocky terrain, and even in the midst of turbulent rivers. In English folklore, its berries were believed to possess protective qualities. Just as the Rowan tree's resilience helps it withstand harsh conditions and thrive, our foundation aims to nurture and support teens, helping them tap into their inner resilience to overcome life's challenges and grow into strong, empowered individuals. Our goal is to create a safe haven for teens, much like the protective quality attributed to the Rowan tree's berries, where they can navigate life's challenges, trauma, and substance abuse where they can connect with others, build meaningful relationships, and address their challenges in healthy ways. We take a holistic approach to healing, recognizing that addiction and trauma affect every aspect of a teenager's life. Through a combination of mentorship, counseling, support groups and community activities, we help teenagers heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

We are dedicated to fostering strength and resilience in the youth of the Gallatin Valley, helping them navigate and heal from trauma. Our commitment is to be a steadfast support for these young individuals, providing a beacon of home and endless possibilities. The contributions we receive are pivotal in offering personalized mentorship, therapeutic sessions, and scholarships for mental health and addiction recovery. We embrace a variety of healing modalities, including holistic practices, equine therapy, and beyond.

Our initiative extends to educating parents and caregivers, equipping them with the skills to communicate effectively, deepen their connection with their teenagers, and forge enduring bonds. The pinnacle of our aspirations is to establish The Rowan Tree Ranch amidst Montana's majestic mountains. Here, we will curate transformative retreats ranging from 7 to 150 days, designed to nurture healing, personal growth, and the adoption of wholesome habits, all within the embrace of nature and holistic wellness.

Give Big to Rowan Tree!