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Study: Future drought will offset benefits of higher CO2 on soybean yields

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.

Sayonara, kudzu bug?

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.

Soybean science blooms with supercomputers

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.

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.

Measure of age in soil nitrogen could help precision agriculture

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.

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.

Could global warming's top culprit help crops?

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.

Biodiesel from sugarcane more economical than soybean

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.

High-protein canola meal beneficial for growing pigs

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.

Time of day can impact spray

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Finding the best seeds to match Africa's needs

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.

One step closer to commercial edamame production in the US

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.

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.

Weed blasting offers new control method for organic farmers

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.

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.

Study shows how crop prices and climate variables affect yield and acreage

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.

Study: Ground-level ozone reduces maize and soybean yields

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.

Harvesting clues to GMO dilemmas from China's soybean fields

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.

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.

Mussels inspire development of waterproof adhesives

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.

Soybean oil causes more obesity than coconut oil and fructose

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.

Soybean meal positively affects pigs with PRRSV

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.

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.

Study: Crop-rotation resistant rootworms have a lot going on in their guts

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.

Food or fuel? How about both?

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.

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 charts a course for increasing edamame acreage in the Midwest

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.

Low-allergen soybean could have high impact

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.

Syngenta wins 2015 INFORMS Edelman Prize, leading award in analytics, O.R.

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.

Climate change costing soybean farmers

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How healthy is genetically modified soybean oil?

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.

Research finds salt tolerance gene in soybean

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.

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.

Dwindling wind may tip predator-prey balance

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.

Farm manager plays leading role in postharvest loss

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...

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.

Researchers develop free online database for soybean studies

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.

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.

Increased drought portends lower future Midwest crop yields

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.

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.

Smithsonian reports GMO soybean pollen threatens Mexican honey sales

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.

New brochure provides nutritional data on soy products fed to pigs

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.

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.

New weapons on the way to battle wicked weeds

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.

Contemplating the Brazilian dilemma: Abundant grain/inadequate storage

Researchers used GIS software to map Brazil's grain storage facilities and found significant undercapacity, particularly in the northern state of Mato Grosso. The study aims to determine optimal locations for additional storage, addressing postharvest losses and increasing production efficiency.

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.

Telecoupling pulls pieces of sustainability puzzle together

A new framework, telecoupling, describes how distance is shrinking and connections are strengthening between nature and humans. It shows how environmental and socioeconomic actions lead to reactions and feedbacks that reverberate globally, affecting global sustainability.