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Funding cuts threaten lab as “Fat Marmot Week” crowns Aug. 29

8/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory launched Fat Marmot Week in Colorado.
The contest’s voting schedule runs Aug. 24, Aug. 28, and culminates with a champion crowned Aug. 29.
Project leader Dan Blumstein said researchers are “laughing our way down as the Titanic sinks.”
Funding cuts cut one-third of graduate students; lab needs over $200,000 for three years.
$OnlyMarms meme-coin raised about $100,000, with fees donated to the program.

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Story summary

U.S. Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory launched Fat Marmot Week in Colorado.
The contest’s voting schedule runs Aug. 24, Aug. 28, and culminates with a champion crowned Aug. 29.
Project leader Dan Blumstein said researchers are “laughing our way down as the Titanic sinks.”
Funding cuts cut one-third of graduate students; lab needs over $200,000 for three years.
$OnlyMarms meme-coin raised about $100,000, with fees donated to the program.