Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Preempting a flesh-eating fly’s return to California

Researchers are tracking the New World screwworm's potential return to California, deploying traps baited with a lure that attracts the fly. Early detection is critical to preventing an outbreak, particularly among farm animals vulnerable to wounds. The project aims to raise awareness and prevent infestations if the fly were to reappear.

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.

Wild birds are driving the current U.S. bird flu outbreak

A study published in Nature found that wild birds, particularly ducks, geese, and swans, are driving the current US bird flu outbreak. The viruses were introduced to North America via migratory birds and have become better adapted to infect wild birds since 2020.

Antimicrobial peptides can reduce salmonella in chickens

Researchers identified two antimicrobial peptides that can kill various types of Salmonella and reduce its load in chickens. The study's findings suggest these peptides could improve food safety and public health by mitigating antibiotic resistance.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Understanding how heat stress reshapes fat metabolism in chickens

A recent study reveals that heat stress directly alters fat metabolism in adipose tissue, regulating genes that promote fat storage. Researchers identified 459 genes that showed different expression levels in response to heat stress, highlighting the active role of adipose tissue in fat deposition.

A sustainable diet leaves room for two chicken breasts a week

Researchers from DTU found that a sustainable diet can allow for up to 255g of poultry or pork per week without harming the planet. However, moderate amounts of red meat exceed planetary boundaries. The study suggests that pescetarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets can be healthy and sustainable.

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.

Texas A&M study predicts long-term drop in chicken fertility rates

A new study published in Poultry Science predicts a significant decline in chicken fertility rates, from approximately 75% to 60% by 2050. This decline could lead to production issues and higher costs for consumers, affecting the poultry industry's ability to meet growing demand.

Development of a novel modified selective medium cefixime–tellurite-phosphate-xylose-rhamnose MacConkey agar for isolation of Escherichia albertii and its evaluation with food samples

A novel selective medium was developed to isolate Escherichia albertii, a previously uncharacterized species. The CT-PS-XR-MacConkey agar selectively differentiated E. albertii from other bacteria, including those in food samples. This finding has significant implications for the identification and study of this pathogen.

Map of genetic regulation in chickens could help fight against bird flu

A comprehensive atlas of gene activity in chickens has been created, revealing how millions of genetic variants affect gene regulation and giving researchers tools to understand agriculturally important traits. This knowledge could lead to healthier flocks, more resilient farming systems, and fewer economic losses for poultry producers.

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.

New carrier birds brought avian flu to Europe, Americas

A new study reveals that wild birds such as pelicans and peregrine falcons are carrying and spreading the H5N1 virus from poultry farms to new areas worldwide. The research highlights the need for revised monitoring and treatment strategies to protect human health.

How feathers develop in chickens

Researchers found that inhibiting the sonic hedgehog pathway restricts feather bud outgrowth and branching in chickens. Temporarily modified Shh expression resulted in proto-featherlike structures, highlighting the pathway's importance in feather development.

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.

Backyard poultry face HPAI risk when migrating mallards stop to rest

A Cornell University study used a computer model to predict the transmission of bird flu to backyard poultry when migratory mallards stop to rest. The researchers found that mallard ducks are natural carriers of avian influenza and can spread the disease to backyard poultry if they stop to rest in an area with high risk for introduction.

Feed additives can reduce campylobacter in free-range broilers

Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have found that adding biochar to chicken feed can significantly reduce campylobacter levels in free-range chickens. The study, published in Poultry Science, demonstrates an 80% reduction in campylobacter and suggests a potential tool for improving public health.

Food: Cracking the method for the ‘perfect’ boiled egg

A new method called periodic cooking optimally cooks both the yolk and white of a boiled egg, resulting in an evenly-cooked egg with higher nutritional content. The approach involves alternating the egg between boiling water and a cooler temperature, yielding soft yolks similar to sous vide eggs.

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.

Update: T cells may offer some protection in an H5N1 ‘spillover’ scenario

A new study by La Jolla Institute for Immunology researchers suggests that many people may already have immune cells on standby to combat the H5N1 virus. The study found similarities between H5N1 and seasonal influenza viruses, allowing scientists to predict cross-reactive T cell responses that could help decrease disease severity.

Enterococcus helps E. coli ‘armor up’ in dog, poultry co-infections

A new study finds that Enterococcus faecalis produces protective capsular slime when present with certain strains of pathogenic Escherichia coli, making E. coli more resistant in low-iron environments. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for specific dog and poultry infections.

Finding a preventative solution to a billion-dollar poultry problem

Researchers are developing a novel vaccine and exploring the use of bile acids to fight necrotic enteritis, a preventable intestinal disease in poultry that costs the industry up to $6 billion annually. The vaccine, known as MEFA, targets multiple virulence points of the disease-causing pathogen, providing better protection against inf...

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.

Global research team develops advanced H5N1 detection kit to tackle avian flu

A global research team has developed an advanced diagnostic kit for detecting the highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus, allowing for rapid detection of both high and low pathogenic strains. The kit's swift detection enables timely responses to outbreaks, reducing transmission risks and preventing devastating epidemics.

Breakthrough in cost-effective production of cultivated meat

A new study demonstrates a cost-effective method for producing cultivated meat, addressing scalability and cost challenges. The continuous manufacturing process enables daily biomass harvests and reduces costs by up to $6.20 per pound, aligning with organic chicken prices.

Hens blush when they are scared or excited

Researchers found that domestic hens exhibit distinct facial expressions, including flushing and feather fluffing, to convey different emotions. The study provides a window into the emotional lives of farmed poultry, potentially improving their welfare.

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.

Cage-free chickens are louse-y

A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.

We're not eating Peppa! Preschoolers befriend farm animals

Researchers from SWPS University found that assigning individual characteristics to farm animals can change children's attitudes towards eating meat. In studies involving preschoolers aged 5-6, those who were given a name and unique habits showed increased desire to befriend the animal and decreased willingness to eat its meat.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Omega-6 fatty acids could cut risk of bipolar disorder

Researchers identified a genetic link between higher levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk of bipolar disorder. Arachidonic acid, found in meat, seafood, and human milk, may hold potential for lifestyle or dietary interventions to prevent or treat the condition.

Emotion can also cause chickens to get red in the face

Research found that chickens get red in the face depending on their emotional state, with lighter colors at rest and scarlet red during negative experiences. The study also suggests using facial redness as an indicator of animal welfare, particularly in domesticated breeds.

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.

An innovative approach to shield against foodborne illness

The University of Missouri researchers are developing new technology to rapidly detect and mitigate salmonella and other foodborne pathogens throughout the entire poultry supply chain. The team aims to significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness in people, with rapid results that can be produced in one hour or less.

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.

Chicken whisperers: humans crack the clucking code

A University of Queensland study found humans can correctly identify the emotional context of chickens' clucks, with 69% accuracy. The ability to detect emotional information from vocalisations could improve the welfare of farmed chickens.

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.

Study overturns conventional wisdom about wild turkey nesting survival

A new study has overturned conventional wisdom on wild turkey nesting survival, revealing that precipitation levels during nesting season are not related to reproductive success. The researchers found that temperatures above historical averages were associated with higher rates of daily nest survival during incubation.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Avian influenza: new aspects of an old threat

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights the rapid spread of avian influenza viruses worldwide, affecting wild bird populations and mammals. The authors warn that human infections with A(H5N1) can be severe and increase the risk of reassortment with mammalian viruses.

10 popular diets scored for heart-healthy elements; some need improvement

The American Heart Association scientific statement rates how closely popular dietary patterns align with its guidance for heart-healthy eating. The statement evaluates 10 categories of diets, scoring them from 31 to 100 based on their alignment with the guidance, with some diets receiving high scores while others need improvement.

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.

Chicken breeding in Japan dates back to fourth century BCE

Conclusive evidence of chicken breeding in the Yayoi period of Japan has been discovered at the Karako-Kagi site. The study found that chickens were bred in the area during the middle Yayoi period, around 381-204 BCE, providing clear evidence that breeding occurred on the Japanese archipelago.