GoKawiilUCLA marmot researchers turn to OnlyFans to fund six-decade study
Evolutionary ecologist Daniel Blumstein and his UCLA team launched a free OnlyFans account called OnlyMarms to raise money for their long-running yellow-bellied marmot research at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. The family-friendly page shares wildlife camera footage of marmots and relies on viewer tip donations, having already brought in over $4,000 and roughly $100 daily.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The move highlights how deep funding pressures—stalled NSF grant renewals, a federal pivot toward AI research, and political scrutiny of universities—are pushing scientists toward unconventional revenue streams to keep decades-old studies alive. It signals a broader trend of researchers experimenting with crowdfunding and platform-based tipping to bridge shortfalls in traditional grant funding.
- UCLA's Blumstein lab created an OnlyFans account, OnlyMarms, to fund marmot research at RMBL.
- The account is free and earns money through viewer tips, generating over $4,000 so far.
- The initiative reflects growing financial strain from stalled NSF grants and shifting research funding priorities.
Marmots of North America field guide book — If reading about the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory's six decades of yellow-bellied marmot research left you curious, a field guide devoted to marmots is a great way to dig into their biology and behavior. It's a fun companion for anyone planning a hike in the Colorado high country hoping to spot one.
See Marmots of North America field guide book on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: nature.com — Yates, 2026-08-25
Published there as: “These rodent OnlyFans stars are helping to fund scientific research”
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