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How math helps to protect crops from invasive disease

Researchers develop mathematical modeling to predict aflatoxin outbreaks in Texas using remote sensing satellites and soil properties. The model has the potential to save farmers billions of dollars in losses by providing early risk prediction and targeted prevention strategies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

ASU researchers help to control cancer-causing poison in corn

Researchers at Arizona State University have introduced a new sterilization technique using X-ray irradiation to reduce Aspergillus flavus viability in contaminated corn. The method stops the fungus from transmitting spores and producing aflatoxins, crucial for developing additional remediation techniques.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newly discovered fungus helps destroy a harmful food toxin

A newly discovered fungus has been found to transform the toxic compound patulin into less harmful byproducts, offering potential solutions for controlling its presence in food products. The fungus, identified as Acremonium sp., was shown to degrade patulin into desoxypatulinic acid and other compounds, which are significantly less toxic.

Harmful fungal toxins in wheat: a growing threat

A new study found that nearly half of wheat crops in Europe are contaminated with harmful fungal toxins, including DON, which can cause vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems. The researchers estimate that 75-million tonnes of wheat exceeded the limit allowed for human consumption between 2010 and 2019, resulting in a loss of aro...

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.

Understanding the cryptic role fungi play in ecosystems

Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.

Fungi in sink drains act as ‘reservoirs for mould’

Research from the University of Reading found that sinks and P-traps harbor a surprising number of fungal organisms, including black moulds and relatives of baker's yeast. The study showed that these microorganisms can tolerate high temperatures, low pH, and low nutrients, making them a potential risk to health in certain environments.

Aptasensors helpful in detection of mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungi that contaminate agricultural products, posing severe health risks. Aptasensors utilize aptamers to specifically detect mycotoxins with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for fast and reliable detection in field settings.

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.

Food claiming to have ‘wild mushrooms’ rarely does

A study found that 95% of fungal species on Earth remain undescribed, leading to inconsistent regulations and potential health risks. The researchers tested 16 food products labeled as containing 'wild mushrooms' and discovered most consisted of cultivated species, including poisonous varieties.

Decades-old puzzle of the ecology of soil animals solved

An international research team deciphered the defence mechanism of filamentous fungi, discovering that certain fungal pigments like aurofusarin protect fungi from predation. These pigments were found to repel small soil animals such as worms and springtails, and may have evolved due to extremely high concentrations of defence chemicals.

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.

Detecting potentially harmful mycotoxins in beer

Scientists develop portable biosensing chip to detect low levels of ochratoxin A and deoxynivalenol in beer samples. The device can detect mycotoxins as low as 0.2 nanograms/milliliter, posing a potential health risk.

Drinking a lot of beer increases exposure to mycotoxins

Researchers from the University of Valencia analysed 154 brands of beer and found that heavy drinkers consume toxic substances exceeding safety limits. The study reveals low exposure for average consumers, but highlights concerns among those who drink large quantities of beer daily.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.