Cigarette smoke begins to cause DNA damage within minutes after inhalation into the lungs, a warning from scientists. This damage is linked to cancer and can be caused by substances in tobacco smoke, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
A recent study evaluates integrated fruit production and organic fruit production systems for disease-resistant 'Liberty' apples. The research suggests that IFP could be widely implemented in the northeastern US, but OFP may be more feasible for small to midsized direct market operations due to higher costs.
A new study in HortScience found that mechanical harvesting creates up to 250% more debris than hand-harvested controls, resulting in increased costs for citrus producers. The research also highlights the importance of tree management practices in preventing debris from entering the harvesting stream.
The US lettuce industry faces significant economic losses due to dieback disease, caused by two soil-borne viruses affecting romaine and leaf-type lettuce. New romaine breeding lines SM09A and SM09B offer complete resistance to the disease and improved shelf life.
Researchers found that horticultural activities provide psychological benefits such as increasing positive mood, relaxation, and tranquility. Additionally, the study revealed a new dimension of attitudes toward horticultural activities, emphasizing the importance of environmental improvement and escape from worries.
The Chile Pepper Institute has introduced a new jumbo jalapeño pepper called NuMex Jalmundo, which is perfect for making poppers. It has a heat level of 17,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and will be available for sale from the institute's website.
Researchers have found that seismic noise from storms in the South Atlantic Ocean and 'footquakes' from soccer matches can be detected by broadband seismometers. The discovery was made using cross-correlation analysis, which reveals a signal that varies with storm intensity.
Researchers found Texas consumers had low awareness of Texas Superstar and Earth-Kind brands, but those who shop frequently for ornamental plants were more aware. Consumers willing to pay a discounted price for branded plants, especially those living in South Texas.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that pre-menopausal Chinese-American women have greater bone strength than Caucasian women due to a higher plate-to-rod ratio in trabecular bone. The study used advanced 3-D imaging analysis technique Individual Trabeculae Segmentation (ITS) to analyze bone microstructure.