Underwater locomotion by plesiosaurs has long been a controversial problem with many hypotheses suggested. Almost without exception these models were based on limited analyses and limited data that failed to adequately examine joint morphology, joint kinematics or test the hypotheses. Our analysis demonstrates that the sea lion- and rowing-models are kinematically impossible due to the prominent glenoid processes that would restrict the necessary posterior motion. Anatomical comparisons with extant tetrapod skeletons show that the glenohumeral joint of plesiosaurs is closest to that of underwater fliers such as sea turtles and penguins. Underwater testing by human swimmers simulating swimming actions of plesiosaurs demonstrate that the most efficient underwater swimming was synchronous and semi-synchronous movements of the fore and hind flippers. These results were supported by computer-generated animations, which showed that semi-synchronous propulsion in which there was a slight lag between fore- and hind limb motion, was the most likely mode of swimming.

Specimens from the Smoky Hill Chalk Member of the Niobrara Chalk in western Kansas previously identified as the Late Cretaceous shark Ptychodus anonymus Williston 1900 are re-diagnosed as P. rugosus Dixon 1850 based on comparisons with the type specimen and other associated tooth sets from the English Chalk. Within the Western Interior Seaway, P. rugosus occurs in Late Coniacian deposits in Kansas and from Santonian deposits in Alabama and Texas. Specimens from the Smoky Hill Chalk are represented by relatively complete tooth sets from individuals of varying ontogenetic stages.

In October 2009, low-height aerial photographs taken from a helium blimp revealed the presence of Azolla sp. over substantial portions of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) marsh complex at Cheyenne Bottoms in central Kansas. Azolla is a small, aquatic fern that has worldwide distribution; the mostly likely species for the central Great Plains is A. cristata. Although recorded previously in central Kansas, Azolla had not been seen in TNC marshes before, so its sudden appearance is remarkable. Widespread flooding in 2007 is considered the most likely means for transporting Azolla spores or plant fragments into TNC marshes; however, several other mechanisms are possible. The long-term significance of Azolla in TNC marshes is difficult to gauge at this point; both positive and negative consequences may happen in future years.

In June, 2008, the partial internal mold of a small ammonite was discovered beneath a Tylosaurus nepaeolicus skull collected from the Clioscaphites vermiformis-C. choteauensis zone (early to mid-Santonian), Smoky Hill Chalk. in northern Lane County, Kansas by staff of the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. The specimen was collected and later donated to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History. The ammonite did not appear to be directly associated with the vertebrate remains. The mold preserves a trace of the siphuncle as distinct line visible for about 4 cm along near the outer edge of the specimen. Although incomplete, the specimen preserves the distinctive uncoiled form of a heteromorph ammonite, and appears to be quite similar to a species (Glyptoxoceras texanum) recently named from Santonian deposits in northeastern Texas. This specimen is the first known occurrence of a heteromorph ammonite in the Smoky Hill Chalk.

From the cursory look of the early 20^th Century to the detailed look of the 21^st Century, the increased data and new concepts changed the interpretation of the buried Precambrian of the Midcontinent. These new data on the Precambrian basement rocks of Kansas through a century highlights the changes and understanding brought about by that additional data. First all, the new data provide a more detailed look at the shape, composition, and age of the basement, and secondly, a reinterpretation utilizing new concepts proposed in the intervening time were possible. These interpretations on the Kansas Precambrian, in fact, can be chronicled by looking at the changes with additional well data and geophysical data, especially magnetics and gravity, during this time period. From these additional data the configuration of the Precambrian surface could be more adequately delineated, the general rock types mapped into terranes, and age dates allowed some interpretation on the development of the basement; this information then could be projected into adjacent areas. This is a brief story of that development and change, and provides the basis for the evolution of thought on the buried Precambrian basement of the North American craton.

Stable isotope analyses of body tissues and exhaled breath can be useful in considerations regarding diet, but the effects of metabolism-altering drugs on body δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N are not known. Hair samples and exhaled breath were sampled from 212 university students. Carbon and nitrogen isotope values were related to gender, age, diet, activity, and drug consumption. δ¹³C of exhaled CO₂ became heavier with increasing consumption of caffeine and tobacco. δ¹³C values of hair were significantly higher than exhaled CO₂ and became heavier with increased consumption of meat, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. δ¹⁵N of hair was significantly correlated to meat intake. In addition, there were numerous biological and sociological correlations between subjects in the study. Males and females differed in their likelihood of consuming meat, seafood, alcohol, appearance enhancing drugs (e.g., diet pills or exercise supplements), vitamins, and other drugs. Subjects who consumed alcohol were also more likely to consume nicotine and caffeine.

We examined effects of fertilization and haying on grassland biodiversity, primary production and other ecosystem properties in a hay management experiment conducted in northeastern Kansas. We examined relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem productivity across our experimental landscape and evaluated relationships of biodiversity and ecosystem properties to a remotely-sensed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Fertilization increased production, measured as standing crop biomass and seasonally integrated NDVI and altered a range of ecosystem traits above- and belowground. Shifts at the ecosystem level in response to fertilization were accompanied by declines in plant and arthropod diversity, and negative relationships of both to gradients of standing crop and NDVI, the magnitude of which was altered by haying disturbance in the case of plants. Bacterial diversity showed no response to fertilization, but was increased by haying. In contrast to plants and arthropods, bacterial diversity showed a positive relationship to productivity, although this association was obscured by opposing influences of fertilization on plant productivity and soil pH. Correlations of biodiversity and ecosystem traits to NDVI indicate that it is feasible to develop predictive models using remote-sensing to monitor management influences and landscape patterns of plant and arthropod biodiversity and ecosystem function in these cool-season grasslands.