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Soybean seed hardness demystified: key genes and networks uncovered

Researchers identify the GmSWEET2 gene as a significant regulator of seed hardness, enabling the development of customized varieties with tailored textures. The study highlights the importance of understanding genetic regulation during specific developmental stages to manipulate seed hardness effectively.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJul 2, 2024
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.

A research team develops SCAG algorithm for accurate branch detection and angle calculation in soybeans using LiDAR data

A new SCAG algorithm achieves high accuracy in branch detection and angle calculation, identifying novel traits for evaluating soybean density tolerance. The open-source algorithm has potential to enhance crop development and agricultural productivity.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Key nutrients help plants beat the heat

Researchers at Salk Institute found that higher temperatures drain plants of important dietary nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting their long-term sustainability. The study's findings will inform the engineering of climate-resilient crops to address global warming's impact on food production.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2024

Research optimizes biological control of pest that severely damages soybean crops

Researchers optimized the release pattern of Telenomus podisi, a parasitoid wasp that neutralizes the Brown stink bug, for effective biological control in soybean crops. By analyzing the dispersal range and releasing points, they found that intervals of 30 m can assure sufficient control of stink bugs.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInsects·DateJun 3, 2024

Free-forming organelles help plants adapt to climate change

Researchers have determined the molecular level function of free-forming structures in plant cells that help sense light and temperature, enabling plants to distinguish a range of different light intensities. The formation of these organelles is not random but is linked to specific locations within the cell, particularly near centromeres.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2024
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Gene seekers discover atypical two genes that control multiple valuable soybean traits

A team of researchers has identified two long noncoding RNA genes that control multiple traits in wild soybeans, including insect resistance and leaf growth. These findings can aid in the development of new domesticated soybean varieties with improved seed composition and nutritional traits.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2024

NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic scientists replace fishmeal in aquaculture with microbial protein derived from soybean processing wastewater

Researchers at NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic develop a new, sustainable feed alternative for farmed Asian seabass, reducing reliance on wild-caught fishmeal. The single cell protein is cultivated from soybean processing wastewater, offering a promising solution to the aquaculture industry's environmental challenges.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024

Breeding more resilient soybeans may come down to test site selection

A new study from the University of Illinois recommends redistributing soybean testing sites to better represent the growing environment and improve crop resilience. The researchers analyzed long-term climate data and records of soybean trials to develop two new sets of maps that would help breeders strategize test site placement.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateApr 9, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study quantifies how aquifer depletion threatens crop yields

Research reveals that aquifer depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to continue meeting irrigation demands. As groundwater dwindles, agricultural losses escalate, especially for corn and soybean yields.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Water·DateJan 15, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New reasons eating less fat should be one of your resolutions

A new study by University of California Riverside researchers found that high-fat diets affect not only obesity and colon cancer but also the immune system, brain function, and potentially COVID-19 risk. The study, which analyzed genetic changes in mice fed different types of fat, showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil ...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 3, 2024

Pollinators make a big impact on edamame marketability

A recent UMD study reveals that cross-pollination significantly improves the quality and quantity of soybean pods, with open-pollinated flowers producing more grade-A beans. The research also suggests that a greater biodiversity near fields can lead to increased yields by attracting beneficial pollinators.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Pollination Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Study: How farmers decide to store or sell their grain

A new study from the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences examines how Illinois corn and soybean producers make marketing decisions. The research found that farms with lower financial positions tend to store more grain, while bigger and older farms have lower storage costs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023
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.

Recycled phosphorus fertilizer reduces nutrient leaching, maintains yield

Researchers have found that struvite, a recycled phosphorus fertilizer, can reduce nutrient leaching and maintain soybean yields compared to conventional fertilizers. The study showed that struvite can be a full substitute for traditional fertilizers in terms of yield benefits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateNov 27, 2023

Comprehensive analysis of the T2T genome of the soybean cv. Zhonghuang 13

The study provides the first complete Chinese soybean cultivar T2T genome, filling gaps in previous analyses and identifying novel genes and genetic variants linked to desirable traits. This comprehensive analysis accelerates soybean breeding programs to develop new cultivars with improved yields, resistance, and adaptability.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Crop Journal·DateNov 26, 2023

Illinois-led project to sequence 400 soybean genomes, improve future crops

The Illinois-led project will sequence at least 50 soybean genomes from cultivated lines and wild relatives, as well as 350 high-quality draft genomes. This will enable the identification of genetic variation and its incorporation into better crops, ultimately leading to climate-resilient soybean varieties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 3, 2023
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.

Solving stickiness sustainably

A team of chemists at Purdue University has created a sustainable adhesive system that uses epoxidized soy oil, malic acid, and tannic acid. The new adhesive is inexpensive, effective, scalable, practical to produce and completely sustainable.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2023

Irrigating more US crops by mid-century will be worth the investment

A Dartmouth-led study suggests that expanded irrigation of corn and soybeans in the US could outweigh costs by mid-century. The research found that certain regions, such as North Dakota and Michigan, would benefit from irrigation due to increasing drought conditions.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

Top corn producing state to see future drop in yield, cover crop efficiency

A new study suggests that while winter cover crops can reduce nitrogen pollution by up to 30%, their effectiveness will decrease under future climate scenarios. Illinois' corn yields are expected to suffer more than soybean yields, especially in southern regions, as warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns impact crop growth.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJul 6, 2023

Widely consumed vegetable oil leads to an unhealthy gut

Researchers found that a diet high in soybean oil decreases beneficial bacteria and increases harmful bacteria, leading to increased inflammation and susceptibility to colitis. Olive oil, with lower amounts of linoleic acid, is considered a healthier alternative.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023
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.

New tool predicts crop yields in the Southeast

A new computer model forecasts yield for four key crops in the southeastern US, drawing on climate, groundwater, and agricultural data. The tool helps farmers and water resource managers identify ways to maximize crop yields while efficiently utilizing water and energy.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans study finds diet contributes to risk of HPV-related cancer

A new study published by LSU Health New Orleans found that a diet high in fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans can significantly lower the risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection, which is associated with cervical cancer. The research also showed that women who eat healthily tend to practice other healthy behaviors.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023
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.

RIPE researchers model ‘link’ between improved photosynthesis and increased yield

A team from the University of Illinois has modeled improving photosynthesis through enzyme modification and simulated soybean growth with realistic climate conditions. The study found that seasonal climate conditions impact the effectiveness of improving photosynthesis to increase soybean yield.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalField Crops Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2023

Automated soybean seed counting: Ppgrading existing methods for improved accuracy

Researchers from Japan developed an improved model, P2PNet-Soy, which accurately counts the number of soybean seeds with high accuracy. The new model uses atrous convolution and spatial-channel attention mechanisms to differentiate seeds from backgrounds.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 26, 2023

A new vision for soybean meal: designer tempeh

A UMass Amherst food scientist is developing designer tempeh using smart fermentation, transforming soybean meal into a high-quality, protein-rich plant-based alternative. The goal is to create a scientifically-targeted approach to produce nutritious and delicious tempeh, replacing animal meat.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 12, 2023
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.

Low nutritional quality in vegetarian meat substitutes

A recent study by Chalmers University of Technology reveals that many vegetarian meat substitutes sold in Sweden are low in iron and zinc due to phytates. The researchers analyzed 44 different products and found that even fortified ones still contain phytates, which inhibit absorption.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Cover cropping up to 7.2% in US Midwest, boosted by government programs

A new study reveals that the US Midwest has seen a significant increase in cover crop adoption, with 7.2% of cropland being planted with cover crops in 2021. This is attributed to government programs and funding initiatives, which have been shown to strongly correlate with the onset of cover crop assistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 5, 2022
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.

New monounsaturated soybean oil works well in pig diets

Researchers found that high oleic soybean oil improved growth performance and carcass characteristics in pigs, with minimal impact on fat thickness and lean percentage. The studies also showed that HOSO-fed pigs had thicker, firmer bellies and similar loin quality compared to DDGS-fed pigs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateNov 17, 2022

Companies’ ‘deforestation-free’ supply chain pledges have barely impacted forest clearance in the Amazon

A recent study found that companies' zero-deforestation supply chain commitments have reduced tree clearance in the Brazilian Amazon by only 1.6% between 2006 and 2015. Despite this, over 50% of soy-suitable forests in Brazil remain unprotected. Experts call for stronger regulations to effectively combat deforestation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 27, 2022

A smoky solution — for plants

Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 19, 2022
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.

3D printing plant cells shows promise for studying cell function

Researchers at NC State University have developed a reproducible method for studying cellular communication in plant cells using 3D bioprinting. The study found that more than half of the bioprinted cells were viable and divided over time, with soybean embryonic cells remaining viable for two weeks after bioprinting.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Husker study: Brazil can grow more soybeans without deforesting Amazon

A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that Brazil can increase its soybean production by 36% by 2035 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 58% and eliminating deforestation. The strategy involves intensifying crop yields, growing a second crop on soybean fields, and raising more cattle on smaller pastures.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 10, 2022

$30M USAID grant sees soybean innovation through the last mile in Africa

The University of Illinois has received a $30 million investment from USAID to develop soybean value chains across Sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to remove last-mile obstacles to technology adoption, including seed, productivity-improvement, and credit issues.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 4, 2022

Brazilian soybean growers’ use of biofertilizer is highlighted by a leading science journal

Using biofertilizer on 80% of their planted area, Brazilian soybean growers enjoy environmental and economic benefits by employing the microbiome instead of chemical fertilizers. The use of biofertilizer saves farmers huge amounts of money, with costs significantly lower than chemical fertilizer.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 28, 2022

Technique using light and artificial intelligence is effective in selecting immature soybean seeds

A team of Brazilian researchers has developed a novel technique using light and artificial intelligence to identify the maturity stages of soybean seeds. The method utilizes chlorophyll fluorescence and machine learning algorithms to classify commercial seeds with high accuracy. This innovation avoids destroying seeds, which are then c...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 25, 2022
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.

RIPE researchers prove bioengineering better photosynthesis increases yields in food crops for the first time ever

Researchers have successfully increased soybean plant efficiency, resulting in greater yields without losing quality. The study aims to improve global food production by improving photosynthetic efficiency in food crops for smallholder farmers.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

Weed zapping

Researchers found that electrocution treatments can eliminate up to 97% of late-season, herbicide-resistant waterhemp plants. The treatments also reduced weed seed viability by 54-80%, with some studies showing yield losses of 11-26%.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Human cells take in less protein from a plant-based meat than from chicken

A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that plant-based meat substitutes contain proteins that are not as easily absorbed by human cells. The researchers used a model meat alternative made from soy and wheat gluten, which was found to have lower peptide uptake than chicken meat.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 22, 2022
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.

Climate change demands near perfect weed control in soybean

Research reveals that climate change and drought can cause significant yield losses in soybeans, even with high levels of weed control. To mitigate this, farmers need to adopt integrated weed management strategies, including the use of soil-residual herbicides and late-maturing soybean varieties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 11, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Scientists led by NTU Singapore produce oils from microalgae that could replace palm oil in food production

Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a method to produce and extract oils from a type of common microalgae, which are edible and have superior properties as those found in palm oil. The newly discovered method would serve as a healthier and greener alternative to palm oil.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2022

Deforestation and climate change threaten Brazil’s new agricultural frontier

Researchers warn that deforestation and climate change are exacerbating drought conditions in Brazil's agricultural frontier, threatening soybean yields. The study analyzed changes in hydrology and weather patterns over four decades, highlighting a rise in temperatures, dry days, and decreased precipitation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2022
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.

Being near pollinator habitat linked to larger soybean size

Researchers found that soybean plants adjacent to pollinator habitats produce larger seeds due to increased bee visitation. The presence of pollinators also influences the bee communities in soybean fields, with bees leaving for outside flowers less likely.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Nanocarrier spray: Better crops without genetic modification

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.

SourceRIKEN·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 2022

Gene important in soybean protein content found after 30-year search

University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 10, 2022