A few years ago, I ran a series of articles on understanding agriculture, designed for anyone in the general public who had an interest in understanding more about various agricultural crops and ...

Russell McLendon is a science writer with expertise in the natural environment, humans, and wildlife. He holds degrees in journalism and environmental anthropology. Cashmere is a type of fiber made ...

Cashmere is not merely goat hair. No, no. Most hair on a goat—even a so-called cashmere goat—is coarse and thick, unsuitable for the neck of lady. Cashmere comes from a second undercoat that goats ...

In a few years’ time, that wonderfully soft cashmere sweater you buy could come from gene-edited goats. A team in China has created goats that produce a third more cashmere than normal goats. FGF5 ...

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in ...

HERAT, Afghanistan – Not so long ago, Afghan farmers collected the thick winter undercoat their goats shed every spring and threw it on the fire to heat their homes and cook their food. Some have ...

SAPULPA — Marked by medical school, a residency and physician’s practice, much of Heidi Dickens’ adult life has been tied to tenets of the Hippocratic oath. Now, she swears by a new career — that of a ...