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Understanding how a red seaweed reduces methane emissions from cows

A new study found that high doses of red seaweed reduce methane emissions in cows, but the effect is short-lived. The researchers discovered that the seaweed inhibits methanogenic microbes, leading to a near-total elimination of a key microbe involved in methane formation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalmBio·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 22, 2024

Industrial societies losing healthy gut microbes

A new study reveals that humans are losing important cellulose-degrading microbes in their gut microbiome, especially in industrial societies. The loss of these microbes is linked to a shift away from fiber-rich diets, which are essential for maintaining a balanced intestinal flora.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Illinois-led team puts cows and microbes to work to reduce greenhouse gases

An international team of scientists is recruiting microbes to reduce methane production in cows, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project involves tracking hydrogen production and utilization during fermentation to redirect excess hydrogens towards more productive end-products.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateSep 29, 2023

Kangaroo fecal microbes could reduce methane from cows

Researchers discovered a microbial culture from baby kangaroo feces that can inhibit methane production in cow stomach simulators, replacing it with beneficial acetic acid. This innovation has the potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve cow health.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology·DateFeb 14, 2023
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.

UTIA researchers study feed efficiency of pregnant angus heifers

Researchers at UTIA are studying feed efficiency in pregnant Angus heifers to improve the overall sustainability of beef production. The team is examining the impact of pregnancy on rumen environment and nutritional changes, aiming to provide producers with strategies to improve feed efficiency and calf quality.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateOct 24, 2022

Microbes in cow stomachs can break down plastic

Researchers discovered that bacteria from cow stomachs can digest certain types of plastic, including PET, PBAT, and PEF. The study found that the microorganisms can break down these plastics more effectively than single microorganisms, representing a promising eco-friendly approach to reduce plastic litter.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateJul 2, 2021

Mumpreneur success still requires conventional masculine behaviour

Research reveals that women entrepreneurs who identify as mumpreneurs prioritize traditional masculine behaviors over feminine traits, sacrificing personal time for business growth. This hybrid approach perpetuates existing power structures in the business world, devaluing those who choose to spend time with their families.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Small Business Journal Researching Entrepreneurship·DateJun 1, 2021

Rumen additive and controlled energy benefit dairy cows during dry period

New research from the University of Illinois shows that consistent energy levels and rumen-boosting supplement monensin are ideal during the dry period for dairy cows. The study found no significant difference in cow performance or metabolic indicators between controlled-energy diets and variable energy diets.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJan 28, 2021

Is the gut biome a heritable trait?

Researchers investigate how genetics influence rumen microbiome in cattle, seeking to identify host genomic markers for heritability. The study aims to manipulate microbiomes to enhance agricultural production and develop more sustainable cow-calf systems.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateAug 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Clay as a feed supplement in dairy cattle has multiple benefits

Researchers found that clay can improve the degradability of feedstuffs in lactating cows, reducing aflatoxin and subacute ruminal acidosis symptoms. Clay was added to six different feedstuffs at varying percentages, showing improved digestibility and fat utilization.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAnimal Feed Science and Technology·DateNov 20, 2019

Rinsing system in stomach protects the teeth of ruminants

A study by Jean-Michel Hatt and his team reveals that the stomach's rinsing system effectively removes abrasive particles, including dust and sand, from ruminant food. This mechanism helps prevent excessive tooth wear and allows animals to thrive in dusty environments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMammalian Biology·DateJun 17, 2019

A reference catalog for the rumen microbiome

The study presents a reference catalog of rumen microbial genomes and isolates, targeting economically and environmentally relevant microbes. The collection contains nearly 33,000 degradative Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes that can break down plant cell walls.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 19, 2018
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.

DNA study of cow stomachs could aid meat and dairy production

A DNA study of cow stomachs could significantly boost meat and dairy production by understanding which microbes help cattle extract energy from food. The research identified previously unknown enzymes that can break down plant material, potentially leading to new biofuels.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2018

Using wheat as an energy source for beef cattle

A study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that wheat can be used as an alternative energy source for beef cattle, with optimal feeding levels determined to be above 50%, and increasing monensin supplementation improving feed efficiency, while proper grain processing is necessary.

SourceAmerican Society of Animal Science·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateNov 6, 2014

Search for better biofuels microbes leads to the human gut

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human gut microbes can digest fiber and ferment it into nutrients for human cells. The microbes appear to have enzymes that break down complex plant fiber components more efficiently than cow rumen microbes, which could aid in biofuels production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Team looks to the cow rumen for better biofuels enzymes

Scientists have identified 27,755 potential enzyme genes and found 57% to be active against cellulosic plant material. The bovine rumen is a promising habitat for finding plant-degrading enzymes for second-generation biofuels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateJan 27, 2011

Microbial breakthrough impacts health, agriculture, biofuels

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered how a cow rumen bacterium breaks down hemicellulose into simple sugars, with implications for human health, nutrition, and biofuel production. The study provides an enzyme cocktail that can release simple sugars from plant cell walls, advancing the biofuels industry.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 7, 2010

UT Southwestern researchers find mechanism that may stop E. coli from developing in cattle

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a genetic sensing mechanism that allows E. coli to form colonies in cattle, and found that interfering with this system can prevent the bacteria from colonizing and reaching humans. This discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing food-borne illnesses.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2010

Why saints sin and sinners get saintly

A new study by Northwestern University suggests that individuals with abundant moral self-worth may engage in immoral behavior to balance out their perceived level of goodness, while those who experience a moral-cleansing effect tend to engage in good work to restore their ideal level of moral self-worth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 26, 2009
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.

Study: cow-powered fuel cells grow smaller, mightier

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new microbial fuel cell that harnesses the power of cow waste to generate electricity. The small cell can produce about three times the power as its predecessor and is a quarter of its size, making it a promising alternative energy source.

SourceOhio State University·DateAug 21, 2007

It's electric: Cows show promise as powerplants

Scientists have discovered a way to create electricity from cow waste by harnessing the power of microorganisms that break down cellulose. This process uses rumen fluid and cow dung to generate electricity, offering a promising alternative to traditional energy sources.

SourceOhio State University·DateAug 31, 2005