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Durbin, University of Illinois announce $25 million federal grant

The University of Illinois has received a $25 million federal grant to improve soybean yields in five African countries, increasing the continent's food supply. The project will focus on developing high-yielding soybean varieties and improving poultry nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateNov 1, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIH-funded scientists describe genesis, evolution of H7N9 influenza virus

Researchers used genetic sequencing to trace the source and evolution of the avian H7N9 influenza virus infecting humans. Domestic ducks and chickens played distinct roles in its genesis, with strains exchanging genes that led to outbreaks among chickens and human infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2013

Unscrambling the genetics of the chicken's 'blue' egg

Researchers from the University of Nottingham identified a genetic mutation causing blue eggs in native South American and European breeds. The mutation triggered an accumulation of biliverdin, a green-blue pigment, in the eggshell. This finding could inform future research on agricultural breeding techniques.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 20, 2013

University of East Anglia research could contain infectious disease outbreaks

Researchers at UEA identified four high-risk stages in the poultry trade chain that transmit H5N1 virus to humans and other birds, including transportation, slaughter, and consumption. The study suggests adopting Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) system as a rapid response to emerging outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2013
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.

Whole chickens from farmers markets may have more pathogenic bacteria

A study found that whole chickens purchased from farmers markets had significantly higher levels of bacteria like Campylobacter and Salmonella compared to those from grocery stores. This suggests interventions like antimicrobial rinses may be necessary to lower pathogen loads on poultry carcasses.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Food Safety·DateJul 11, 2013

Wind power does not strongly affect greater prairie chickens, 7-year study finds

A 7-year Kansas State University study found that wind turbines have little effect on greater prairie chicken populations. Female survival rates increased after turbine installation, possibly due to reduced predator presence. Conservation management practices, such as grazing and fire management, had the strongest impact on bird habitats.

SourceKansas State University·DateJul 10, 2013

New study describes imaging findings in H7N9 influenza

A new study describes imaging findings in H7N9 influenza, including rapidly progressive changes in lungs and pulmonary connective tissues. The severity of these findings is associated with the clinical condition of patients.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 2, 2013

Investigators link poultry contamination on farm and at processing plant

A study by researchers at the University of Georgia found a strong correlation between poultry farm contamination and later processing plant contamination. The findings suggest that reducing pathogens on farms can reduce contamination levels at processing plants, potentially lowering the risk of foodborne illness.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateMay 31, 2013
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.

Scientists pave the way for vaccine to combat devastating avian disease

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a vaccine that protects against necrotic enteritis, a severe poultry disease caused by Clostridium perfringens. The vaccine targets the bacterium's NetB toxin, allowing for effective prevention and control of the devastating disease.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Chemistry·DateMay 28, 2013

The risks of H7N9 infection mapped

A study maps H7N9 risk in eastern China by analyzing bird migration patterns and poultry distribution. The model predicts future infection risks across central and western China, aiding surveillance and control of H7N9 infections.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInfectious Diseases of Poverty·DateMay 3, 2013

Study finds that H7N9 flu virus transmits from birds to humans

Scientists confirm H7N9 transmission from birds to humans in China, with four confirmed cases and symptoms similar to H5N1 influenza. No evidence of person-to-person transmission, but genetic analysis suggests the virus may adapt for more efficient transmission.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 25, 2013

Source identification of H7N9 influenza virus causing human infections

Researchers found that live poultry markets were the primary source of the novel H7N9 influenza virus. The viruses originated from avian H9N2 viruses but acquired human receptor-binding specificity, contributing to their virulence and lethality in humans. Strong measures are recommended to prevent a possible pandemic.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateApr 25, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Chickens with bigger gizzards are more efficient

Researchers found that chickens with larger digestive organs eat less feed and produce less waste, potentially saving farmers up to 9.76 tons of feed per hatch. Selecting for this trait could also help identify the genes controlling digestive efficiency in chickens.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateApr 10, 2013

Promoting poultry health through diet

University of Illinois researchers found that dietary fiber, particularly pectin, negatively impacted birds' ability to digest nutrients, while adequate threonine levels improved growth performance and intestinal morphology. Chicks fed high-threonine diets showed increased cytokine responses to coccidiosis infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPoultry Science·DateFeb 25, 2013
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.

With hot air treatment, bacteria fly the coop

A study by USDA scientists found that treating poultry cages with heated forced air at 122 degrees Fahrenheit can eliminate detectable Campylobacter levels on cage flooring. This method is more effective than static heat or unheated flowing air in reducing bacterial cross-contamination.

SourceUnited States Department of Agriculture - Research, Education and Economics·JournalThe Journal of Applied Poultry Research·DateJan 28, 2013

Vaccination responsible for dramatic fall in Salmonella infections

A mass poultry vaccination programme has been credited with a significant decline in Salmonella cases, from 1.6 cases per 1,000 person years in 1993-96 to 0.2 cases per 1,000 person years in 2008-09. The number of laboratory-confirmed cases dropped from over 18,000 in 1993 to just 459 in 2010.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 16, 2013

Birds may spread, not halt, fever-bearing ticks

A Turkish biologist's review of existing scientific literature suggests that releasing non-native guineafowl in Turkey to eat ticks may actually spread the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. The birds carry ticks on their feathers, which could facilitate the spread of the disease despite initial intentions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalTrends in Parasitology·DateNov 29, 2012
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.

£12 million funding to tackle devastating livestock and poultry viruses

Two new research projects have been awarded £12.2 million in funding to tackle Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus and emerging poultry viruses. The projects will focus on developing novel solutions for disease control, including the use of weakened viruses to prompt an immune response.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateNov 19, 2012

Chicken and egg question (and answer) for rural Uganda

A hybrid chicken known as the Kuroiler is being introduced in rural Uganda to improve productivity and provide economic benefits to local families. The project aims to increase returns from family flocks and reduce poverty among hundreds of thousands of households.

SourceArizona State University·DateSep 4, 2012
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.

For the rooster, size matters

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered two 'pleiotropic' genes influencing comb size, bone growth and egg production in domestic chickens. The study reveals the genetic basis for the correlation between comb size and increased egg-laying.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 4, 2012

Pan-fried meat increases risk of prostate cancer, new study finds

A recent study published in Carcinogenesis found that cooking red meats at high temperatures, especially pan-frying, increases the risk of advanced prostate cancer. Men who consumed more than two servings of red meat cooked at high temperatures were 40% more likely to develop advanced prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalCarcinogenesis·DateAug 16, 2012
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.

Researchers from UC3M monitor a chicken's brain

The study used a non-invasive technique to observe and measure changes in the embryo's brain activity, revealing that circuits capable of monitoring surroundings develop early in fetal development. This breakthrough may help understand human brain development and complex learning processes in fetuses and newborns.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 14, 2012

Men can rest easy – sex chromosomes are here to stay

Researchers have found that sex-linked chromosomes, particularly the W chromosome in female chickens, play a vital role in predicting fertility. The study's results support the idea that these chromosomes are unlikely to become extinct due to their importance in survival.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2012
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.

Eating fish, chicken, nuts may lower risk of Alzheimer's disease

A new study suggests that consuming omega-3 fatty acids from foods like fish and nuts can lower blood beta-amyloid levels, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study found a strong association between increased omega-3 intake and reduced plasma beta-amyloid levels.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 2, 2012

Salt levels in fast food vary significantly between countries

A study by an international team of researchers found significant variations in salt levels among fast foods sold by major companies across developed countries. The study analyzed data on over 2,100 food items from six companies and found that some countries had much higher sodium content than others.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 16, 2012

Researchers find evidence of banned antibiotics in poultry products

A joint study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Arizona State University found fluoroquinolone antibiotics in 8 of 12 feather meal samples, despite a 2005 FDA ban. The study suggests continued use of banned antibiotics in poultry production, contributing to antibiotic resistance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 5, 2012

Vaccinating chickens could prevent food-borne illness

A vaccine targeting Campylobacter in chickens could drastically reduce food-borne illness cases, saving the UK economy millions annually. The leading cause of food-borne illness, responsible for 30% of cases in the UK, is found in the gut of many animals, including chickens.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateMar 25, 2012
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.

Inherited epigenetics produced record fast evolution

Researchers at Linköping University discovered epigenetic factors driving rapid changes in genome function, leading to diverse breeds of domestic fowl. The study found that domestication resulted in heritable epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, which may explain the swift evolution of domesticated chickens.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBMC Genomics·DateFeb 29, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New research to help eliminate most common food poisoning bug

Researchers will map genes responsible for resistance to Campylobacter in chicken guts to develop breeding programs. The goal is to prevent the bacteria from entering the food chain, reducing the risk of infection and associated costs.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·DateFeb 15, 2012

Identifying poverty levels requires accurate measurements

A University of Illinois study found that a simplified equation to calculate income loss fails to recognize household substitution effects, leading to overestimation of poverty rates. By accounting for these effects, the study provides a more accurate measure of income loss and its implications for policy responses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFood Policy·DateFeb 15, 2012

Deadly bird parasite evolves at exceptionally fast rate

A devastating bird disease caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum has spread rapidly across North America, with the bacteria evolving at a faster rate than previously estimated. The microbe has lost over 50 genes, including those that make up its immune system, since making the switch to its new host.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2012

A zap of cold plasma reduces harmful bacteria on raw chicken in Drexel study

Researchers at Drexel University demonstrate that cold plasma can effectively kill pathogens on uncooked poultry, including Campylobacter and Salmonella. The study shows that plasma treatment eliminates or significantly reduces bacteria levels, offering a promising method for reducing foodborne illness.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Food Protection·DateFeb 2, 2012
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.

The illusion of courage: Why people mispredict their behavior in embarrassing situations

A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making found that people tend to overestimate their willingness to engage in embarrassing public performances. However, inducing immediate emotions can help reduce this illusion of courage. The research has practical implications for understanding human behavior and decision-making.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateJan 17, 2012

Graphene reveals its magnetic personality

Researchers at the University of Manchester have successfully made graphene magnetic by introducing vacancies and nonmagnetic atoms. The study's findings hold promise for future applications in spintronics and electronics, despite the tiny magnetism observed.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 8, 2012
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.

Wildlife access critical to children's health

Researchers discovered a powerful connection between loss of wildlife access and micronutrient deficiencies in children. Losing access to wildlife induces a 30% relative increase in anemia prevalence among pre-adolescent children. Conservation efforts are crucial to prevent severe health consequences.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2011

Crowdsourcing nutrition in a snap

PlateMate's calorie estimates have proved accurate like those of trained nutritionists and more so than users' logs. The research was presented at the 24th ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology, a leading conference on human-computer interaction.

SourceHarvard University·DateNov 1, 2011

A step towards new vaccines for most important chicken parasite

A new type of vaccine based on proteins from the coccidiosis bug has been developed to protect chickens against the disease. The vaccine uses a protein called MIC3, which is secreted by the parasite and binds to sugar molecules on chicken cells.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 13, 2011

USDA-sponsored initiatives tackle food safety concerns

Researchers at Arizona State University are developing strategies to diagnose and prevent two of the most pervasive food-borne microbes, focusing on extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) and noroviruses. The new initiatives aim to improve food safety and reduce human illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceArizona State University·DateSep 20, 2011
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.

Poultry farms that go organic have significantly fewer antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A study by the University of Maryland School of Public Health found that organic poultry farms have lower levels of drug-resistant enterococci bacteria compared to conventional farms. This suggests that removing antibiotics from large-scale U.S. poultry farms can lead to immediate and significant reductions in antibiotic resistance for...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 10, 2011
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.

Oral interferon may prevent and control avian influenza virus infection

Chinese researchers have found that oral chicken interferon-alpha can significantly reduce influenza virus levels when given either preventively or therapeutically. This could be a convenient and inexpensive method for protecting neighboring uninfected birds from infection.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateJul 28, 2011

A new breed: Highly productive chickens help raise Ugandans from poverty

A new breed of chicken, Kuroiler, has been found to significantly outperform native chickens in terms of survival rate, egg production, and body weight gain. This hybrid chicken is well-suited for resource-poor village environments and requires minimal feed, making it an attractive option for rural farmers.

SourceArizona State University·DateJul 20, 2011

Prof receives inaugural award for animal welfare

Ian Duncan, a renowned expert in animal welfare, has been recognized with the inaugural Medal for Outstanding Contributions from the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. His pioneering work on poultry behavior and welfare has significantly benefited animals worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·DateJul 12, 2011

Living antibiotic effective against Salmonella

A new study reveals that Bdellovibrio can reduce Salmonella bacteria by 90% without harming birds. The research confirms the safety and effectiveness of this natural predator as a potential alternative to antibiotics.

SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 27, 2011
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.