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The latest poop from the turkey coop

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that treating poultry waste to produce hydrochar generates more net energy than biochar, making it a promising renewable fuel source. The study also showed that higher temperatures during production result in reduced emissions of methane and ammonia.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalApplied Energy·DateNov 20, 2017

How flu shot manufacturing forces influenza to mutate

A new study from Scripps Research Institute reveals that egg-based production causes the virus to target bird cells, disrupting the major antibody target site on the surface. This mutation renders the flu vaccine less effective in humans, with recent vaccines proving only 33% effective against H3N2 viruses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pheasant roadkill peaks in autumn and late winter

Researchers found that large-scale pheasant release programs have not changed the birds' roadkill likelihood, but shifted peak times to autumn and late winter. Captive-bred pheasants lack survival skills after release, making them vulnerable to road accidents.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 3, 2017

Chicken embryo development data obtained in FANTOM project

A team of scientists has successfully analyzed chicken embryo development data, paving the way for similar research in humans. The findings provide insights into the regulation of gene transcription and its role in tissue formation.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 30, 2017

Modeling the impact of green eggs and hens

A new study by UBC Okanagan researcher Nathan Pelletier found that poultry fed vegan organic feed produce eggs with a smaller environmental footprint. The type of feed and manure management system had the greatest influence on environmental impacts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateSep 12, 2017
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.

Eating meat linked to higher risk of diabetes

A Singapore-based health study found that consuming red meat and poultry increases the risk of developing diabetes. The study suggests replacing these meats with fish, tofu, or legumes may help reduce the risk.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 5, 2017

New green solvent could help clean our air

French researchers have developed a new green solvent that can trap harmful volatile organic compounds from the air. The non-flammable mixture, made from choline salt and urea, was found to dissolve up to 500 times more chemicals than water at 30°C.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters·DateAug 24, 2017
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.

CU study: Ancient DNA used to track Mesa Verde exodus in 13th century

A study using ancient DNA from domesticated turkeys found that many Ancestral Pueblo people migrated to the Northern Rio Grande region after Mesa Verde's collapse. The genetic composition of northern Rio Grande turkeys changed substantially before and after the migration, suggesting the people took their turkeys with them.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 10, 2017

New virus discovered in migratory bird in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute have discovered a new virus in a migratory bird species. The virus, type 15 avian paramyxovirus, was found to be closest to viruses previously identified in South America and does not pose a threat to humans or birds.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 25, 2017

New vaccine production could improve flu shot accuracy

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new way to produce the seasonal flu vaccine that could speed up production and provide better protection against infection. By keeping the human influenza virus from mutating during production, they generate a perfect match to the target vaccine in a shorter time frame.

SourceDuke University·JournalmBio·DateJul 24, 2017

High levels of antibiotic-resistance in Indian poultry farming raises concerns

A new study from India reveals high levels of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in chickens raised for both meat and eggs on farms in Punjab state. The study found that nearly 60% of E. coli isolates contained enzymes conferring drug resistance to key medications, raising concerns about the consequences to human health.

SourceBurness·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 20, 2017
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.

Making chicken feathers

The study reveals that even spacing of cell clumps is set by the gentle tug of war among cells as an organism grows, triggering genes that produce follicles and feathers. This discovery could lead to creating artificial skin with hair follicles and sweat pores for grafts.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 18, 2017

Eat more chicken: Scientists hone in on genetics behind chicken weight adaptation

Researchers used a special experimentally-bred population, the Virginia chicken lines, to understand the genetic architecture behind chicken weight. They identified 20 different genetic loci that explained more than 60% of the additive genetic variance for selected trait.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 18, 2017

Diverse rotations and poultry litter improves soybean yield

Research found that combining crop rotations with soil amendments like poultry litter can alleviate issues associated with continuous cropping. Incorporating corn once within a 4-year cycle resulted in 8% greater yields than continuous soybean.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMay 15, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Most home kitchens in Philadelphia study would earn severe code violations

A recent Drexel University study found that most Philadelphia home kitchens have evidence of pest infestations and improper raw meat storage, with bacteria-laden sponges being a common issue. The study also revealed that refrigeration temperatures were often above recommended levels, allowing bacteria to grow rapidly.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateMay 9, 2017

Poultry feed with arsenic more problematic than assumed?

Researchers have identified three additional compounds in chicken livers treated with Roxarsone, a common poultry feed supplement containing arsenic. These methylated compounds are up to 30,000 times more toxic than Rox and may pose significant risks to human health if consumed.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 5, 2017

Turning chicken poop and weeds into biofuel

Researchers develop process to mix chicken droppings with Mexican sunflower to produce biogas, which can power generators and used as fertilizer. The method produces more than 3 kg of biogas from 8 kg of poultry waste and sunflowers, reducing environmental pollution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateMay 3, 2017
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.

Holy chickens: Did Medieval religious rules drive domestic chicken evolution?

Scientists found that strong selection pressures on European chickens coincided with urbanization, Christian dietary rules, and increased egg production. The TSHR gene variant led to faster egg-laying and reduced aggression, while BCD02's effect on skin pigmentation was linked to selective breeding practices.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMay 2, 2017

Using rooster testes to learn how the body fights viruses

Researchers analyzed rooster testes to uncover how piRNA shields germ cells from viral invaders. The study reveals a unique defense mechanism that could be adapted to combat human diseases related to viruses like avian leukosis virus, which can lead to cancer in chickens and is related to similar viruses in humans.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateApr 27, 2017

Hormone-influenced social strategies shape human social hierarchy, study shows

High testosterone levels are associated with competitive, status-seeking social behaviors, while low testosterone is linked to cooperative behaviors. Researchers found that mixed populations with a balance of high and low-testosterone individuals are more likely to form effective social hierarchies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateApr 24, 2017

U of I study ranks which production attributes are most important to consumers when buying beef, chicken

A University of Illinois study reveals which production attributes matter most to consumers when buying beef and chicken, with 'no growth hormones' topping the list. The study found that organic was ranked lowest in importance, sparking surprise among researchers who attribute this to a lack of understanding about the term's meaning.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgriculture and Human Values·DateApr 19, 2017
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.

New study reveals how some chickens got striped feathers

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered two independent mutations required for the development of sex-linked barring in chickens, a pattern resembling the common cuckoo's plumage. The study sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind colour variation and pigmentation in birds.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateApr 7, 2017

Cookbooks give readers (mostly) bad advice on food safety

A recent study found that bestselling cookbooks offer little useful advice on reducing food-safety risks. Only 89 out of 1,497 recipes provided relevant and safe cooking temperatures. Recipes often perpetuate unreliable methods such as checking for juices to run clear or using subjective indicators like cooking time.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBritish Food Journal·DateMar 27, 2017

Immune study in chickens reveals key hurdle for Campylobacter vaccine effort

Researchers found that antibody production plays a limited role in clearing intestinal infection, and the immune response matures too slowly to fight off the bug within six weeks of age. Vaccines focusing on cell-mediated immunity or speeding up antibody production may offer promising solutions to controlling Campylobacter.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2017
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.

Male hormone plays key role in ovarian development

Researchers discovered that male hormones, specifically androgens, play a crucial role in the development of female chicken ovaries. The study found disruptions in ovarian structure when androgen receptors were suppressed, potentially affecting egg-laying rates.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateMar 22, 2017

Highly pathogenic A(H7N9) virus mutation does not change risk to humans

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has found no evidence of increased transmissibility or sustainable human-to-human transmission of the highly pathogenic A(H7N9) virus. New genetic mutations have been detected, but their impact on poultry and human risk remains unclear.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateMar 13, 2017

Egg-free surrogate chickens produced in bid to save rare breeds

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute have successfully developed egg-free surrogate chickens using gene-editing techniques. These genetically modified hens can carry and deliver eggs from other breeds, aiming to boost breeding of endangered birds and improve commercial chicken production.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalDevelopment·DateFeb 17, 2017
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.

Recent upsurge of A(H7N9) cases in China, updated ECDC rapid risk assessment

A recent surge of human A(H7N9) cases in China has raised concerns among EU citizens, particularly those living or visiting affected areas. People traveling to China are advised to avoid direct exposure to poultry and live markets, while those presenting with respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateJan 30, 2017

NIAID flu experts examine evolution of avian influenza

H5Nx viruses, spreading globally through migratory wild birds, display a binding protein on their surfaces that allows them to exit host cells. This adaptation may render them less able to spread to humans, but not rule out eventual evolution to infect people.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJan 18, 2017

High dietary red meat intake linked to common bowel condition diverticulitis

Research found that consuming high amounts of unprocessed red meat increases the risk of developing diverticulitis by 58%. Replacing daily portions with poultry or fish may lower this risk, with a 20% reduced risk observed. Insufficient dietary fibre intake and smoking are also thought to play roles in the development of the condition.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateJan 9, 2017

Think chicken -- think intelligent, caring and complex

Research shows chickens possess complex cognitive abilities, including numerical understanding, self-awareness, and referential communication. They also experience emotions like fear, anticipation, and empathy, and demonstrate problem-solving skills in social situations.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJan 2, 2017
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.

The strange effects of thinking healthy food is costlier

Researchers found that consumers believe healthier foods are more expensive, leading to incorrect perceptions of health issues. For example, participants prioritized eye health when told about a new food ingredient, but not at lower prices.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 19, 2016

More exact, ethical method to tell the sex of baby chickens

Researchers have developed a non-destructive imaging technique to accurately determine the sex of baby chickens within four days of hatching, promising to reduce animal welfare concerns. The technique uses optical spectroscopy to identify gender-specific biochemical differences in embryonic blood, with an accuracy rate of 93%.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2016

New evidence shows how bacterium in undercooked chicken causes GBS

A Michigan State University research team discovered that Campylobacter jejuni in undercooked chicken triggers Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disease causing paralysis. The study offers new information for a cure and suggests that treatment with some antibiotics could worsen the disease.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Autoimmunity·DateDec 9, 2016
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.

Safety in darkness

A Kyoto University team has demystified the process of melanin transport to epidermis using video cameras and chicken tissue. Melanin pigments protect skin from DNA damage by surrounding keratinocyte nuclei, a discovery that could lead to effective dermatological treatments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2016

Social eating leads to overeating, especially among men

A study found that men eat more when in social situations, especially with spectators, due to the desire to demonstrate strength and virility. Women, on the other hand, tend to eat less with spectators and describe the experience as embarrassing.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateDec 6, 2016

A(H5N8) risk to humans is very low

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N8) viruses have been reported in Europe via wild bird migration, primarily affecting poultry and wild birds. The risk of transmission to the general public is considered very low, but people handling infected birds may be at risk.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateNov 21, 2016

Multidrug-resistant bacteria from chickens pose risk to human health

Research reveals that isolates of Helicobacter pullorum from Indian poultry markets are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, posing a potential public health risk. The study suggests that the bacterium could be transmitted from poultry to humans, highlighting the need for increased awareness and regulation.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 4, 2016

New study provides carbon footprint league table for food

A comprehensive dataset has been developed to support consumers and catering organizations in calculating the impact of their ingredients and menus on greenhouse gas emissions. The league table ranks food categories from lowest to highest carbon footprint, providing a clear hierarchy for informed decision-making.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateNov 2, 2016
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.

How the chicken crossed the Red Sea

Archaeologists have discovered the oldest known physical evidence for chickens in Africa, dating back over 2,700 years. The discovery sheds new light on how domesticated chickens were introduced to Africa via trade routes along the Red Sea and East African coast.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology·DateNov 2, 2016

'That pizza was #delish!' What do Tweets say about our health?

A study analyzing over 80 million Twitter messages found that communities expressing positive sentiments about healthy foods were more likely to be healthier overall. Tweets about fast food restaurants, on the other hand, were often associated with poorer neighborhoods and larger households.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 17, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Getting maximum profit, minimal pollution

Researchers at USDA-Agricultural Research Service found that using less chicken litter than needed for maximum crop yields can increase farmer profits. The study aimed to calculate the optimal amount of chicken litter for cotton crops to balance yield and profitability.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateOct 12, 2016

Eggs from small flocks just as likely to contain Salmonella enteritidis

A six-month study in Pennsylvania found that eggs from small flocks have a higher prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis than those from large commercial flocks. The bacteria was present in internal and external egg contents, highlighting the need for education and quality-assurance practices in backyard and small layer flocks.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 11, 2016

Evidence suggests migratory birds are not a reservoir for highly pathogenic flu viruses

A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that wild ducks and other aquatic birds do not carry highly pathogenic flu viruses, which caused widespread poultry outbreaks in North America. The research suggests that existing immunity in wild birds may explain why these viruses do not persist in their populations.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2016
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.

To protect yourself from malaria sleep with a chicken next to your bed

Researchers found that mosquitoes actively avoid feeding on chickens due to their unique odor, which could provide protection for humans at risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases. The study suggests using the odors emitted by chickens and other non-host species as a natural repellent to control malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMalaria Journal·DateJul 20, 2016

Red meat consumption linked with increased risk of developing kidney failure

A new study found a strong association between red meat intake and increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), with soy and legumes appearing slightly protective. Substituting one serving of red meat with other protein sources can significantly reduce the risk of ESRD by up to 62%.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 14, 2016

Birds get the green (and red) light

A recent study found that Japanese quail grown in green and red light exhibit higher body weights and reproductive development compared to white and blue light. This surprising discovery has potential applications across various fields, including poultry production, cancer research, and endocrine studies.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 6, 2016

How females store sperm

Researchers have identified five types of lipid, or fatty acids, that exist as droplets inside the cells of female chickens' sperm storage tubules. These lipids may be released into the sperm storage tubules and improve the sperm's survival. The study provides insight into how certain female animals are able to store sperm long-term.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalTheriogenology·DateJun 13, 2016
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.

Colonoscopy prep may improve with some solid foods

A study found that patients who ate solid foods before a colonoscopy had better bowel preparation and higher patient satisfaction rates. The low-residue diet included foods like eggs, cheese, and chicken breast, which made the process easier and less uncomfortable for patients.

SourceDigestive Disease Week·DateMay 23, 2016

With food, similar substitutes are less satisfying

A study published in Psychological Science found that people tend to prefer options that are most similar to what they can't have, but often choose less-similar alternatives that are actually more satisfying. This bias occurs when mental comparisons between wanted and available options lead to dissatisfaction with the chosen substitute.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 10, 2016
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.

Higher incubation temperature and improved chicken welfare

Researchers at Aarhus University are investigating the effects of increased incubation temperature on chicken growth and welfare. The study aims to improve animal welfare by reducing leg problems and increasing growth rates, ultimately leading to a more efficient production process.

SourceAarhus University·DateFeb 17, 2016

2016 AAAS/Subaru SB&F prizes honor science books about animals

The 2016 AAAS/Subaru SB&F prizes recognize outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. The winners include Sy Montgomery's 'The Octopus Scientists' and Beth Shapiro's 'How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-Extinction.'

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateFeb 2, 2016