Researchers have developed a method to remove contaminants from stormwater runoff using 'filter socks' containing compost. The socks captured silt, heavy metals, fertilizers, and petroleum products, reducing levels by up to 99%. Adding flocculation agents improved performance, removing nearly all pollutants and sediment.
Researchers have developed a method to produce sterile fish with three sets of chromosomes, enhancing growth and reducing reproduction in aquaculture. This breakthrough allows for more efficient production of faster-growing farm-raised salmon and trout.
USDA researchers found that using stainless steel water troughs with chlorinated water significantly reduces the survival of Johne's disease-causing bacteria. Chlorine is particularly effective in killing the bacteria on stainless and galvanized steel surfaces, but has limited impact on concrete and plastic.
Scientists have narrowed down where genes that determine protein and oil content are likely to be found in the soybean genome. Breeders can use these 'signposts' to develop new soybean lines with higher protein and oil levels, enhancing U.S. competitiveness in international markets.
Agricultural Research Service chemist Thomas Wang found that resveratrol, a bioactive compound in grapes and plant foods, can inhibit cancer cell growth but also increase tumor vessel development with prolonged exposure. The study suggests that diet complexity and gene expression are key layers in cancer development.
Scientists are using a vaccine to vaccinate bison against brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park to prevent the disease from spreading to nearby livestock. Researchers found that bison infected with Brucella abortus exhibit similar symptoms to cattle, highlighting the need for targeted eradication programs.
A new species of beetle, Himalusa thailandensis, has been found to feed on the invasive skunk vine, causing significant foliar damage. This discovery presents a potential biocontrol solution for controlling the spread of this invasive weed in the southern United States.
Scientists have discovered how fungi subvert a single gene in wheat, triggering programmed cell death, which protects plants from pathogens. Researchers also developed DNA molecular markers to rapidly screen commercial cultivars for the gene, allowing for its elimination through selective breeding.
Researchers designed a floating barrier with two rows of pilings to protect levees from wave action, dissipating 75% of wave energy. The design was more effective and cost-efficient than previous methods.
A recent study has identified luteolin as the most effective inhibitor of TBK1, an enzyme that activates biochemical signals leading to inflammation. Luteolin is found in various plant-based foods and has already been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.
An ARS study found that there is no substantial quality difference between organically and conventionally produced eggs, contrary to common claims on cartons. The study also revealed differences in size and composition among various types of eggs, but these did not affect overall quality.
A study by the US Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service found that rotational grazing and checking a lamb's eye color can minimize deworming. The researchers tested 71 lambs with the barber pole worm, finding that gel capsules filled with copper oxide wire particles eliminated the need for conventional dewormers in ...
Researchers have identified a key component of the female pear psylla's pheromone, which could be used to lure males onto sticky traps or disrupt their mating. This compound, 13 methyl heptacosane, may reduce reliance on insecticides and help mitigate resistance.
Agricultural Research Service-funded scientists found that a combination of protective nutrients and low-glycemic-index diet provides an AMD protective effect. The most protective nutrients were vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Scientists discovered a connection between flowering and freezing tolerance in wheat, enabling the crop to better withstand winter temperatures. The study found that exposing wheat varieties to non-freezing cold temperatures accelerates flowering time and prepares the plant to tolerate freezing.
Researchers found that organic farming increases beneficial predator populations, reducing insect pests and promoting larger potato plants. This biodiversity conservation may be the secret behind organic farmers' success in achieving high yields.
The US Department of Agriculture has released two new kidney bean germplasm lines, TARS HT-1 and TARS HT-2, that are tolerant to high temperature conditions. These germplasm lines can improve yields under hot summer conditions for farmers in regions prone to high temperature stress.
A study published in Biomed Central (BMC) Genomics found that high-phenolic-content olive oil modifies genes involved in the inflammatory response, potentially reducing heart disease risk. The researchers tracked gene expression in blood cells after consuming two virgin olive oil-based breakfasts with varying phenolic compound content.
A study found that vitamin D levels were associated with better cognitive performance in elderly individuals receiving home care. Those with sufficient vitamin D blood levels performed better on executive function tests, suggesting a potential link between vitamin D and mental agility.
A laboratory milling device called the 'insect-o-graph' can detect internal insects in wheat that are not visible to the eye or detectable by usual grading methods. The system estimates the number of live insects hidden in a one-kilogram grain sample in about one minute.
Agricultural Research Service study finds chicken litter has a value of about $78 a ton, compared to traditional synthetic fertilizers, resulting in 12% higher cotton yields and increased farmer profits. The research also shows farmers can further increase profits by using less fertilizer.
A preliminary study using comic strips to educate African-American girls aged 8-10 showed high log-on rates and statistically significant increases in fruit consumption and physical activity. The program aims to be expanded to a larger group of volunteers with the goal of developing a version for Hispanic girls.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists collaborated with New Mexico State University (NMSU) researchers to study locoweed poisoning in US livestock. The team developed grazing management guidelines to minimize losses, recommending restrictions on locoweed access during critical periods.
A new model developed by researchers predicts an individual's vitamin D requirements based on their skin tone, sun exposure, and dietary habits. The model suggests that individuals with relatively low sun exposure may need additional vitamin D to reach a target blood level of 75 nanomoles per liter.
Geneticists have identified a wild potato species, Solanum verrucosum, with resistance to late blight and early blight. Researchers are working to crossbreed this resistant gene into cultivated potatoes to improve disease resistance.
Researchers at the ARS Natural Products Utilization Unit have found a way to make sorghum less toxic to certain crops, while increasing its weed-fighting abilities. This discovery may lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and reduced pesticide use in other crops.
Researchers at the United States Department of Agriculture have developed new cultivars of common beans with multiple genes for resistance to fungal diseases, including common bean rust. These resistant varieties are essential for protecting legume crops in the face of evolving strains of the pathogen.
ARS scientists Rich Novy and Jonathan Whitworth are working on a program to develop new potato lines that resist different biotypes of late blight. The goal is to help growers save on fungicides and other expenses associated with controlling the disease, which can render potatoes unmarketable.
A recent study reveals that the Neo-Tuberosum potato germplasm has its roots in Chile, challenging the long-held notion of its origins in the Andes. The Chilean potato's adaptation to long-day conditions made it a pre-adapted species for growth in other regions.
Stripe rust fungus, threatening the world's wheat supply, can adapt to resistant varieties through sexual recombination with barberry, a common ornamental. Researchers found that fungal spores from infected barberry can infect wheat within 10 days.
A study by US Department of Agriculture researchers found that only 20-35% of nitrogen fed to dairy cows is converted into milk, with 16-77% necessary for grass and other pasture plants. The research provides tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency, promoting better practices for farmers and reducing environmental impact.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed a new model to manipulate vitamin D levels in young calves, which could help establish the optimal amount needed for growth and health. The model uses vitamin D injections to control levels in the bloodstream of neonatal dairy calves.
Researchers use a virus-induced gene silencing approach to study the function of genes in plants' aging processes. They found that modifying genes involved in ethylene production can delay senescence in cut flowers and potted plants.
A team of ARS scientists used remote sensing tools to identify invasive Ashe juniper shrubs and trees in central Texas. The study found that the first 10 bands from a MNF transformation were the best for distinguishing Ashe juniper from other mixed woody species.
Six new corn inbred lines with resistance to aflatoxin contamination have been found free of foreign seed-borne diseases. Seeds are now available in the United States for further evaluation and breeding towards commercialization. Data from these lines will provide insight into their value in reducing food safety risks.
Researchers have created new analytical procedures for detecting and measuring phytonutrient concentrations in potatoes, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and certain cancers. Phytonutrient levels in potatoes range from 100 to over 1,500 milligrams per 100 grams dry weight.
The USDA has released a new biocontrol, Megamelus scutellaris, to help control the invasive water hyacinth. The planthopper is highly host-specific and does not pose a threat to native or economically important species.
ARS scientists have developed a biocontrol agent that uses neuropeptide mimics to kill aphids, potentially reducing pesticide use and environmental harm. The treatment was found to be highly effective in killing 90-100% of aphids within three days, comparable to insecticides on the market.
A joint study across the central Great Plains found that no-till farming stores more soil carbon, binding particles together and reducing vulnerability to raindrops. This makes the topsoil less susceptible to erosion by water or wind, critical in semiarid regions with low precipitation and high evaporation.
Researchers developed an algae-based system to remove nitrogen and phosphorus from livestock manure runoff, reducing agricultural pollutants in the Chesapeake Bay. The system recovered 60-90% of nitrogen and 70-100% of phosphorus, with costs comparable to other manure management practices.
Researchers evaluate promising new potato varieties for improved quality and longer storage life, targeting up to 10 months. They've identified genetic causes for early sprouting and are working towards non-chemical solutions.
A new study suggests using herbicides to sterilize weedy grasses instead of killing them may be a more economical and environmentally sound strategy. Growth regulator herbicides, when applied at the right growth stage, can reduce weed seed production without harming desirable perennial grasses.
Researchers at ARS Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center have identified a genetic region qShB9-2 that controls sheath blight in rice. They also developed a standardized screening technique to detect the disease in seedlings, accelerating the process of identifying resistant germplasm.
A new approach to boosting vitamin A levels in corn has been developed by US scientists, with potential to reduce child blindness and mortality in developing regions. The research identified genetic sequences linked to higher beta-carotene levels in corn and demonstrated an inexpensive method to identify and breed high-yielding varieties.
Agricultural Research Service scientists studied cattle grazing patterns to understand its effect on sagebrush communities and grouse habitats. They found that monitoring the rate of interspace tussock consumption can help preserve grouse habitat by allowing ranchers to move their grazing lands when 40% of these tussocks are consumed.
A recent survey found that managed honey bee colonies nationwide experienced a 33.8% loss rate from October 2009 to April 2010, with starvation, poor weather, and weak colonies being the top reasons for mortality. The continued high losses pose an economic challenge for commercial beekeepers.
A weed calculator developed by ARS scientist Matt Rinella predicts that eliminating leafy spurge and spotted knapweed could raise up to 200,000 cows a year in the western US. The calculator allows ranchers to estimate weeds' economic impact and make informed management decisions.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced two new compact oakleaf hydrangea cultivars, Ruby Slippers and Munchkin, suitable for small residential landscapes. These plants are the first compact forms of Hydrangea quercifolia to be released by USDA scientists.
A team of scientists has turned an ornamental plant into a tool for combating citrus greening, a bacterial disease threatening the world's citrus crop. Periwinkle plants were found to be effective in screening treatments and responded well to antibiotic compounds tested to reduce infection rates.
USDA ARS scientists collaborated with NRC experts to model radioactive material movement in the vadose zone. They found that gaps in fine-material layers significantly affect tracer transport in soils and shallow groundwater.