Researchers found that bulls fed distillers grains had higher sperm quality and greater body weight, but no significant difference in body fat. The study suggests that distillers grains can be safely used in bull development rations, with minimal impact on reproductive health.
Researchers developed a process to recover 80-90% of phosphorus from dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS), reducing excess phosphorus in manure and minimizing algae production. The process is estimated to add $1 million annually in revenue for ethanol plants, while improving environmental sustainability.
Researchers developed a scalable method for estimating crop productivity in real time using satellite data, in-field camera networks, and ground measurements. The method provides highly accurate estimates of leaf area index (LAI) and can be used to detect underperforming fields or segments that need targeted management practices.
A new global analysis shows cover crops universally improve soil microbiome health, increasing microbial abundance, activity, and diversity. Factors such as climate, termination method, and tillage regime also impact the benefits of cover cropping on soil microbes.
A new University of Illinois study shows that amino acids from a torula yeast product are more digestible by young pigs than those from fish meal. The yeast-based protein ingredient was found to provide the same amount of digestible amino acids and metabolizable energy as fish meal, but with lower phosphorus content.
A new AI algorithm developed by University of Illinois researchers accurately predicts corn yield using deep learning and convolutional neural networks. The approach incorporates various topographic variables, soil electroconductivity, nitrogen treatment rates, and seed application to optimize crop management decisions.
A new study predicts the Len Small levee will continue to fail even if repaired due to erosion and increased precipitation. The levee's failure has caused severe damage to homes and businesses, and agricultural land degradation.
Residents value green infrastructure due to its environmental benefits, including improved water quality and reduced flooding. They are willing to contribute time and money to support such features.
A recent study from the University of Illinois found that the Harrington Seed Destructor (HSD) killed nearly 100% of US agronomic weed seeds in a lab study. The HSD, an impact mill developed and widely used in Australia, was tested on common US weeds without field conditions. The study shows that even damaged seeds don
A new study from University of Illinois found that China's tariff quota administration significantly affected US grain exports, particularly for wheat. Wheat imports from the US could have been $324 million or 83% higher without restrictive policies.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed nanosatellite technology that can detect nitrogen stress in corn early in the season. This allows farmers to plan in-season nitrogen fertilizer applications and alleviate nutrient stress for crops, potentially increasing yield and reducing environmental impact.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that affirmative action policies increased enrollment of underrepresented students in Brazilian universities. The policies, which included quota systems based on racial or socio-economic criteria, resulted in significant increases in enrollment of black and mixed-race students, as well ...
New research from the University of Illinois has discovered genes controlling mycorrhizal colonization in soybeans. The study found that different soybean genotypes have varying levels of root colonization by a common mycorrhizal fungus.
A Brazilian study analyzed math test scores for 9th-grade students, revealing that performance gaps between different racial groups can largely be attributed to socio-economic factors. However, for high-scoring students, structural factors like discrimination and stereotypes play a greater role in perpetuating the gap.
A study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that mothers' coaching styles can impact adolescent peer adjustment. Low reactive youth benefited from active, engaged coping strategies, whereas high reactive kids fared better with self-reliant suggestions. This suggests a personalized approach to parenting is necessary to address...
Racism-specific support from spouses significantly benefits African American husbands' and wives' physical and mental well-being. Despite this, Black women often bear the burden of supporting their male partners, highlighting a need for targeted resources and support networks.
A recent study from the University of Illinois discovered that human-grade dog foods are not only highly palatable but also more digestible than initially estimated. The researchers tested six commercial dog foods made with minimally processed human-edible ingredients, finding high protein quality and low stool volume in dogs.
A $1.4 million grant is awarded to improve food security for Aboriginal communities in Central Australia and Torres Strait Islanders. The project focuses on promoting healthier diets through pricing strategies and community engagement.
A new Illinois study found that fall-applied anhydrous ammonia may not meet corn's nitrogen needs. The study showed varying uptake efficiency depending on soil type and crop rotation, with richest soils being lower in nitrogen recovery.
A new study found that farmers prefer receiving mental health information from licensed medical providers, spouses, and friends. Face-to-face communication, such as newspapers and magazines, is also preferred over online methods like social media and the internet.
Researchers found that clay can improve the degradability of feedstuffs in lactating cows, reducing aflatoxin and subacute ruminal acidosis symptoms. Clay was added to six different feedstuffs at varying percentages, showing improved digestibility and fat utilization.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that adding calcium to acidified prepartum diets can improve postpartum outcomes in dairy cows. Cows fed this diet had lower rates of uterine infection, quicker return to ovulation, and more favorable reproductive health.
Researchers found that wet fractionation techniques are the most profitable for processors, producing higher-quality coproducts. Dry fractionation methods were comparable to conventional methods in terms of return on investment.
A new special issue of World Development examines the ways forests serve to alleviate poverty around the world. Research highlights the importance of forests in promoting broader prosperity, including through community-based forest enterprises, ecotourism, and ecosystem services.
A new study from University of Illinois researchers used computer modeling to estimate how land management practices may be affected by climate changes. The study found that redistribution of land uses and certain management practices can help reduce nitrogen loss without changing fertilizer application rates.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) addresses the right to food by providing targeted assistance to low-income households and expanding automatically in response to changes in need. SNAP achieves a right to food through its entitlement program, access to food nationwide, and respect for participants' dignity and autonomy.
A new study found a negative effect of three birds lost for every turbine within 400 meters of a bird habitat, but also suggests ways to minimize the impact through wind turbine design and placement. The researchers estimate that about 150,000 birds are affected by wind turbines in the U.S. every year.
Researchers developed a paper-based sensor that can detect iron levels in fortified food products with high accuracy and reliability. The sensor uses a cellphone app to analyze the color change, providing a simple and affordable solution for monitoring nutrient content.
A recent study suggests that targeting deeply held values is crucial for inspiring pro-environmental behavior. Researchers found that people with egalitarian values tend to care more about benefiting the environment, while those with hierarchical values prioritize authority and influence. The study's conclusions highlight the importanc...
A new study published in Bioresource Technology Reports examines the impact of biomass preprocessing on conversion efficiency. Researchers found that comminution and particle size play a significant role in determining energy expenditure, with miscanthus showing improved efficiency under certain conditions.
Researchers found that coffee bean extracts reduced fat-induced inflammation and improved glucose absorption and insulin sensitivity in mice. The compounds protocatechuic acid and gallic acid showed promise as a strategy for preventing obesity-related chronic illnesses.
A new study of over 10,000 Canadian households reveals a strong correlation between food insecurity and nonadherence to prescription drugs. Food insecure households are more likely to experience cost-related nonadherence, which can exacerbate health issues associated with food insecurity.
Researchers evaluated the accuracy of a commonly used numerical model in hydrology, finding that its results can be difficult to interpret correctly even when properly calibrated. The study recommends using a combination model called SWATmf to improve representation of hydrologic systems.
A new study in PLOS ONE shows that certain hybrids are naturally density tolerant, improving yield when planted at higher populations. Increasing populations of density-tolerant hybrids can lead to an average extra $40 per acre in profit for growers and up to $120 to $280 per acre for processors.
Researchers have discovered that Palmer amaranth has evolved multiple mutations to resist herbicides, including the gly-210 deletion and an arginine substitution, allowing it to evade control methods. The plant appears to be naturally tolerant to post-emergence PPO-inhibitor application.
A new study has identified corn varieties with moderate resistance to bacterial leaf streak, a foliar disease that can cause up to 20% yield losses. The research also found genetic regions associated with increased levels of resistance and highlighted the importance of host resistance in controlling this disease.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that Chicago's water pollution is likely keeping invasive silver carp out of the Great Lakes. The study found that certain compounds in the water flowing downstream from Chicago induce avoidance behaviors in fish, causing them to stop moving upstream.
A new University of Illinois study found that large blowdown areas in southern Illinois forests are more heavily invaded and slower to recover than smaller areas. Invasive species cover decreased over time, but the most common invaders were already present in the system, suggesting a need for targeted management focus.
Researchers at the University of Illinois identified genetic signatures that distinguish male from female waterhemp and Palmer amaranth plants, a crucial step in developing genetic control. The discovery aims to introduce genetically modified male plants that would contain a gene drive to control the damaging weeds.
A corn gene identified from a 118-year-old experiment at the University of Illinois can boost yields by an average of 4.6 bushels per acre, requiring no additional fertilizer inputs. The gene, NAC7, controls senescence and stays green longer, allowing plants to continue photosynthesizing and producing grain.
A new Illinois study finds that Western environmental systems and regulations in Africa are not working as intended, leading to conflict between small-scale miners and multinational corporations. The researchers argue that domestic-level 'translators' have become part of the global system of governance, leading to a lack of translation...
Waterhemp, a broadleaf weed common in corn and soybean fields, has become resistant to multiple herbicides, including Group 15s. Scientists have confirmed the resistance in a new study from the University of Illinois, which highlights the need for farmers to rethink long-term management strategies.
A new University of Illinois study shows that resistance to Fusarium head blight is holding strong in the state's wheat-growing region, with no signs of a highly toxic NA2 variant found. The study uses field pathogenomics to identify the types of FHB on wheat of different resistance levels.
A new study published in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology successfully predicts Australian wheat yield two months before the crop matures using a combination of climate and satellite data. The researchers achieved an accuracy rate of approximately 75% in their predictions, outperforming traditional statistical methods.
Pork enthusiasts can improve taste, juiciness, and tenderness by cooking chops to the new USDA standard of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Consumers strongly prefer pork chops cooked to 145 over the old standard of 160 degrees.
Researchers found that introduced birds on Oahu select specific non-native plants, dispersing them across the island, and even contribute to their stability. However, these novel communities are less diverse than native ecosystems, with only four bird species responsible for plant movement.
A new study published in Ecology found that rusty crayfish populations declined in lakes with mucky and sandy bottoms, while those with rocky substrates remained stable or increased. The research suggests that the invasive species sabotages its own success by using aquatic plants as shelters to avoid predators.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a key to the soybean cyst nematode's growth, allowing it to produce more offspring. The nematode's unique body shape enables it to retain fertilized eggs and harden into a protective cyst.
Researchers identify specific genes, including SbGSTF1 and a tandem GST gene, responsible for safener efficacy in grain sorghum. The discovery sheds light on how safeners work and could lead to broader applications against insect herbivores, chemical pollutants, or environmental stresses.
A critical review of hundreds of studies reveals that time in nature improves attention, reduces stress, boosts self-discipline, and promotes physical activity and fitness. The analysis suggests that greening schoolyards and incorporating nature-based instruction can have a significant impact on children's learning and development.