Daniel Blumstein has faced challenges funding his long-term study on yellow-bellied marmots, especially since the Trump administration reduced support for environmental research, as he shared with CBC News. In a creative twist, inspired by the Apple TV comedy “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” Blumstein proposed leveraging digital platforms like OnlyFans to raise funds. Thus, an OnlyFans account called “OnlyMarms” was created by one of his graduate students at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Colorado.
While OnlyFans is known for explicit content, Blumstein clarified that OnlyMarms is a family-friendly initiative that showcases humorous images of marmots. The project, active since June, features new posts every Monday and Friday, including a forthcoming “Fat Marmot Week” event starting on August 24. This event will engage the public in a bracket-style tournament similar to Alaska’s “Fat Bear Week.”
Blumstein’s research on yellow-bellied marmots focuses on aging and responses to climate change, making it the second-longest study of wild mammals after Jane Goodall’s research on chimpanzees. Studying these marmots over generations provides insights into aging and epigenetics, shedding light on how environmental factors impact gene function.
The funding challenges faced by Blumstein’s lab have led to creative solutions, including the OnlyMarms initiative that has raised approximately $3,000 since its launch. Despite the success, Blumstein emphasizes the need for additional funding to sustain the marmot study, encouraging donations directly to UCLA to support the project’s continuity.
Through collaborations and external grants, Blumstein has managed to keep his research afloat, underscoring the importance of ongoing financial support for scientific endeavors. While OnlyFans presents a unique revenue stream, Blumstein acknowledges its limitations, including a 20% commission and tax implications. Ultimately, his goal is to secure ample funding to advance his marmot research and ensure its longevity.