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Introduction: A primary goal of our Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Science Engagement team at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) has been to engage students, educators, the science community, and the public with NASA's Astromaterials assets including Astromaterials samples, specialized facilities, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Our team has facilitated this through in-person events, hands-on activities, and virtual connections with educator and student (grades 3-12+) audiences. During COVID, our team initiated an effort, focusing on NASA's Antarctic Meteorite and Apollo Lunar Collections, to reimagine existing resources and content to facilitate access to these assets whether an educator or SME is connecting with audiences virtually or in-person, or ultimately when a learner is exploring on their own. These collections provide rich scientific data for the science community but they can also be used to help inspire the public, including the next generation of scientists. Targeted Content and Resources: In looking at existing content and resources focusing on Antarctic Meteorite and Apollo Lunar Collections, we targeted three areas of emphasis: background and context; virtual tours of the curation facilities; and Astromaterials 3D. For background and context, we wanted to deepen learners' understanding of where and how these assets were collected, how they are classified, and what those classifications reveal about the individual sample and solar system history. Virtual tours are possible to facilitate from the laboratories, however they require extensive coordination and involve connectivity challenges. Our team wanted to provide access to these labs with fewer challenges and showcase aspects that may not be readily available during a typical tour. With Astromaterials 3D, a virtual library of Antarctic Meteorites and Apollo Lunar samples, led by Transdisciplinary Artist Erika Blumenfeld and an interdisciplinary team of experts, this online tool is for scientific research and the curious public. This resource provides a wealth of information with exterior and interior views of samples and curated pins highlighting features, but may be challenging for a learner with a limited background to digest. Reimagining Resources: Our team's goal was to reimagine how to package content in order to provide learners of varying ages and levels of expertise with a variety of ways to build and enhance their knowledge and skills and provide multiple launch points from which to continue exploring on their own. These reimagined resources are being designed to be adaptable by educators and SMEs who may connect with in-person or virtual audiences or by individuals exploring on their own. "Classifying Moon Rocks" is an online interactive that provides background about the Moon, the Apollo Missions and samples collected, as well as background and visible characteristics to look for when classifying Moon rocks. Learners explore samples by clicking and dragging to rotate the Moon rock in 3D in order to determine the classification based on observable characteristics. The interactive connects users to Astromaterials 3D, actively encouraging them to continue exploring lunar samples building on the knowledge and experience gained. "Classifying Meteorites", currently under development, is being designed in a similar way, aiming to build background knowledge and context about NASA's Antarctic Meteorite Collection. Additional online interactives and hands-on activities, such as our new Meteorite Discovery Board activity, will be developed to continue providing opportunities to deepen the knowledge of learners with launch points directing learners to Astromaterials 3D for continued exploration, aiming to build confidence and skills in using tools also used by SMEs. These reimagined resources also aim to highlight experts involved in this work and the laboratories where samples are curated. To facilitate access to the Antarctic Meteorite Lab at JSC, we have developed a prototype virtual tour. We have tested the prototype tour by having a SME share a tour of the lab without physically being in the lab. This removes challenges involved with connecting with a remote audience from the lab and enables sharing aspects of the lab that a visitor would not otherwise be able to experience. This includes showing the bandsaw while in use, or giving learners an enhanced view of a sample that can be further studied using Astromaterials 3D. By incorporating the exploration of meteorites using Astromaterials 3D as part of the virtual tour, it helps learners gain insight into how to explore other samples on their own, building awareness and confidence in using the tools available. Our team will develop and test a similar virtual tour of the Apollo Lunar Laboratory. Once finalized, these tours, along with other developed resources, will be available online enabling learners worldwide to have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of these collections, increasing excitement about science and exploration and fostering confidence to continue their journey of discovery. Conclusions: By reimagining resources focusing on NASA's Antarctic Meteorite and Apollo Lunar Collections, we can provide access and opportunities to deepen knowledge and build skills that encourage learners of varying levels of expertise to engage with these collections, and in doing so, help inspire the next generation of scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot health in zoo giraffe has been a topic of recent research, although little is known about the foot health of free-ranging giraffe. This study describes the foot shape and radiographic pathological changes in 27 young adult Nubian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis camelopardalis) from a translocation in Uganda (August 2017). Giraffe feet were observed to have a concave sole, the hoof wall was longest by the toe tip, and the weight-bearing surface of the foot was primarily along the periphery of the foot including hoof wall, parts of the heel, and the edge of the sole. Radiographs showed that pedal osteitis and sesamoid bone cysts were relatively uncommon (3/24 giraffe with osteitis, 1/24 giraffe with sesamoid cysts), and that no giraffe in the study had P3 joint osteoarthritis, P3 rotation, or P3 fractures. Radiographs consistently demonstrated a positive palmar/plantar angle with the sole of the hoof thicker at the heel than by the toe tip, with the non weight-bearing palmar/plantar angle measuring 1.6°- 4.3°. This is the first systematic review of foot shape and radiographs in free-ranging giraffe and demonstrates a low prevalence of foot pathologies. This study suggests qualitative differences in foot shape, foot health, radiographic anatomy, and foot pathologies when comparing free-ranging and zoo giraffe. Further research is needed to identify why these differences occur and whether husbandry modifications could help improve zoo giraffe foot health and prevent associated lameness., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Front foot radiographs from 22 giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata ) at one zoo were analyzed to better understand causes of lameness in this giraffe population. The herd had a history of front hoof overgrowth and intermittent lameness. Radiographic findings included distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis (OA), distal phalangeal bone (P3) osteitis, P3 fractures, P3 rotation, and sesamoid bone cysts. OA of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred in at least one front foot of 73% (16/22 giraffe) of the herd, and all giraffe had OA by 7 yr of age. Pedal osteitis was present in at least one front foot in 86% (19/22) of the giraffe, starting in animals as young as 1 yr old. P3 fractures were present in 36% (8/22) of the herd. These fractures were near the site of the deep digital flexor attachment and were diagnosed in giraffe as young as 10 yr old. The presence of severe osteitis was associated with the presence of P3 fractures. This study is unique in that a large herd was trained to participate in voluntary front foot radiographs so multiple causes of foot disease could be diagnosed antemortem and without anesthesia. Although the underlying causes of these lesions are likely multifactorial and currently unknown to us, the high prevalence of foot disease in relatively young animals warrants further investigation across zoos. In this study, OA, osteitis, and P3 fractures were common radiographic findings among giraffe that were limping. Subsequent monitoring and management changes suggest that proactive management of foot health can decrease morbidity and mortality in zoo giraffe.

For a large herd of reticulated giraffes, a mainly operant-based training program was created for front foot radiographs and hoof trims in an effort to diagnose and better manage lameness. Behaviors were shaped in a restricted contact set-up, using a positive reinforcement procedure to teach a series of mastered cued behaviors. This training was used to obtain lateral and lateral oblique front foot radiographs for the entire herd. Radiographs were diagnostic for multiple possible causes of lameness including fractures and osteitis of the distal phalangeal bone, hoof overgrowth, osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint, rotation of the distal phalangeal bone, sesamoid bone cysts, and sole foreign bodies. By training giraffe for foot radiographs and hoof trims, potential causes of lameness could be identified and better managed. Long-term, the results may help zoos identify best practices for managing and preventing lameness in giraffe. Zoo Biol. 35:228-236, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)