Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for nematode infection in soybeans, paving the way for the development of more resistant crops. By engineering 'decoy' proteins that trick nematodes into cleaving themselves, scientists aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and lower agriculture's environmental impact.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 27, 2025
Climate change may lead to increased production of legumes such as chickpeas and soybeans, while oranges and okra become more widely grown. This could support shifts towards a more balanced diet and lower carbon footprint, but also poses economic and environmental risks.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalClimate Resilience and Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2025
Researchers developed a machine learning model using hyperspectral imaging to assess pre-harvest tomato quality, predicting key parameters like weight, firmness, and lycopene content. The approach enables real-time monitoring of fruit development, improving crop quality and reducing waste.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new software package called TraitTrainR offers a framework for replicating the evolutionary process many times over. It can perform flexible evolutionary experiments through probabilistic simulations on a computer, allowing researchers to generate thousands-to-millions of evolutionary replicates.
SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalBioinformatics Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2025
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025
A global assessment of dung production has revealed hotspots in central Africa, Australia, and Eurasia, indicating the presence of herbivores. The study also highlights the importance of accurate livestock density assessments for agriculture and food security.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers at John Innes Centre have discovered a biological mechanism that enhances partnerships between plant roots and soil microbes, increasing nutrient uptake. This finding holds great potential for advancing sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for inorganic fertilizers.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025
A new study has identified five species of root-lesion nematodes in maize fields across New Zealand, revealing significant diversity and regional distribution patterns. The discovery highlights the need for targeted pest management strategies to protect crop yields and maintain agricultural productivity.
SourceApplied Microbiology International·JournalLetters in Applied Microbiology·DateJan 14, 2025
Scientists develop novel approach using Cry14 protein to combat soybean cyst nematode (SCN), a major soybean pest. The research demonstrates that Cry14 reduces SCN population in soybean roots, leading to higher yields and potential resistance against native traits.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 14, 2025
A recent study found a 59% decrease in river antibiotic pollution due to improved manure recycling and reduced direct discharge. However, this reduction came with an unintended consequence: increased antibiotic leaching into groundwater by 15%, mainly from expanded manure use as fertilizer.
SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025
New research reveals alfalfa-almond intercropping reduces winter soil nitrate leaching and field water loss via evaporation. The practice can capture and convert nitrogen losses into revenues for almond farmers during the non-productive winter season.
SourceWiley·JournalAgrosystems Geosciences & Environment·DateJan 8, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A study by North Carolina State University reveals the global spread of powdery mildew fungus in blueberries, with a cost range of $47 million to $530 million annually to the industry. The disease is caused by the Erysiphe vaccinii fungus and has been found on multiple continents since its introduction in 2012.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 8, 2025
The Arkansas Clean Plant Center is leading a global effort to remove over 120 'phantom agents' from pathogen regulatory lists. These outdated agents impede access to clean plant materials, hindering crop production and food security. The center's efforts aim to streamline global germplasm exchange using modern molecular techniques.
SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalPlant Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJan 7, 2025
A new study found that intensive farming and shallow groundwater in the US Corn Belt increase precipitation recycling by almost 30%, providing a significant boost to rainfall during the growing season. The research, published in PNAS, used advanced computer modeling techniques to quantify the impact of these factors on regional climate.
SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2025
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A new study from the University of Göttingen reveals that the identity of pollinators, pollen, and crop varieties significantly impact fruit quality. The research emphasizes the need to consider these factors to improve crop nutrient composition and consumer health.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeNews article·DateJan 3, 2025
The study found that climate policies would lead to a smaller increase in consumer food prices in wealthier countries, with prices rising by 1.25 times, compared to 2.45 times in lower-income countries. This means consumers in wealthier countries are shielded from fluctuations in farm prices.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2025
A new study suggests that better access to regional markets is more important than farmers growing a diverse range of crops on their own smallholdings. Markets increase the variety of foods available locally, benefiting the population as a whole.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Food·DateJan 2, 2025
Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. By engineering plants to control when and where these compounds are produced, researchers envision crops that can be stored without risk of toxicity.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateDec 20, 2024
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's annual report highlights the challenges faced by Tennessee's farmers and foresters in 2024, including drought, agricultural land loss, and decreasing foreign market demand. The outlook for 2025 is clouded due to trade policy uncertainty, low crop prices, and high input costs.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateDec 19, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
The IHT Cooling Pads, developed by Purdue University and IHT Group, have earned recognition from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and Resource magazine as 2025 AE50 award winners. The mats utilize advanced water-based cooling technology to tackle heat stress in sows and boars.
A new study found that over half of weedy rice sampled in the southeastern US has become resistant to certain herbicides, including imidazolinone and a newer class of herbicides. The researchers also discovered that individual fields have distinct compositions of weedy rice strains, making management harder.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateDec 16, 2024
An international team of researchers warns that climate change could lead to widespread food shortages and famine if rapid changes are not made to develop climate-resilient crops. The group emphasizes the need for unprecedented collaboration between scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public to address this crisis.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 5, 2024
New studies reveal invasive winter annuals are sensitive to changing rainfall patterns, while heat waves impact Colorado potato beetle survival. In salt marshes, mesopredators like mud crabs take over grazing control from top predators, suggesting resilience to their loss.
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A new paper emphasizes the role of agrifood value chains in supporting climate-smart agriculture at the farm level, highlighting the potential of these chains to empower farmers to adopt climate-resilient practices. The authors propose policy measures to strengthen the vital role of AVCs in driving climate action.
SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2024
A Curtin University study uses eDNA metabarcoding to track insect interactions with avocado flowers, detecting five times more unique pest species than digital video recordings. This method could help improve yields and make agricultural operations more efficient by identifying beneficial pollinators and pests.
SourceCurtin University·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2024
A comprehensive study reveals that global crop yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s, offsetting any slowdown in specific crops or regions. The findings highlight the need for sustainable food production and affordability to address future food security challenges.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 27, 2024
A small cohort study found that children raised on farms or with pets tend to have a lower risk of developing allergies due to the diversity of their gut microbiome. The study analyzed fecal samples from children and discovered more anaerobic commensals, which may contribute to this reduced allergy risk.
Researchers used machine-vision technology to compare targeted sprays with traditional broadcast applications, saving an average of 28.4-62.4% on postemergence herbicides. This study demonstrates potential for lower herbicide costs and improved environmental stewardship in soybean farming.
SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024
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 team of researchers developed a novel sensor that attaches directly to the underside of plant leaves to measure leaf color without blocking sunlight. The sensor can track changes in the same spot over time and provides fine-tuned readings for real-time monitoring.
SourceTohoku University·JournalSensing and Bio-Sensing Research·DateNov 26, 2024
A study has identified a gene called MdTCP11 that controls the growth of compact apple trees, also known as spur-type varieties. These trees exhibit increased fruit yield and require less pruning, making them ideal for modern orchards.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024
A new survey highlights the need to revive England's hedgerows to meet national restoration targets. While agri-environment schemes have improved hedge condition, overall length remains unchanged. Experts call for increased participation and better incentives among farmers and landowners to rejuvenate the network.
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.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers finds that nearly half of soybean-related emissions come from the natural processes in soil, which can be mitigated through strategies like planting winter cover crops and adjusting planting schedules. These solutions have been found to reduce emissions by one-third while increasing yields.
SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2024
A new analysis finds that sustainable rates of groundwater withdrawal were surpassed 20 years prior to declining groundwater levels being generally recognized. Limiting groundwater pumping rates by nearly half can stabilize groundwater conditions, eliminating drying up of non-irrigation wells and stabilizing environmental flows.
SourceOregon State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateNov 20, 2024
A study published in Journal of Dairy Science introduces a new 3D pose estimation system to monitor dairy cow comfort and well-being. The model detects posture transitions with 88% sensitivity, providing valuable insights into animal welfare.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 20, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A new program supported by a four-year grant from the USDA will train Michigan youth in 'smart agriculture' using data science. The project aims to equip the workforce with knowledge in both smart farming tools and data science to address global food production challenges.
SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateNov 20, 2024
A 30-year database analysis shows variable weather reduces the effectiveness of post-emergence herbicides against major corn and soybean weeds. Air temperature, precipitation patterns, and dry/wet conditions all impact herbicide effectiveness, making weed control more difficult for farmers.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateNov 19, 2024
A new study reveals that the San Joaquin Valley in California has been sinking at an average rate of nearly an inch per year between 2006 and 2022. The researchers estimate that the land sank by over 12 inches during the four-year gap in satellite data, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation strategies.
SourceStanford University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateNov 19, 2024
Researchers analyzed four diets: Indian, Mediterranean, EAT-Lancet, and average government-recommended guidelines. The Indian diet showed the greatest reduction in global environmental pressure (20.9%), while FBDGs led to a potential 35.2% increase.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2024
The study highlights the vital role women play in farming families, taking care of non-farming tasks, managing household finances, and dealing with isolation. Many women also work on the farm, but often downplay their contributions, leading to feelings of resentment and sadness.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalRural Mental Health·DateNov 18, 2024
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 new Institute for Food Product Innovation and Commercialization offers training and development support to agriculture producers with novel product ideas. The program aims to remove hurdles for farmer-entrepreneurs, providing expertise on food manufacturing, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
A global partnership has committed over $1 billion to scale up weather services for hundreds of millions of farmers across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The initiative aims to provide high-quality, farmer-centered forecasts using AI-supported weather forecasting to build resilience and support adaptation to climate change.
A modelling study predicts up to 94% of Amazonian land may become inhospitable to the Brazil nut tree by 2100 due to climate change. The study, including four climate scenarios, examines the tree's potential future in the Amazon region.
Researchers found that widespread adoption of cement paths, disinfection stations, and production strategies can net significant benefits for each dollar invested. The disease could annihilate global banana production, but simple measures are already effective in slowing its spread.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A UTEP research team will investigate the impact of climate change on pecan orchards in the US and Mexico, focusing on drought, heat waves, and soil management. The study aims to develop insights for farmers and policymakers on improving water use efficiency and carbon sequestration.
A new study warns of potential water shortages in Brazil's agricultural frontier region, MATOPIBA, as climate change exacerbates overuse of water resources. The study predicts that crop irrigation demand may not meet local requirements by up to 40% by 2025-40.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAMBIO·DateNov 5, 2024
A recent study published in the journal Microbiome found that lifestyle factors, such as diet and smoking habits, significantly impact the composition of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. The research team analyzed saliva samples from individuals representing different subsistence strategies in Nepal and discovered a correlation betwee...
Researchers at the University of Oregon have designed a system to improve soil health in hazelnut farms, reducing the impact of climate change. By partnering with 20 farms across the Willamette Valley, they aim to demonstrate the ecological and economic benefits of native wildflowers and basalt dust amendments.
The John Innes Centre, LMU Munich, and Leiden University have secured €8.3m in funding to study circadian rhythms in non-photosynthetic bacteria, which could have significant implications for human health and the environment. The project aims to understand the properties and ecology of biological clocks across a new kingdom of life.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A study on Spanish dehesas has developed a tool to model pastureland productivity and water stress, allowing for more efficient grazing management. During severe droughts, grass production can drop by up to 67%, with areas having limited slopes and moderate tree cover being the most productive.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgricultural Water Management·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024
A new University of Illinois study examines the adoption of robotic weeding technology to fight superweeds, finding that forward-looking management strategies are more effective than myopic approaches. The research suggests that farmers with a long-term perspective on weed resistance will benefit from early adoption of robots.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgricultural Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 30, 2024
A new study presents a cutting-edge catalog of banana diversity, tracing the ancestral origins of various cultivars using innovative genomic techniques. The catalog reveals that some locally appreciated banana groups are not single clones, opening perspectives for diversification.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalPlants People Planet·DateOct 28, 2024
A recent review suggests that thermal imaging technology can help control temperatures before and after harvesting fruit and vegetables. This technology can gauge temperature without contact using infrared radiation and flag drastic temperature spikes, helping to extend shelf life and reduce food waste.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientia Horticulturae·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 28, 2024
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.
A study found plastic mulch contaminates soil with up to 25 kg of macroplastic debris per hectare, affecting critical soil functions even under best management practices. Microplastics were also detected, with concentrations positively correlated with macroplastic levels.
A new study finds that the gene for starch-digesting saliva may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes modern diet. This early duplication set the stage for significant variation in the amylase region, allowing humans to adapt to shifting diets with increasing starch consumption.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2024
A new study published in Science reveals that the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes human digestion of starchy foods. This early duplication allowed for increased starch-digesting efficiency and may have played a role in human adaptation to new diets.
SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024
Researchers at LSU and Smithsonian Institution found that ants began farming fungi after an asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago. This behavior is still exhibited by some ant species today.
SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2024
Researchers at Rutgers University are developing an innovative method called electroponics, which uses electrospray to deliver water and agrichemicals to plants with minimal waste. This technology has the potential to increase food security and sustainability, particularly in water-scarce environments or space stations.
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.
A new study reveals that ant agriculture and fungus farming originated 66 million years ago, with colonies of ants beginning to cultivate fungi in the aftermath of the asteroid impact. This partnership has evolved over time, with some fungal crops becoming completely reliant on ants 27 million years ago.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2024
A new study has uncovered the hidden diversity of wild banana relatives in mainland Southeast Asia, showcasing their potential as future crop varieties. The research emphasizes the urgent need to preserve these genetic resources to ensure global food security.
New research reveals methane emissions from slurry stores on dairy farms may be up to five times greater than official statistics suggest. Capturing and converting methane into biogas could reduce emissions and save farmers over £400 million a year in fuel costs.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2024
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.