A survey of college students revealed mixed opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture, with some supporting genetically modified crops and others expressing concerns over environmental and social impacts. The study suggests that educators should provide neutral exposure to both sustainable agric...
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateMay 23, 2008
Tejate, a traditional Maize and Cacao Beverage from Oaxaca, Mexico, holds the key to understanding the future of agriculture and food variety. The authors found that tejate is in decline in modern communities but remains associated with traditional farmers' varieties, which are essential for preserving crop diversity.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateMay 21, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A Virginia Tech researcher is investigating the evolution of bacterial speck disease in tomatoes, which may hold clues about how plant pathogens adapted to monoculture farming. The study aims to identify molecular mechanisms allowing pathogens to specialize to specific plant species and become more aggressive.
Researchers warn that modern agriculture can lead to major disruptions of the world's water flows, particularly in the world's poorest regions. Ecosystem flips can have significant and sometimes devastating effects on human well-being, as global populations suddenly lose resources they are dependent on.
Florida State University has been awarded a two-year $2.5 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture to provide climate forecasting for farmers in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The research will help farmers make informed decisions on planting crops such as peanuts, cotton, and strawberries.
Researchers discovered that ants have been farming fungus for approximately 50 million years, with four distinct agricultural systems emerging over time. These findings shed light on the evolution of agriculture and could lead to improved human agricultural and medical methods.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2008
Researchers found that pre-soaking potatoes can reduce acrylamide formation by up to 23-48%, depending on soaking time and frying color. The study suggests this simple measure may reduce health risks associated with acrylamide consumption.
SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 6, 2008
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A new £7M research initiative aims to improve crop yields and alleviate poverty in developing countries. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is funding 12 projects to develop crops that can survive in harsh environmental conditions, reducing the impact of pests, diseases, and climate change.
SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateFeb 21, 2008
The Nitrous Oxide Focus Group brings together influential organizations to address the potent greenhouse gas's significant impact on agriculture and industry. Key research findings suggest that nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, making its longevity in the atmosphere a potentially more damaging legacy.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 18, 2008
Researchers from Iowa State University discussed the global implications of energy and agriculture on science and policy. They addressed climate change, production of biofuel crops on marginal lands, and the ethics of using agriculture for energy production.
The recent boom in ethanol production from corn grain has tightly linked the agriculture and energy sectors. The model predicts that government policies will play a critical role in determining the future of these two sectors.
SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Agricultural Economics·DateFeb 15, 2008
Climate change is projected to cause significant crop losses in the world's poorest regions, including Southern Africa and South Asia, with potential losses of up to 30% and 10% or more respectively. Adaptation investments are crucial to mitigate these impacts.
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Researchers developed a simplified protocol to teach growers how to convert complex yield and soil data into pertinent information, enabling site-specific management decisions. By using this protocol, Australian growers improved their field management, including implementing site-specific nutrient and pest management treatments.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 26, 2007
A recent study documents significant increases in El Salvador's wooded areas since the 1990s, driven by population movements and remittances. The research found that households receiving foreign funds felt less need to maintain existing fields, resulting in reduced land clearing and forest regrowth.
SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateAug 31, 2007
Researchers explore potential for enhanced nutrient cycling through coupling of agricultural and bioenergy systems to improve sustainability of biomass production. The study reports that up to 78% of nitrogen fertilizer could be recovered from an integrated biological and thermochemical process.
SourceIowa State University·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 30, 2007
No-till agriculture is more sustainable than conventional plow-based methods, which increase soil erosion. By preserving crop stubble and using disking, no-till farming builds soil fertility and stores carbon, offering a win-win solution for climate change.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2007
A study by Craig J. Thompson and Gokcen Coskuner-Balli explores how Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has thrived as a counterexample to the corporate co-optation of organic food movement, offering a viable market niche for small farmers and a means for consumers to engage in unconventional marketplace practices.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 7, 2007
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers explore 'tipping points' in agriculture, highlighting the need to understand regime shifts to sustain ecosystem functions. The symposium identifies potential tipping points related to water and agriculture that could have major global consequences.
Research suggests that blue corn tortillas are healthier for diabetics and dieters, with a lower starch content and higher protein levels than white tortillas. This makes them a potential solution for managing metabolic syndrome.
SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 29, 2007
A study conducted by Virginia Tech researchers found that 51% of evaluated horses were overweight or obese, posing serious health problems like laminitis and hyperinsulinemia. The study suggests changes in horse care practices can help mitigate these risks.
Anthropologists have discovered the earliest-known evidence of peanut, cotton and squash farming in northern Peru, dating back 5,000 to 9,000 years. The findings suggest that agriculture played a broader role in cultural and social changes in the region than previously understood.
A new study published in Science analyzed the environmental impact of genetically modified (GM) crops and found that they can have benefits for sustainable agriculture. The research used data from field experiments worldwide and found that Bt-crops, which produce an insecticide internally, can reduce the need for chemical spraying.
SourceNational Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis/UCSB·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2007
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
The Department of Energy and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns have jointly selected 11 projects for awards totaling $8.3 million to accelerate the development of alternative fuel resources, including cordgrass, rice, and switchgrass.
New evidence from Mexico's Central Balsas valley links crop domestication in the New World to local environmental history. Agriculture originated during a warm, wet period following the last ice age, and its effects on the environment are still evident today.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2007
Regenerative agriculture involves reduced inorganic fertilizer use, increased on-farm energy generation, and more human labor. This approach may also reduce overcropping and groundwater contamination.
SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateMay 1, 2007
A new study finds that Indonesian rice farming is greatly affected by short-term climate variability, with potential for significant harm from long-term climate change. Climate models predict a shortened rainy season and increased dryness in some areas, squeezing farmers on both ends.
SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2007
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers found that treating strawberries with ethanol improves their antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging ability, potentially making them a healthier snack. This discovery has implications for other colored berry fruits like blackberries.
SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateApr 19, 2007
Nanotechnology is revolutionizing agriculture by controlling unique properties of matter, affecting everything from food-processing equipment to packaging. The technology has various applications in the supply chain, including detecting ripeness and freshness in produce, improving safety, and enhancing environmental monitoring.
The article discusses the limitations of industrial agriculture and the potential benefits of biodiversity in farming. Studies have shown that diverse, synergistic farms can increase net farm income by up to 108% while generating environmental and social benefits.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateFeb 16, 2007
A team of five land-grant universities, led by Texas Cooperative Extension, will work together to strengthen agricultural extension and training in Iraq. The $5.3 million project aims to improve the quality of life for Iraqi citizens by building their agricultural capacity.
Researchers are developing climate-ready crops to withstand heat, drought, and flooding, aiming to boost agriculture's role in reducing greenhouse gases. The CGIAR is focusing on refining a comprehensive climate change agenda to streamline research and improve crop yields.
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture found that microwaving French fries before frying significantly reduces acrylamide content. Researchers discovered that microwave pre-cooking prior to frying resulted in a marked reduction of acrylamide levels, with notable decreases at higher temperatures.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateOct 31, 2006
The research aims to make it simpler to select and propagate honey bees resistant to parasites and disease, enabling more accurate identification of Africanized honey bees. The genome data can also lead to medical breakthroughs in humans and new technological innovations for agriculture.
According to researchers at the US Department of Agriculture and the National Cancer Institute, most Americans do not meet daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. The new MyPyramid recommendations are 2 to 6 ½ cups per day, with only 17 percent of women age 51-70 meeting their combined recommendation. Salad consumption is p...
SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateSep 1, 2006
A study by Stefania Galletti and her team has identified a plant-based source of the anti-cancer compound glucobrassicin, which has shown effectiveness against breast cancer. The researchers found that wounding leaves can increase levels of glucobrassicin, highlighting its potential as a natural defense mechanism.
SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateAug 13, 2006
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Two Brazilian soil scientists, Edson Lobato and A. Colin McClung, along with Alysson Paolinelli, the former Minister of Agriculture, will be recognized for their contributions to transforming Brazil's Cerrado region into an agricultural powerhouse through innovative soil fertility research and policy implementation. The $250,000 World ...
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has awarded the 2006 Leonard M. Rieser Fellowship to four students: Christopher Affolter, Kafui Gbewonyo, Andrew Leifer, and Lee Pearson. These recipients will work on various projects addressing global challenges such as biological weapons proliferation, wastewater irrigation for agriculture, scie...
SourceBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·DateMay 2, 2006
Researchers at Simón Bolívar University discovered that Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum are the bacteria responsible for fermenting beans. Fermentation increases nutrient digestibility, making beans a valuable source of nutrition for those with digestive issues.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateApr 25, 2006
A team of researchers has discovered evidence of cultivated corn in southern Peru dating back to around 3,600-4,000 years ago, challenging long-held beliefs about the origins of agriculture in the region. The discovery, made using microfossil analysis, also highlights the potential of this technique as a new tool for archeologists.
SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2006
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Agriculture can offer ecosystem services like cleaner air, water, and wildlife habitats by managing land in a way that appreciates non-marketable benefits. This approach aims to encourage farmers to provide these services with incentives and citizen payments.
The Paraguay River Basin, home to the Pantanal wetlands, faces critical threats from agriculture, cattle grazing, and coal mining. Deforestation has already destroyed almost 45% of the original vegetation, with some areas losing over 90%. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the region's biodiversity and ecosystems.
Researchers Bocquet-Appel and Naji found a sudden 20-30% increase in birth rates worldwide during the Neolithic period, as indicated by an abrupt change in skeletal evidence. This finding corroborates a global demographic transition, with archaeological evidence showing parallels between Europe, North Africa, and the Americas.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateJan 3, 2006
Land use changes in the Amazon region could exacerbate global warming due to deforestation, while agriculture in midlatitudes can counteract warming by up to 50%. The study utilized a global climate model to examine two scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and found contrasting results
SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2005
Wildlife Conservation Society's field vets collected samples from hundreds of wild birds affected by H5N1 strain, helping to develop a human pandemic influenza vaccine. The collaboration highlights the importance of protecting wildlife diversity and monitoring their health for potential benefits to humankind.
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A Canadian institute has defined sustainable agriculture as a key to ensuring economic viability for farmers. The paper recommends using immigration policies to bolster rural communities and suggests levying a small tax on food to support sustainability goals.
Researchers will determine the functions of approximately 4,400 nuclear genes in Arabidopsis, focusing on chloroplast-targeted proteins that trigger photosynthesis. This project could lead to significant advances in human health and agriculture by optimizing plant productivity and nutrient production.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be transmitted from animals to humans through contaminated food and handling practices. The European Union ban on agricultural antibiotics has led to a decline in resistant bacteria, suggesting that transmission from agriculture can have a greater impact on human populations than hospital transmission.
Fungus-farming termites cultivated fungi as a food source inside their nests, with the relationship representing an impressive example of mutualistic symbiosis. Researchers suggest that termite agriculture originated in the African rainforest and gave rise to various fungus-cultivating termite species.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 9, 2005
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers found that soil quality played a crucial role in shaping Polynesian farming patterns, with farmers adapting their agricultural system to optimal zones for sweet potato cropping. The study suggests that the emergence of warrior classes was linked to surplus agriculture and the ability to produce basic foodstuffs.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateApr 18, 2005
Researchers found nearly half of ancient grains were rice, contradicting earlier theories. The discovery also suggests a rice-wheat complex developed before writing emerged in the region.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateApr 6, 2005
Research by Virginia Tech finds pasture-fed beef has less fat and higher conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid beneficial for human health. The study's goal is to develop efficient, profitable, and sustainable grassland-based production systems in the Appalachian Region.
Agriculture can provide food and energy security while sustaining soil and water resources, says Kansas State University professor Charles W. Rice. Properly managed agricultural systems can conserve soil and water, but excessive tillage, low productivity, and residue removal result in loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A NASA study found that conversion of wetlands to agricultural lands can lead to more severe freezes in south Florida. The researchers analyzed data from the Landsat 5 satellite and weather records to simulate three freeze events, concluding that land-use changes can enhance damage inflicted upon agriculture.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateNov 18, 2004
Researchers found that human activities, mainly agriculture and construction, cause more soil erosion than all natural processes combined. This situation is particularly critical due to the rapid growth of the Earth's population and widespread land use.
A study by Duke University researchers suggests that increasing fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks can achieve a 10% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, converting all croplands to no-till agriculture or retiring croplands would yield only a 4% reduction, making it a less feasible solution.
SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2004
Virginia Tech will lead two research projects worth $17 million each, focusing on integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture in developing nations. The projects aim to reduce pesticide use, increase farm income, and promote ecologically sound practices for improved food security.
NASA's TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 satellites offer near-real-time lake water height data for 350 of the world's largest lakes. The US Department of Agriculture uses this information to manage irrigation and forecast crop production, particularly in areas with limited access to traditional water level gauges.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers have discovered a way to improve plant growth by increasing phosphorus uptake from the soil, reducing fertilizer needs and water pollution. The discovery, made by Dr. Maria Harrison, involves identifying genes that regulate the transfer of phosphorus into plants, with potential benefits for sustainable agriculture.
Researchers at K-State and Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are working together to develop methods for measuring and verifying soil carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions. This cooperation aims to improve cropland productivity while reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases.
A team of archaeologists from Boston University has uncovered the story of life among rural Maya in Belize's Sibun River Valley during the Late Classic Period. The research reveals a community that practiced sustainable agriculture and maintained dense vegetation to support their trade product: cacao.