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How intensive agriculture turned a wild plant into a pervasive weed

Research at the University of British Columbia found that intensive agriculture has driven rapid evolutionary change in waterhemp, a North American native plant, turning it into a problematic weed. The study compared genetic samples from modern farms and historical specimens to track evolution over two centuries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022
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 nanoparticle-based sensors can measure residual herbicides in food

Researchers at Washington State University developed a new method to measure residual herbicides in fruits, vegetables, and their products using nanoparticles. The test is sensitive enough to detect chemicals down to maximum acceptable levels and is validated using traditional testing methods.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Study shows hazardous herbicide chemical goes airborne

A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that amines used in herbicide formulations volatilize, releasing toxic particles into the atmosphere and affecting climate chemistry. The research highlights the importance of understanding amines' role in atmospheric pollution.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022
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 do mushrooms become magic?

Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateOct 17, 2022

Popular herbicide weakens bumblebees’ color vision

A study by Finnish researchers found that exposure to the herbicide glyphosate impairs bumblebees' fine color vision, affecting their ability to learn and remember connections between colors and tastes. This weakened color vision can severely impact bumblebees' foraging and nesting success.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateOct 13, 2022

Best way to estimate costs for invasive plant removal? Get out and dig

A new study by University of Illinois researchers estimates the costs of removing invasive Miscanthus plants, ranging from $85 to $3,316 per site. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the challenges of eradication and highlight the need for accurate research and planning.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·DateOct 11, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research shows path to long-term downy brome control

A five-year field study found that indaziflam reduces downy brome abundance and enables native perennial grass cover. Indaziflam delivered longer-term benefits compared to imazapic, controlling downy brome across the entire study period.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2022

Study examines current state regulations, public health risks of growing medicinal and recreational marijuana market

A new study urges regulators to take a closer look at the health and safety risks of the growing medicinal and recreational cannabis market. The research team found that many pesticides in cannabis cultivation were highly unlikely to be used, but still detected, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2022

Weedy rice has become herbicide resistant through rapid evolution

Scientists found that weedy rice has developed herbicide resistance through gene flow from crop rice, with most fields showing resistant plants within 20 years of herbicide-resistant rice cultivation. This rapid evolution is due to the close proximity of weedy and crop rice in the same fields, allowing for pollen transfer and outcrossing.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022

Study first to link weed killer Roundup® to convulsions in animals

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University has linked the use of herbicide Roundup to convulsions in soil-dwelling roundworms, suggesting that glyphosate targets GABA-A receptors. The study found that even low concentrations of glyphosate had concerning effects on the nervous system.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Palmer amaranth in two southern states now resistant to S-metolachlor

Research finds Palmer amaranth populations in Arkansas and two Southern states are resistant to S-metolachlor, a Group 15 herbicide. Resistant populations require more herbicide to control seedling emergence, but remain susceptible to other VLCFA inhibitors like dimethenamid-P and pyroxasulfone.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022
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.

Timing is everything for weed management

Researchers identified peak emergence times for 15 problematic weed species in the Northeast, revealing that waiting till after June 1 can avoid common ragweed. Flexible crop rotations and weather-based predictions can help farmers plan ahead and control weeds more effectively.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Agronomy·DateJul 5, 2022

Agricultural companies use new tools for herbicide discovery

Herbicide companies are shifting their research focus to address growing resistance, using AI, X-ray crystallography, and computer simulations to predict target enzymes and inhibit herbicides. This could lead to new commercial products, but experts caution farmers to moderate use and consider additional crop protection tools.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 22, 2022
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 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

CSU, biotech company partnering on RNA-based method for weed control

Researchers at Colorado State University are developing an RNA-based method for controlling herbicide-resistant weeds using gene-silencing technology. The goal is to create a non-genetically modified, shelf-stable spray that targets specific strands of RNA in weed cells, leaving crops untouched.

SourceColorado State University·DateMar 8, 2022

Illinois research shows how dicamba could be safely used in sweet corn

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that applying dicamba at the latest growth stage and using a safener can help minimize injury to sweet corn. The results suggest that dicamba could be used safely in sweet corn with proper application timing and formulation, offering practical guidance for farmers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateFeb 8, 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.

Study shows the impact of preemergent herbicides on native plants

A study by Montana State University found that preemergent herbicide indaziflam is effective in controlling non-native annual mustard plants, but negatively impacts native forbs, reducing their richness by approximately 50%. The use of indaziflam may need to be limited to areas with less native vegetation.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Mitigating environmental impact of herbicides

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a framework to understand how herbicides interact and drift onto unintended plants, affecting crops and the environment. The study found that genetically modified crop introduction influences herbicide use rates and practices, leading to increased drift.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

Stemming the tide of invasive weeds with world-first herbicide capsules

Researchers have developed a novel herbicide delivery system using capsules that drill into invasive weeds, providing a safer and more effective alternative to traditional methods. The system has shown promising results in reducing herbicide usage by 30% while maintaining effectiveness against various weed species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPlants·DateDec 1, 2021
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.

First dicamba-resistant waterhemp reported in Illinois

Researchers have confirmed a Champaign County waterhemp population is resistant to dicamba, with a 65% control rate. The population shows signs of metabolic resistance, activating detoxification genes before the chemical can harm. This finding raises concerns about the potential for broader herbicide resistance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateNov 29, 2021

No to the re-approval of glyphosate – Large aerial dispersal confirmed

A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.

SourceBündnis für eine enkeltaugliche Landwirtschaft e. V.·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

Weed goes off script to resist herbicides

University of Illinois researchers discovered waterhemp's unique mechanism to detoxify the herbicide SA3, adding complexity to controlling this weed. This finding raises concerns about the potential for waterhemp to resist new herbicides before they are even commercialized.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 5, 2021

New 3D-printed sensor can detect glyphosate in beverages

A new, low-cost 3D-printed sensor can accurately detect and measure glyphosate levels in liquids with high sensitivity and specificity. The sensor uses nano-sized tubes and technology similar to glucose tests to detect the herbicide in orange juice and rice beverages.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
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.

Think climate change is bad for corn? Add weeds to the equation

Researchers found that late-season weeds had a significant impact on corn yields, with minimal control resulting in an average loss of 50% and exacerbating crop losses under hot or dry conditions. The study suggests that climate change is not the only factor affecting corn yield, but rather its interaction with weeds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 7, 2021

Herbicide resistance no longer a black box for scientists

Researchers identify gene regions responsible for non-target-site herbicide resistance in waterhemp, a key step towards early detection and management tools. By analyzing the genome of waterhemp, scientists have narrowed down the genetic regions controlling resistance to two areas, paving the way for further studies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2021

Mixtures of two herbicides have less environmental impact when mixed in laboratories

A University of Córdoba study found that mixing two herbicides in laboratories results in a more effective and environmentally friendly method for controlling difficult-to-control weeds. The commercial mixture was shown to have a lower environmental impact than manual mixing, reducing risks and boosting effectiveness by 10-20%.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateMay 27, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Economic impacts of glyphosate regulation

A simulation study found a 10% carbon tax on glyphosate use would incur $98 million annual net economic loss but provide $6 million in human health benefits per year. The findings suggest caution in regulating glyphosate due to its environmental and economic concerns.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021

Transporter conferring herbicide resistance in plants

Research found that ABC transporters in plants can confer glyphosate resistance by moving the herbicide out of cells. This is achieved through the EcABCC8 transporter, which was shown to exhibit higher expression levels in resistant weed species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2021

Unveiling the cause of onion center rot

A new study has identified pantaphos as the molecule responsible for causing onion center rot. The researchers also discovered that pantaphos can act as an effective herbicide and is toxic to glioblastoma cells, making it a promising candidate for agricultural and biomedical applications.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalmBio·DateMar 9, 2021
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.

Common weed killers favour antibiotic resistant bacteria, new study shows

A new study from the University of York shows that common weed killers can increase the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil. Herbicides are found to favour bacterial species carrying antibiotic resistance genes, potentially changing microbial community properties.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 16, 2021

Variable weather makes weeds harder to whack

A study found that variable weather conditions make pre-emergence herbicides less effective, leading to increased use of post-emergence herbicides. Herbicide combinations can help minimize rainfall requirements and improve weed control.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPest Management Science·DateFeb 8, 2021

New research highlights impacts of weedkiller on wildlife

A University of Birmingham team used Daphnia to test the effects of Roundup on keystone species. They found significant harm to animals' metabolism and gut function, even at approved regulatory levels. The results offer a starting point for tracking herbicide impacts across different species.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMicrobiome·DateDec 15, 2020

Male weeds may hold key to their own demise

Researchers have identified key genes responsible for male sexual organs in two problematic agricultural weeds. Understanding these genes could lead to new ways to control the weeds' spread. Dioecy, a rare plant reproductive trait, allows the weeds to evade multiple herbicides and adapt to environments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 11, 2020

Ultrasensitive transistor for herbicide detection in water

A new transistor detects glyphosate in drinking water at 0.26 parts per million, outperforming conventional sensors with a detection limit of 0.95 ppm. The device works by adding copper ions that bind to the herbicide molecules, causing a detectable reduction in electric current.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateDec 1, 2020
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.

Hydrogen bonds may be key to airborne dicamba

Washington University researchers found that hydrogen bonding functional groups on amines play a key role in controlling dicamba volatility. The team's study suggests that amines with more hydrogen bonding sites decrease dicamba's ability to become airborne, potentially leading to improved formulations and reduced crop damage.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 4, 2020

Cover crops effective at suppressing weeds in cotton

Planting cover crops is a key strategy for effective integrated weed management in cotton, offering benefits like improved Palmer amaranth control and reduced herbicide input. Research shows that cover crops can also mitigate wind and water erosion, while minimizing labor and improving cotton stand.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateSep 9, 2020
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.

Unraveling the mystery of wheat herbicide tolerance

Researchers used alien substitution lines to pinpoint chromosomal region 5A as key player in wheat's natural tolerance to synthetic auxin herbicides. They found minimal injury in some plant lines due to their ability to naturally detoxify the chemical, while others were highly sensitive to high rates of the herbicide.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2020

UQ researchers solve a 50-year-old enzyme mystery

UQ researchers have solved a 50-year-old enzyme mystery, revealing the complete structure of an essential amino acid synthesizing enzyme. This discovery could lead to the development of new herbicides and antimicrobial agents, potentially restoring effective treatment options for infections such as tuberculosis and invasive Candida.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2020

Weed's wily ways explained in Illinois research

Researchers have discovered that herbicide-resistant weeds like waterhemp produce detoxifying enzymes to neutralize certain chemicals, making them resistant to common herbicides. This metabolic resistance strategy is hard to identify and combat, highlighting the need for a multi-pronged approach to control these weeds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWeed Science·DateJun 17, 2020

Study documents the challenges of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass in turf

Researchers have identified 31 populations of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass in Australia, highlighting the narrowing options for effective control. The weed has developed resistance to multiple herbicides, including propyzamide and rimsulfuron, with levels of resistance ranging from two-fold to 56-fold.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·DateJun 5, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New study by Clemson scientists could pave way to cure of global parasite

A newly released study by Clemson University scientists provides evidence that disrupting heme production in Toxoplasma gondii could be an effective therapeutic strategy. Researchers found that using herbicides to inhibit the parasite's growth can deny it an essential nutrient, potentially leading to a cure.

SourceClemson University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 18, 2020

The basis of glyphosate resistance in amaranth

Researchers sequence and dissect the structure of the extrachromosomal DNA replicon underlying glyphosate resistance in Palmer amaranth. The eccDNA replicon contains 59 genes, including the EPSPS gene, which shows higher expression after glyphosate treatment.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateApr 23, 2020

How atrazine regulations have influenced the environment

New research finds that atrazine regulations have been successful in reducing overall concentration of atrazine in water. However, the rate of breakdown to less toxic compound DEA is influenced by soil microbes and climate. The study also shows that dry areas without tile drainage lead to faster breakdown of atrazine.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 22, 2020

Widely used weed killer harming biodiversity

Researchers from McGill University found that widespread use of Roundup herbicide can trigger loss of biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to pollution and climate change. The study discovered that some ecosystems adapt by evolving resistance to the herbicide, but this comes at a cost of plankton diversity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 2, 2020
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.

From plants, UVA extracts a better way to determine what our genes do

Scientists at UVA have developed a new method to determine the genetic causes of diseases by analyzing the effects of genes on proteins. The technique, using plant extracts, enables researchers to sort immediate from complex reactions, revolutionizing gene function study.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 8, 2019