The aging locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway are causing inefficiencies that increase transportation costs for grain and oilseeds. The study estimates a 40% decrease in economic activity if Lock 25 is closed, leading to a decline of over 7,000 jobs and $2.4 billion in economic activity annually.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateNov 2, 2016
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.
Researchers at Kansas State University have designed a soybean variety that protects against nematode parasites, which are the No. 1 soybean disease in the nation. The new variety could potentially save the soybean industry millions of dollars per year by controlling nematodes and their reproduction cycles.
Washington State University biologist Mechthild Tegeder has made a groundbreaking discovery in increasing soybean yield by up to 36% through the use of specialized bacteria. The breakthrough could help address global food security challenges while reducing environmental pollution.
SourceWashington State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 12, 2016
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·DateOct 6, 2016
A new study finds that while elevated CO2 concentrations boost plant growth under ideal conditions, drought will outweigh those benefits and cause yield losses sooner than anticipated. Soybeans grown in a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere used more water under hot and dry conditions, leading to reduced yields.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 5, 2016
US soybean crop is under threat from the kudzu bug, but research has found that some wild relatives of soybeans have developed resistance to the pest. These adapted plants have built defense mechanisms against pests, including limiting the ability of nymphs to survive.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 17, 2016
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.
The Soybean Knowledge Base (SoyKB) uses high-performance computing to analyze soybean genetic data, promoting deeper understanding for scientists improving crops. Over 2,000 unique users log on monthly, with over 10,000 utilizing the platform since its development in 2010.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateAug 16, 2016
Researchers found that ground-nesting bees were the most abundant insects in corn and soybean fields, accounting for 65% of total pollinators. The study suggests that adopting no-till practices and programs like STRIPS could benefit pollinators, potentially increasing yields by up to 6%.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateAug 11, 2016
Research at the University of Illinois found that soybean meal from different growing regions in the US has no significant differences in phosphorus content. Adding microbial phytase improved phosphorus digestibility across all regions.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 28, 2016
Engineers developed a numerical model to calculate nitrogen's age in corn and soybean fields, potentially improving fertilizer application techniques. The research found that nitrogen topsoil has a relatively high average age compared to water, with ammonium accumulating in the upper layers.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJul 25, 2016
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.
Research on Iowa stream nitrate levels reveals counterintuitive findings, contradicting models that more corn would increase nitrate concentrations. Fertilizer application and soil chemistry differences between corn and soybeans may contribute to lower nitrate levels in streams.
SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·DateMay 24, 2016
Scientists found neonicotinoid seed treatments yield higher results in southern U.S. states, with economic benefits in four out of 10 years studied.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateApr 18, 2016
A new study suggests that increased carbon dioxide levels could help mitigate the negative impacts of rising temperatures on crop yields, particularly in regions with suitable conditions. The research projects a 10% increase in average yields of certain crops, while water consumption would decrease by a corresponding amount.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 18, 2016
A recent study by University of Illinois researchers demonstrates that biodiesel produced from sugarcane can be more economical than soybean-based biodiesel. With sugarcane producing up to 12% oil, it offers a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on foreign oil.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateMar 17, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that high-protein canola meal is a valuable ingredient in swine diets, offering similar digestible energy and amino acid profiles to soybean meal. The study found improved digestibility of crude protein and amino acids in high-protein canola meal compared to conventional canola meal.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAnimal Feed Science and Technology·DateFeb 29, 2016
PPO herbicides show improved performance when applied at noon, outperforming early morning and late evening applications by 15-20% and 10%, respectively. This timing affects weed control in glyphosate-tolerant soybeans.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateFeb 22, 2016
A new coordinated soybean variety evaluation program aims to provide African farmers with high-yielding and disease-resistant seed options. The program, in partnership with the Syngenta Foundation and the University of Illinois, tests 25 varieties at 12 locations across Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2016
Scientists at Indiana University have developed a method to alter a plant's innate defense system to deliver resistance to a new disease. By creating decoy proteins that mimic bacterial modifications, the team broadened the recognition ability of a sensor protein to detect multiple pathogens.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A University of Illinois study explores effective weed management in commercial edamame production, revealing that integrated tactics and specific herbicide combinations can increase marketable pod yield. Gardensoy 43 cultivar showed promise as a competitive option, reducing weed biomass by 29 percent.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateFeb 4, 2016
A team of researchers is urging increased spending on agricultural research in the Midwest to address climate change impacts. The proposed network would gather data on crop performance and management practices across the region to improve crops' adaptation to high temperatures, carbon dioxide, ozone, pests, and disease.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateFeb 4, 2016
New research reveals Palmer amaranth can cause significant soybean yield loss in Illinois, up to 30% in short periods, highlighting the need for early detection and management strategies.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateJan 27, 2016
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.
Research at the University of Illinois found that US-grown soybean meal contains at least 200 kcal more digestible, metabolizable, and net energy than current estimates. This increases its economic value and can reduce diet costs if used in pig feed formulations.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJan 21, 2016
Weed blasting, a new control method for organic farmers, has been shown to be surprisingly effective in reducing final weed biomass by 69-97% compared to non-weeded control plots. The method involves blasting weed seedlings with tiny fragments of organic grit using an air compressor.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Protection·DateJan 21, 2016
Researchers warn of declining crop production in the US Midwest, with global implications, and propose a coordinated field research network to gather precise data on crop performance and management practices.
SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·DateDec 16, 2015
A University of Illinois study found that crop prices can increase corn yields by up to one-third due to better management practices and two-thirds due to additional planted acreage. Climate change is expected to reduce corn yields, but farmers' responsiveness to price changes can mitigate this impact.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateNov 17, 2015
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.
A new study reveals that ground-level ozone has been reducing crop yields of maize and soybeans by 5% and 10%, respectively, over the last 30 years. The researchers calculated an annual loss of $9 billion due to ozone damage, highlighting the need for upgraded emissions regulations.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2015
Researchers at Michigan State University found that Chinese farmers are adapting to shrinking domestic soybean fields by planting more profitable crops like corn, but this shift has environmental implications. Meanwhile, pockets of resilience in soybean cultivation suggest potential solutions for China's burgeoning food demand.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 18, 2015
A new stink bug has been identified as the primary pest problem for soybean crops in Texas, causing economic damage. Entomologists are developing targeted control methods, including using trap crops and resistant varieties, to mitigate the issue.
SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateAug 24, 2015
Researchers at University of Akron develop soybean oil-based adhesives that work in wet conditions, addressing a billion-dollar industry's need for sustainable materials. The new adhesives mimic mussel proteins' ability to stick even in harsh marine environments.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that a high-soybean-oil diet caused significant weight gain, diabetes, and insulin resistance in mice compared to diets high in coconut oil or fructose. The researchers used mice fed different diets containing various types of fats to investigate the effects on obesity and metabolic syndrome.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2015
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.
Researchers found that feeding high concentrations of soybean meal improved growth and immune response in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The study suggests that isoflavones in soybean meal may have antiviral properties, helping to alleviate the effects of PRRSV.
SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 21, 2015
Purdue University researchers have identified a key gene that controls soybean seed coat permeability, which could lead to improved crop varieties for southern and tropical regions. The discovery also offers potential applications for enhancing the nutritional value of soybeans by modifying their calcium content.
SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 22, 2015
Researchers found that western corn rootworm beetles develop resistance to crop rotation through gene expression changes in their guts, involving immune regulation and antimicrobial functions. The study sheds light on the complex interplay of forces behind rotation resistance and could help develop more sustainable agricultural practices.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateJun 9, 2015
Researchers found that relay-cropping camelina with soybean uses less water than traditional double-cropping methods. This approach also yields higher soybean crops due to a longer growing season, benefiting pollinators and soil carbon content.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 29, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
Plant breeder Ram Singh has successfully developed a soybean variety resistant to multiple pathogens, including soybean rust and cyst nematode. The new plants have also shown improved yield and protein content compared to existing varieties.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·DateMay 12, 2015
A US research team has identified promising edamame lines for commercial production in the Midwest, with improvements needed to overcome challenges such as poor seed germination and emergence. The study suggests that edamame plants can grow quicker than grain-type soybean, but require shorter plant sizes for efficient mechanical harvest.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCrop Science·DateMay 5, 2015
Researchers have developed a new variety of low-allergenic soybean that lacks key allergenic and anti-nutritional proteins, making it suitable for use in infant formulas, livestock feed, and aquaculture. The 'Triple Null' soybean has the potential to reduce processing costs and make animal feed production more efficient.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPlant Breeding·DateMay 1, 2015
Syngenta's use of advanced analytics and operations research led to improved crop production, reducing the time and cost required to develop crops with high productivity. The company's innovative tools have resulted in over $287 million in cost savings and a high probability of delivering a portfolio value exceeding $1.5 billion.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·DateApr 14, 2015
A recent study published in Nature Plants found that climate change is reducing soybean yields across the United States, with an average decline of 2.4% for every one-degree rise in temperature. The study suggests that soybean farmers can minimize yield losses by adopting practices such as earlier planting and no-till farming.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 30, 2015
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 recent study by the University of Illinois has identified specific nutritional needs for soybeans to improve yield and seasonal nutrient supply. The researchers found that nutrients such as phosphate, potassium, nitrogen, sulfur, and copper are critical for high-yielding success.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 19, 2015
A new study finds that genetically modified soybean oil causes obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver in mice fed a high-fat diet, but has fewer negative metabolic consequences than regular soybean oil. The results suggest that genetic modification may not always lead to healthier products.
Research on mice by UC Riverside scientists reveals that genetically modified soybean oil is just as unhealthy as conventional soybean oil, inducing obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver. However, GM soybean oil does not cause insulin resistance, unlike regular soybean oil.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 5, 2015
A collaborative research project has identified a specific gene in soybean that improves its tolerance to soil salinity. The researchers found that this gene can be used to breed soybeans that can thrive in areas with high salt levels, which is essential for improving global food security.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJan 9, 2015
Researchers found that insecticides increase slug populations and reduce crop yields by poisoning insects that eat slugs. The neonicotinoids can have unintended costs, even within crop production.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateDec 4, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Research by Brandon Barton suggests that slower natural wind speeds could reduce the number of soybean aphids on plants, allowing lady beetles to hunt more effectively. This could lead to a decrease in pesticide required for crop protection.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEcology·DateSep 19, 2014
A study in Mato Grosso, Brazil found that farm managers who are aware of factors contributing to postharvest loss actually experience less grain loss. The main causes of loss include harvest speed, lack of truck maintenance, bad weather, and poor road conditions. Despite identifying these issues, many farmers do not prioritize loss red...
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Management·DateAug 6, 2014
Researchers at Purdue University have identified a soybean gene that affects plant stem growth, leading to improved soybean cultivars for the northern United States. The discovery could result in semideterminate soybeans that are better suited to the region's climate and growing conditions.
SourcePurdue University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 15, 2014
A team of researchers has identified a novel ion transporter gene, GmCHX1, linked to salt tolerance in wild soybean. This discovery provides an effective strategy for uncovering novel genomic information for crop improvement.
SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2014
Charcoal rot, caused by fungi like Macrophomina phaseolina, thrives in hot and dry conditions, exacerbating crop yields. Researchers are now focusing on breeding drought-resistant soybean lines that can combat the disease.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPlant Molecular Biology Reporter·DateJul 9, 2014
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.
The Soybean Knowledge Base (SoyKB) is a free online database that allows researchers to collaborate and analyze large data sets related to soybean research. Key findings include the use of computational methods to help determine results, and the potential for drug design and cost-effective pharmaceutical development.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 2014
Researchers report Palmer amaranth is invading Illinois fields, reducing soybean yields by 78% and corn yields by 91%. The plant's rapid growth and resistance to common herbicides make control challenging. Illinois farmers must take action before the weed takes over.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJun 3, 2014
Research suggests that Midwest corn and soybean yields could drop by 15-30% over the next half-century due to harsher drought conditions. The study, published in Science, found that corn and soybeans are becoming increasingly sensitive to drought, with yields struggling in dry conditions in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateMay 1, 2014
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.
Researchers developed a new computer model to help plant scientists breed better soybean crops, achieving 8.5% productivity gains while reducing water usage by 13%. The model uses numerical optimization to explore structural traits like leaf distribution and reflectivity.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 3, 2014
Researchers found that western corn rootworm beetles resistant to crop rotation are less vulnerable to RNAi treatment, surviving longer on soybean leaves. The study suggests targeting a single gene may not be the best strategy for controlling pests.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPesticide Biochemistry and Physiology·DateMar 11, 2014
Researchers found that new varieties have higher yields and accelerated gains, with traits like shorter plants, later maturation, and increased oil concentration. This study provides insights for future breeding efforts to maintain yield increases and address demand for soybeans.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Crop Science·DateMar 5, 2014
Researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have found GMO soybean pollen in six honey samples from Mexico, sparking concerns over its impact on honey exports. The presence of GMO pollen could lead to significant price cuts or rejection of honey products under European regulations.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2014
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.
Researchers found numerous bird nests and a greater diversity of species in no-till soybean fields compared to tilled fields. The study highlights the importance of agricultural practices in supporting bird abundance and diversity.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJan 21, 2014
The University of Illinois has received a $25 million federal grant to improve soybean yields in five African countries, increasing the continent's food supply. The project will focus on developing high-yielding soybean varieties and improving poultry nutrition.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateNov 1, 2013
The University of Illinois has released a new brochure providing detailed nutritional information on eight different soy products, including full-fat soybeans and conventional dehulled soybean meal. The data reveals that soy protein has a balance of essential amino acids closely fulfilling the needs of pigs.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateOct 4, 2013
Experts warn of spreading herbicide-resistant weed species, including Palmer amaranth pigweed, threatening farmers' crop yields. New herbicides with alternative modes of action and residual activity are being developed to help manage resistant weeds.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.