Scientists plot genetic ploy against grain pest

Aided by a genomic map of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, Agricultural Research Service and university scientists are plotting a kind of genetic sabotage on the pest's basic life functions--from locomotion to digestion. Nationally, infestations of flour beetles and their beetle cousins cost millions of dollars in losses annually to stored grains and the food products made from those grains. Warehouse sanitation usually keeps beetle ... [Read More]

Texas researcher shares $3.1 million National Science Foundation papaya grant

Dr. Qingyi Yu, Texas AgriLife Research plant molecular biologist in Weslaco, will be part of a $3.1 million National Science Foundation grant to study the sex chromosomes of papaya. The study, led by Dr. Ray Ming, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign plant biologist, aims to determine the sex of a papaya plant prior to its flowering. That would enable breeders to help develop better producing varieties for ... [Read More]

Predicting the environmental effects of transgenic Bt crop lines

Potential risks from new transgenic Bt crop lines can be assessed using carefully controlled laboratory tests, according to findings of a study by Agricultural Research Service scientists and cooperators. This finding will help streamline the assessment process for introducing new insect control technology to the marketplace, while ensuring environmental safety. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) is a biological control bacterium that... [Read More]

Coffee break: Compound brewing new research in colon, breast cancer

A compound in coffee has been found to be estrogenic in studies by Texas AgriLife Research scientists. Though the studies have not been conducted to determine recommended consumption amounts, scientists say the compound, called trigonelline or "trig," may be a factor in estrogen-dependent breast cancer but beneficial against colon cancer development. "The important thing to get from this is that 'trig' has the ability to act... [Read More]

OSU Biofuels Team, research partners receive $4.2 million grant

Oklahoma Oklahoma State University and its partner institutions in industry are receiving $4.2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue groundbreaking work in the development of biofuels. The OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' Ray Huhnke said the funding received through USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture represents great news for the public and diverse stakeholders ... [Read More]

Fungi may hold key to reducing grapefruit juice interactions with medications

A fungus may help solve a problem of a grapefruit compound that interacts negatively with certain prescription drugs, according to studies by Agricultural Research Service scientists. Grapefruit contains furanocomarins, which inhibit the enzymatic activity responsible for metabolizing certain prescribed medications and allowing more of the medication to enter the bloodstream. FCs are phytochemicals commonly found ... [Read More]

Researchers study link between climate change, nutritional stress

Kansas State University's Joseph Craine, research assistant professor in the Division of Biology, and KC Olson, associate professor in animal sciences and industry, have teamed up with some other scientists from across the United States to look into the possible effects of climate change on cattle nutrition. Comparing grasslands and pastureland in different regions in the U.S., the study, published in Global Change Biology, ... [Read More]

Studying fertilizers to cut greenhouse gases

Agricultural Research Service scientists have found that using alternative types of fertilizers can cut back on greenhouse gas emissions, at least in one part of the country. They are currently examining whether the alternatives offer similar benefits nationwide. Nitrogen fertilizers are often a necessity for ensuring sufficient crop yields, but their use leads to release of nitrous oxide, a major greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. [Read More]

University of Kansas researchers turn sewage to fuel

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP)--University of Kansas researchers are working to turn microbes from treated sewage into a commercially viable biofuel, fluid that one day could be used to power the nation's cars, trucks, airplanes and other modes of transportation. But for now, the future grows in four farm tanks at Lawrence's Wastewater Treatment Plant, and inside another four at a research station northeast of the Lawrence Municipal Airport. The ... [Read More]

Ventilate and take other safety precautions to prevent manure pit explosions

Nebraska Recent explosions and flash fires that occurred in livestock buildings with manure pits in Iowa and Minnesota have a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension engineer and others offering advice on how to avoid these potentially dangerous situations. So far, the explosions have resulted in building damage with few animal losses and no personal injuries or fatalities, said Rick Stowell, extension engineer in ... [Read More]

Potato research project feeds the hungry

Microwave meter measures moisture and density of in-shell peanuts

Richland farmers' market goes online