Zebra finches are chatty. Researchers often study their vocal interactions to better understand the evolution of communication. In fact, Cornell academics are at the cutting edge of this finch research. And since early 2024, Cornell professors have been conducting a study on zebra finches’ ability to pick out different voices in a noisy landscape. Importantly, the project also works to develop an outreach program accessible to those with communication disabilities so they can benefit from the joys of bird song.

This project is what research should be: productive, rigorous, unique and beneficial to the community. But Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) would vehemently disagree.

Last week, Cruz released a database of over 3,400 research grants that he claims promote “woke” ideology. The Texan listed examples of what he called weaponized, “questionable projects that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or advance........

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