Growing commercial soybean in developing countries requires changes to traditional agricultural practices, including weed and pest control, soil correction, and access to certified seed supply chains. This shift can lead to poverty reduction, nutrition improvement, and rural economic development, but also a tradeoff of higher chemical ...
Research suggests that soybean rust spores can travel long distances and reach the Midwestern crop earlier in the season, posing a threat to the region's soybean fields. Environmental factors like humidity, moisture, and wind speed influence short-distance movement of the disease.
A University of Illinois economist found that property transactions in Kenya did not show significant price changes due to the Millennium Villages Project, despite increased amenities and subsidies. Residents may be holding onto their land to wait for potential value increases, suggesting a lack of perceived benefits.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Clostridium, can predict brain metabolites like serotonin and myo-inositol, which are altered in individuals with autism. The study suggests a potential mechanism by which the gut microbiome communicates with the brain through cortisol.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are using satellite data to estimate crop yield in the US Corn Belt. By integrating various spectral bands and analyzing them together, they've uncovered valuable information on crop biomass and environmental stresses related to drought and heat.
A recent study from the University of Illinois sheds light on what may be happening in the brains of MS patients during upper respiratory infections. Researchers found an increase in glial activation and elevated levels of chemokine CXCL5, which could lead to a drug intervention to inhibit relapses.
A recent study finds that nearly one in five two-year college students live in food-insecure households, with 21% experiencing food insecurity. The study suggests that extending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to these students could help alleviate hunger and improve outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new system that can remove both nitrate and phosphorus from agricultural runoff, potentially improving water quality. The system uses woodchip bioreactors and P-filters to trap pollutants, with one type of filter showing significantly higher effectiveness in removing phosphorus.
A recent study by the University of Illinois reveals that food insecurity exists in rural areas, and Feeding America's food banks are effectively reaching these communities. Despite the presence of food assistance programs, the social and economic conditions in rural areas have not improved significantly.
Research from the University of Illinois found that soybean meal produced in different countries has varying levels of digestible protein and amino acids. The study suggests that US, Indian, and Brazilian soybean meals have higher concentrations of these nutrients compared to Argentine and Chinese alternatives.
A recent study found that air travel stress has no effect on search and rescue dog job performance, but alters the canine microbiome. Despite physiological impacts, dogs overcome stress to save lives.
A University of Illinois study concludes that the Missouri River requires a multi-state cooperation plan to manage its dynamics and mitigate damages from flooding and erosion. Human activities such as dam construction have altered the river's course, causing sedimentation and increasing flood risks.
Researchers found that quails eat more and are happier in hot weather with a gentle breeze. This helps them maintain healthy egg production. In contrast, cold temperatures have little effect on quail behavior.
Researchers developed a more tailored approach to combat soybean rust by identifying resistance genes in specific varieties. While no single variety could resist all rust strains, some showed promise against African rust strains, offering hope for breeding programs worldwide.
Researchers find that including an indirect land use change factor in biofuel policies leads to a relatively small reduction in emissions at a high economic cost. The inclusion of this factor imposes a hidden tax on all fuels, increasing their carbon emissions per gallon and fuel prices for consumers.
In a recent study, researchers found that piglets exhibit differential exploratory behavior when presented with new toys. Females and 4-week-old piglets demonstrated better object recognition skills compared to males and 3-week-olds. The study's results have implications for future research on animal behavior and cognition.
Researchers found that yellow soybeans result from naturally occurring gene silencing involving two genes, which blocks production of darker pigment's precursors. The study also identified the Argonaute5 gene responsible for saddle-patterned beans, shedding light on epistatic interactions in soybean genetics.
Researchers have found that wheat middlings and red dog, two coproducts of the wheat milling process, have varying levels of protein digestibility when fed to pigs. The study suggests that red dog contains more easily digested amino acids due to its lower fiber content.
Researchers identify a three-way interaction between genetics, body mass index, and parent-child communication patterns in predicting restrictive feeding practices that contribute to childhood obesity. Genetic variations affect emotion regulation, influencing parents' responses to children's negative emotions.
A new assay developed by University of Illinois researchers can identify Palmer amaranth DNA in mixed seed samples, overcoming slow and unreliable testing methods. The low-cost technique uses quantitative PCR to detect genetic variations unique to Palmer, enabling farmers to certify their product as Palmer-free.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that pharmacological levels of zinc oxide in pig diets reduce calcium and phosphorus digestibility. However, adding microbial phytase can improve digestibility and mitigate the negative effects of zinc on mineral absorption.
A study by the University of Illinois found that younger consumers, particularly those with lower incomes, are more inclined to purchase uniquely shaped fruits. The researchers suggest that marketers can target people who like adventure and seek new experiences by offering avant-garde fruit shapes. The novelty-shaped pears are grown in...
A University of Illinois project has identified a source of natural blue and purple corn, providing an affordable alternative to synthetic food dyes. The researchers found that anthocyanin concentrations in Peruvian corn lines remained stable across generations, paving the way for breeding high-yielding, colored corn hybrids.
A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that simple metabolic functions were the precursor to the emergence of life on Earth. The research analyzed gene ontology data and constructed a tree tracing the evolutionary path of molecular functions over time.
Researchers are using innovative approaches, such as a scientific journal for kids, to convey complex nutrition research on infant brain development. The goal is to inspire critical thinking in young readers and make science more accessible to the broader public.
Researchers at University of Illinois conducted a study to calculate protein scores for eight sources of protein derived from both plants and animals. The digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) method was used, which showed all dairy proteins met Food and Agriculture Organization standards as 'excellent/high' quality sources.
A University of Illinois study reveals which production attributes matter most to consumers when buying beef and chicken, with 'no growth hormones' topping the list. The study found that organic was ranked lowest in importance, sparking surprise among researchers who attribute this to a lack of understanding about the term's meaning.
A new study offers good news for pork producers, providing research-backed management recommendations. The study found that quality in one part of the pig does not predict quality in other parts, and that individual differences account for most variability in pork products.
Researchers found that methionine supplementation can increase embryo survival in dairy cows and affect gene expression in ovarian follicles. Cows fed methionine had higher estrogen production and lower inflammation levels, potentially leading to faster heat cycles and improved fertility.
Researchers found that soy protein concentrate (SPC) ground to three particle sizes showed improved digestibility of crude protein and amino acids compared to traditional protein sources. The results indicate that SPC can be used as an alternative to animal proteins in weanling pig diets without negative effects on growth performance.
Researchers found two new mutations on the PPX2 gene responsible for PPO-inhibiting herbicide resistance in Palmer amaranth. The glycine 210 deletion and R98 region mutations confer resistance to multiple herbicides, with some plants carrying both mutations.
Climate change will make farming more difficult due to reduced planting windows and increased drought risk, affecting crop yields and food security. The University of Illinois study forecasts that the typical planting window for corn will no longer be workable, with April and May being too wet to work fields in most parts of Illinois.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that educated networkers and young innovators are most likely to adopt multifunctional perennial cropping systems. These groups are motivated by environmental concerns and the potential for high-value products. On the other hand, farmers classified as 'money motivated' and 'hands-off'...
A new study from the University of Illinois shows that high protein canola meal contains glucosinolates, which reduce diet palatability and affect growth performance. Pigs fed diets containing conventional canola meal had greater final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake than those fed high protein canola meal.
Researchers highlight the importance of blocking Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan and Great Lakes through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The canal system, built over 100 years ago, has protected the city's drinking water supply but also created entry points for invasive species.
Researchers have discovered a unique gene responsible for metabolic atrazine resistance in waterhemp, which can evolve resistance to multiple herbicides. The gene is associated with GST enzymes and has been found to make plants more resistant to herbicides.
Researchers found that resistant soybean varieties yield more than susceptible ones even at low SCN infestation levels, with a yield advantage seen in environments with no SCN infestation. Despite mounting pressure from nematodes, varieties with PI 88788-resistance still provide moderate resistance and produce good yields.
Researchers found that snap bean yields were not significantly affected by no-till cover crops, despite the benefits of weed suppression. The study suggests that timing and management techniques are crucial for successful integration of cover crops into vegetable production systems.
A University of Illinois study found that about one-third of rural farmers across five African countries have trees on their farms, contributing 17% to their annual household income. Trees can act as biodiversity corridors, linking forests and providing wildlife habitat, while also offering income potential to poor farmers.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a piglet model to study nutrition's effects on infant brain development and behavior. The new review article highlights several studies on pediatric nutrition, including those that assess brain development outcomes using advanced MRI methods.
A University of Illinois study found that 19 out of 20 tropical bird species in Panama may experience significantly fewer birds if conditions become drier, due to longer dry seasons and more intense seasonal droughts. The scaly-throated leaftosser is the only species that tends to increase with dryer conditions.
A University of Illinois study suggests that the Mississippi River's natural course could permanently reroute Dogtooth Bend peninsula, leaving approximately 15,000 acres of farmland inaccessible by road. The researchers propose three alternative solutions to mitigate this threat and ensure sustainable land use in the region.
Researchers found that choline deficiency during pregnancy alters choline metabolite profiles, fatty acid compositions, and amino acid levels in sow milk. This study provides new insights into the importance of choline for human development and highlights the need for mandatory fortification programs to address this nutrient deficiency.
A University of Illinois study found that visitors to Channel Islands National Park in California were more likely to assign value to areas with charismatic wildlife encounters, rather than actually biodiverse regions. The research suggests that knowledge plays a crucial role in shaping people's perceptions of biodiversity.
Researchers discovered a repeat of four genes controlling resistance to soybean cyst nematode and developed an assay to quantify gene repeats. This new method improves breeding programs by selecting for more copies of the gene sequence, potentially leading to stronger resistance.
Researchers examine how large payments are necessary to induce landowners to accept conservation contracts, considering permanent and temporary options. The study reveals that permanent lump-sum payments need to be higher due to 'loss of option value,' while linking carbon payments to profits reduces uncertainty and hesitation.
A meta-analysis of 62 studies found that no-till agriculture increases microbial biomass and enzymatic activity compared to tilled systems. Chisel plows associated with greater microbial biomass in conservation tillage systems.
A new study found that soil organic matter and water holding capacity have a significant impact on maize yield stability, offering farmers a potential tool to support novel crop varieties. Implementing practices like cover crops and composted manures can help buffer against the effects of climate instability
Agroforestry practices such as alley cropping, silvopasture, and forest farming offer benefits for conventional and organic agroecosystems. By integrating trees into agricultural landscapes, farmers can sequester carbon, prevent soil erosion, and increase crop yields.
Researchers find using heat-tolerant sorghum varieties can increase crop yield under higher temperatures, but late sowing and collecting rainfall show minimal benefits. The study suggests a novel framework to assess the effectiveness of different adaptation options for West African farmers.