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America's most widely consumed oil causes genetic changes in the brain

Researchers found soybean oil causes genetic changes in the brain, affecting obesity, diabetes, and neurological conditions. The study discovered 100 genes not functioning correctly, including a gene that produces oxytocin, leading to potential ramifications for brain function and diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEndocrinology·DateJan 17, 2020

Genes controlling mycorrhizal colonization discovered in soybean

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

Climate change and the threat to global breadbaskets

A study by IIASA researchers found that the risk of simultaneous breadbasket failures due to climatic extremes has increased over time, with potential consequences for food price spikes and famine. The analysis suggests a need for more efficient allocation of resources to contingency plans and strategic crop reserves.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 9, 2019

Honey bee declines in cultivated landscapes

A study tracked honey bee nutrition and colony growth in Iowa's intensely farmed state. Colonies near soybean fields experienced short-term gains but failed to support long-term health due to lack of floral resources.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Chinese scientists update soybean genome to a golden reference

Researchers from China have updated the soybean genome to a golden reference, improving its assembly quality and completeness. The new genome has increased accuracy in gene annotation and expression profiling, facilitating fundamental research and molecular breeding.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateSep 12, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Tariffs lead to creative supply chains

A Michigan State University team applied metacoupling to analyze socioeconomic and environmental interactions in global soybean trade. The results show that Chinese demand for foreign soybeans affects not only Brazil but also neighboring countries like Paraguay and Argentina.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSustainability·DateAug 6, 2019

Worm pheromones protect major crops

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discovered that ascaroside compounds from nematodes can protect rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans from numerous pathogens. The compounds helped increase resistance against bacterial, fungal, viral, and oomycete pathogens in major crops.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalJournal of Phytopathology·DateJul 25, 2019

Protecting a forgotten treasure trove of biodiversity

The Cerrado, a global biodiversity hotspot, faces significant threats from soybean cultivation. A study suggests expanding the Amazon Soy Moratorium to the Cerrado could prevent 3.6 million hectares of native vegetation conversion between 2020 and 2050. This would require only a 2% reduction in soybean cultivation area nationally.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Illinois study identifies a key to soybean cyst nematode growth

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEvoDevo·DateMar 28, 2019

KIT expert comments on current topic: Trade war imperils Amazon rainforest

Brazil is expected to increase its soybean production by up to 39% to satisfy China's increased demand, which could lead to dramatic deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Global meat consumption must be reduced to sustainably cope with this problem, and ecological consequential costs need to be included in food costs.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2019
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.

Keeping SDGs from being a zero-sum game

Scientists at AAAS Annual Meeting explore ways to address unintended consequences of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the need for interdisciplinary approaches. Researchers discuss strategies for reducing tradeoffs between human well-being, nature conservation, and resource management.

SourceMichigan State University·DateFeb 11, 2019

New conservation practice could reduce nitrogen pollution in agricultural drainage water

Researchers estimate that saturated buffers, vegetated strips of land between tile-drained fields and waterways, could reduce agricultural drainage nitrogen by 5 to 10 percent. This approach is inexpensive and can be easily integrated with farming practices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgricultural & Environmental Letters·DateJan 15, 2019
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.

Soy natural: Genetic resistance against aphids

Researchers have discovered genetic landmarks associated with soybean aphid resistance in thousands of varieties, paving the way for developing new resistant varieties. This breakthrough could provide an alternative to insecticides, reducing environmental issues and crop losses.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalThe Plant Genome·DateAug 29, 2018

Nematode can rebuild muscle and neurons after complete degradation

Researchers discovered that nematodes undergo complete degeneration of muscles and neurons, only to rebuild them in adulthood. This process may hold clues for understanding human neurodegenerative diseases and developing new pest control strategies for soybeans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 16, 2018

Long-term study shows crop rotation decreases greenhouse gas emissions

Crop rotation has been shown to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35% compared to continuous corn or soybean. Rotating crops also increases yield benefits of over 20%, with tillage not affecting emissions. The study highlights the importance of crop diversification and soil management in reducing environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateMay 23, 2018

Importing food damages domestic environment

A new study by Michigan State University researchers shows that importing food can damage the environment at home. The study found that shifting from sustainable crops like soybeans to water and nutrient-intensive crops like corn increases nitrogen pollution in importing countries.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2018
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.

Environmental consequences of importing food

A meta-analysis of 168 studies across six continents shows that importing Brazilian and US soybeans led to widespread land-use changes, increasing nitrogen pollution by over 100,000 metric tons. The study highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices in both exporting and importing countries.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2018

The 'bread basket' of the tropics? Study explores tropical grain production

In Mato Grosso, Brazil, researchers found that large-scale farms produce high yields of soybean and maize using succession farming, also known as safrinha. The study shows that while technology adoption rates are low, successive cropping systems improve productivity without relying on high-tech solutions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Management·DateApr 17, 2018

Satellites, supercomputers, and machine learning provide real-time crop type data

A new technique uses satellite data and machine learning to distinguish between corn and soybean fields in Illinois, providing accurate crop type data every two months. The researchers used Landsat satellites and a deep neural network to analyze the data, showing promise for future innovations in agricultural applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateApr 4, 2018
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.

Australian vine can boost soybean yield, study says

A new study from the University of Illinois has discovered that the Australian vine Glycine tomentella contains genetic resources that can substantially increase soybean yield. Yield increases of 3.5 to 7 bushels per acre have been recorded in soybean lines derived from crossing with Glycine tomentella.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateApr 3, 2018

Ragweed casts shade on soy production

Scientists found that common ragweed can drastically reduce soybean yield by 76% in some cases, highlighting its potential threat to soybean production. The study suggests that early detection of weed growth is crucial to predict crop yield losses and inform pesticide application decisions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 28, 2018
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.

Fixing soybean's need for nitrogen

A new study reveals that spraying beneficial bacteria can increase soybean yields and reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers. This innovative approach boosts root nodules, leading to higher crop yields and increased sustainability.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 21, 2018

Tennessee scientists receive Outstanding Paper Awards

Two University of Tennessee scientists, Thomas Mueller and Larry Steckel, received top honors from the Weed Science Society of America for their peer-reviewed articles on weed control and dicamba persistence. Their studies provide valuable insights into agricultural spray hoses and cover crops as a weed management tool.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateFeb 21, 2018

High yield, protein with soybean gene

Researchers have successfully bred soybeans with both high yields and high protein levels, addressing a long-standing challenge in plant breeding. The genetic findings suggest that a specific gene on chromosome 15 can increase protein concentration without significantly decreasing yields.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateNov 22, 2017

New machine evaluates soybean at harvest for quality

Researchers developed a machine to automate soybean quality evaluation during harvesting, providing real-time grain quality information. The system uses high-speed camera and computer program to analyze beans in real time, allowing operators to make adjustments as they go.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateOct 3, 2017

Prairie strips and agricultural land

Researchers found prairie strips increase insect and bird biodiversity and nutrient retention while reducing water runoff. Fields with prairie strips experienced minimal loss in crop production compared to fields without them.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017
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.

Adding commercial soy in developing countries brings unique challenges

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 ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTropical Conservation Science·DateSep 5, 2017

Soybean rust develops 'rolling' epidemics as spores travel north

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPhytopathology·DateAug 30, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New and novel technologies successfully demonstrated in soilborne disease study

Researchers have successfully developed a new method to analyze soil microbial communities and their role in the development of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) disease in soybean. By profiling microbes, scientists found significant differences between healthy and diseased areas, suggesting that biological factors play a key role in determi...

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJul 31, 2017

Nutritional value of soybean meal varies among sources from different countries

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 24, 2017

Unusual soybean coloration sheds a light on gene silencing

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 19, 2017

Similar lipids cluster in soybean cell membrane model

A computational model of the soybean plasma membrane reveals that similar lipids cluster together due to van der Waals interactions. The research has applications for studying membrane proteins and understanding plant responses to stressful conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 6, 2017
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.

Diverse rotations and poultry litter improves soybean yield

Research found that combining crop rotations with soil amendments like poultry litter can alleviate issues associated with continuous cropping. Incorporating corn once within a 4-year cycle resulted in 8% greater yields than continuous soybean.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 15, 2017

Stink bugs: Free guide for agricultural integrated pest management

The Entomological Society of America has published a comprehensive review on identifying, biology, impacts, and management of various stink bug species affecting Midwestern corn and soybean growers. The guide provides methods for differentiating species, life cycle summaries, and guidance on monitoring and managing pests.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Integrated Pest Management·DateMay 4, 2017

Modified soybeans yield more in future climate conditions

Researchers have engineered soybeans to withstand increased temperature and carbon dioxide levels, resulting in higher yields in future climate conditions. The modified crops outperformed conventional soybeans in field studies conducted at SoyFACE, a facility emulating future atmospheric conditions.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateMay 3, 2017

Deciphering plant immunity against parasites

A team of researchers identified a protein called NILR1 in thale cress that helps plants sense and defend against parasitic worms. The discovery could lead to the development of crop plants with enhanced protection against nematodes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 13, 2017

Soy protein concentrate can replace animal proteins in weanling pig diets

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateApr 10, 2017
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.

Cover, crimp, cultivate?

Researchers explored three organic methods to suppress weeds: using cover crops instead of disks, turning them under, or flatening with a crimper. While some found cover crops to be effective in reducing weeds, the team also noted that unexpected weather conditions and soil fertility issues impacted results.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 5, 2017

Students use analytics, operations research to help solve world hunger

A group of students from the UK developed a new method to improve soybean strains using analytics and operations research. The solution has the potential to increase global food production and was part of the first annual O.R. and Analytics Student Team Competition.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 4, 2017

Team nebulizes aphids to knock down gene expression

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to deliver RNA to soybean aphids using nebulization, which appears to block the function of specific genes. The technique has shown promise in improving the uptake of RNA through tiny breathing tubes and may aid in the development of new pest-control systems.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInsect Molecular Biology·DateMar 20, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Nematode resistance in soybeans beneficial even at low rates of infestation

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateFeb 23, 2017

Graphene from soybeans

Graphene, a carbon material one atom thick, has been made more commercially viable thanks to the humble soybean. The novel GraphAir technology eliminates the need for high-controlled environments and expensive equipment, reducing production time and cost.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2017
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.

Harvests in the US to suffer from climate change

A comprehensive computer simulation study confirms that climate change will substantially damage US crop yields, especially wheat, maize, and soybean. Increasing irrigation in regions with sufficient water can help mitigate the effects of global warming on crops.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2017

Plasma-zapping process could yield trans fat-free soybean oil product

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a hydrogenation process that uses high-voltage atmospheric cold plasma (HVACP) to solidify soybean oil for food processing without creating trans fats. The new process is more efficient and environmentally friendly, with the potential to produce safe plant oils on a large scale.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInnovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies·DateDec 1, 2016

Soybean plants with fewer leaves yield more

Modern soybean crops produce too many leaves, wasting resources like water and carbon. By reducing leaf area, researchers found an 8% increase in seed yield through increased photosynthesis and decreased respiration. The study aims to optimize crop structure for higher yields without compromising water efficiency.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 18, 2016