217 Today: Mosses are the underdogs of the plant world. These scientists are trying to protect them

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John Brinda, a bryophyte researcher with the Missouri Botanical Garden, gets a closer look at a piece of moss on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at the Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Mo. When observing moss in the field, Brinda often breaks off a chunk to view it with a hand lens he wears around his neck.
  • Photo: Brian Munoz/St. Louis Public Radio

Monday, March 9, 2026

Today’s headlines: 

  • Every month, the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign hosts an open mic event – known as “SPEAK Cafe,” which stands for Song, Poetry, Art, and Knowledge.
  • More early voting locations in Champaign County are opening starting today for Illinois’ primary election next week, on March 17th.
  • Microplastics have been found all over the world and even in human bodies.
  • The No. 11-ranked Illinois Men’s basketball ended its regular season with a win against Maryland yesterday.

In today’s deep dive, mosses are the underdogs of the plant world. Now a group of scientists is coming together to protect them.

217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by A. Oishii Basu, Jonathan Mathew, Arjun Thakkar, and Kate Grumke.

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Giuliana Means