Articles tagged with Natural Resources
A recent study in the Review of Agricultural Economics reveals that China's horticultural economy has contributed to poverty reduction among small and poor farmers. Despite the emergence of modern supply chains, ensuring food safety remains a challenge due to lack of contractual relationships and accountability.
A new calibration tool has been developed to help students and soil scientists accurately measure rupture resistance, a key factor in determining soil strength. The tool consists of four pressure calibration assemblies with varying pressures, allowing users to calibrate their thumb and forefinger for precise measurement.
The number of students studying soil science as a major is declining across the United States, according to Mary Collins' article published in the Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education. The decline affects not only students but also courses offered, quality of graduate students, and potential department mergers.
A new approach to teaching agriculture was developed to focus on social learning and sustainability. The method, which includes exercises that build awareness of individual and collective knowledge and knowing, helped students develop a broader capacity to approach sustainability challenges systemically and collectively.
The traditional method of discovering herbicides involves random searching of chemicals, resulting in most commercial products. New biotech information allows companies to create targeted weed killers. The American Society of Agronomy developed an interactive web lesson to teach students about the history and development of herbicides.
A college biology teacher found that by addressing student misbehavior directly, he was able to improve classroom attention and engagement. The study suggests that simply being direct with students can resolve problems and encourage cooperation.
A survey of college students revealed mixed opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture, with some supporting genetically modified crops and others expressing concerns over environmental and social impacts. The study suggests that educators should provide neutral exposure to both sustainable agric...
Educators use candy to teach soil microbial diversity, resulting in increased student assessment scores and retained concepts. Students base characterizations on physical appearance of candies, exploring ways microorganisms can be defined.
A discussion-based scenario was shared by Lori Unruh Snyder to teach critical thinking about food biotechnology. The exercise helped students understand the conflict between those affected and policymakers, as well as regional opinions impacting the world. By debating pros and cons of biotechnology globally, students enhanced their cri...
A recent University of Michigan study reveals that Mexican organic coffee bat populations are crucial in controlling insects that damage coffee crops. Using a new 'perch and wait' hunting technique, bats outperform birds by 84% in reducing insect density during the summer wet season.
A partnership between a professor and a librarian helps undergraduate students search for and validate online scientific literature. The tutorial teaches skills to sift through growing amounts of information, identifying valid peer-reviewed scientific research and experimentation.
Researchers Zeb Hogan and Sudeep Chandra document and protect massive freshwater fishes in Mekong Delta, critical to understanding and preservation of these species. The project highlights the global 'freshwater extinction crisis' affecting numerous species.
Research from the University of Michigan confirms environmental justice scholars' claims that hazardous waste facilities are concentrated in poor, minority neighborhoods. The study found demographic changes occurred before facility siting, contradicting the 'people came first' argument.
The ILTER network, with over 34 countries as members, will benefit from a joint management structure, ensuring sustainable support for environmental monitoring sites. Long-term data is crucial for understanding climate change, invasive species, and ecosystem health.
A Purdue University study found the Wabash River population of shovelnose sturgeon to be stable, but with concerns over low young fish numbers and potential for population decline. The research informs size and catch limits on the fish set to begin next summer.
Researchers found that mosquitoes of both sexes engage in complex mid-flight pre-mating duets, with each altering its flight tone in response to the other. This interaction serves as a mechanism for bringing together mosquitoes only of opposite sexes during pre-mating encounters.
The Idle-Free Quiet Zone Campaign, now in its fourth year, aims to reduce unnecessary idling in commercial vehicles. The 15-week campaign promotes techniques such as separate cab heaters and engine timers to minimize fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The IODP Cascadia margins gas hydrates expedition is underway, exploring the presence of ice-like solids composed of water and natural gas on marine continental shelves. Media representatives are invited onboard the drillship in Victoria port on Oct. 31, 2005 for tours of the ship.
A new study in Gabon reveals that poverty alleviation efforts may inadvertently increase bushmeat consumption and threaten local wildlife populations. The research found that growth in poor families' income led to increased consumption of bushmeat, highlighting the need for holistic strategies that balance conservation with development.
The Brazilian state of Amazonas has announced the creation of six new protected areas, covering over 40% of its territory. These areas will help safeguard the region's rich biodiversity and support conservation initiatives.
Researchers Barany and Hammett found that forests and non-timber forest products are crucial for household coping strategies, offering low-cost alternatives to meet nutritional needs. Medicinal plants from these resources can treat conditions related to HIV/AIDS, making them a vital priority for conservation and management efforts.
The study reveals African Americans are more likely to make environmentally-friendly lifestyle choices and prioritize environmental issues. Despite this, they face poorer environmental conditions in their neighborhoods, sparking greater concern than their white counterparts.
A simple lab exercise introduces students to exploring catena soils, recognizing horizon changes, and associating auger holes with soil descriptions. The exercise helps students understand the impact of topography on soil properties and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that women who reproduce later in life have a lower chance of having their descendants survive and thrive. In contrast, women who start families earlier tend to have more lineage success. The researchers used statistical models to analyze the impact of education, i...