University of Missouri scientist Ray Semlitsch studies creatures most people don't ever see. These creatures are active only at night and thrive in the shallow, cool, wet surroundings of headwater streams, an oft-overlooked biological environment.

A collaborative study, with MU graduate student Bill Peterman, recently published in the journal Freshwater Biology, revealed the biomass (total mass of an organism in an area) of the black-bellied salamander far exceeds any previous estimates, and the contribution of the species and its habitat may be critical in the food chain. While the ecological role of the salamander is not fully understood, radio-telemetry and mark-recapture tracking methods used in the study indicate the salamanders are a critical component in the productivity of headwater streams, possibly ensuring the survival of other species of fauna.

Updated 12:25 P.M.

In 2008 you will also find political candidates are all over websites like MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube.

Don't be scared of digital

Will digital-to-analog television signal converters be available? I heard the government would be helping out. Can you explain?

Answer: In February 2009, all television broadcasts will go digital. Owners of analog televisions will need a digital conversion box. Otherwise, you won't be able to receive over-the-air television signals. This issue only applies to those using an antenna. Converter boxes will be widely available before the transition. The government has a program to help. It's offering coupons to offset the cost of a converter box. You must apply for a coupon and can find a link to the program at www.tulsaworld.com/komandonews.

Q: You often mention the benefit of 802.11n over 802.11b and 802.11g. But I think an 802.11n network is overkill. Heck, my 802.11g network is overkill.