Articles tagged with Cotton
Researchers found US consumers prefer sustainably grown US cotton over conventional practices. Transparency is key to promoting sales, with consumers willing to pay up to $5 more for a $30 shirt made from US-grown cotton.
Scientists have developed a new cotton fabric that uses a titanium dioxide coating to clean itself of stains and bacteria when exposed to ordinary sunlight. The coating accelerates discoloration processes and remains intact after washing and drying.
USDA scientists found that using insecticides specifically targeting whiteflies can reduce the need for broad-spectrum pesticides. The study showed that applying a single dose of whitefly-specific insecticide can control whitefly populations for the rest of the growing season.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a self-cleaning cotton fabric that can kill bacteria and break down toxic chemicals like pesticide residues when exposed to light. The new fabric uses 2-AQC, a chemical that bonds strongly to cellulose in cotton, producing reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria and break down toxins.
Cotton technologist Paul Sawhney and his colleagues investigated using virgin cotton in nonwoven materials. They found that greige cotton, a naturally water-repellent material, can be made absorbent by controlling water pressure during processing.
Thrips infestation in cotton seedlings can lead to significant crop injury, including distortion, malformation, and reduced plant growth. Management practices for thrip infestation are discussed in the article.
A new, eco-friendly flame retardant made from layers of positively and negatively charged polymers has been developed to protect cotton fabrics. The coating, dubbed 'nano intumescent,' significantly reduces the flammability of cotton and can even prevent ignition when exposed to direct flames.
USDA scientists conducted a four-year project to sample emissions from seven cotton gins across the Cotton Belt. The research aims to better understand PM2.5 emissions and support stricter federal standards. By analyzing data collected from 126 ambient air samplers, researchers hope to improve the accuracy of dust particle measurements.
A study by Cedars-Sinai surgeon Shirin Towfigh found that daily probing of wounds with a dry cotton swab after surgery dramatically reduced infections in post-operative incision sites. The technique resulted in significantly shorter hospital stays and better cosmetic healing.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method to apply conductive nanocoatings to textiles, enabling the creation of flexible electronic devices. The new technique uses atomic layer deposition and measures conductivity using larger probes, providing a better understanding of how to apply coatings on textiles.
A University of Miami economist applied modern-day game theory techniques to examine famous military bluffs and find that bluffing was the optimal strategy in each situation. The study used signaling games to model the legends of Li Guang and Zhuge Liang, finding that uncertainty was key to avoiding confrontation.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found a direct association between cotton swab use and ruptured eardrum. In most cases, the rupture heals within two months without surgery, but in severe cases, surgical intervention is necessary to repair the eardrum.
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis anthropologist Glenn Stone suggests that genetically modified Bt cotton seeds may have overemphasized crop yield gains, potentially harming sustainable farm management. The research found a modest rise in crop yields despite decreased pesticide sprayings.
A USGS study reveals that growing corn for biofuels production has significant effects on water quality and quantity in northwestern Mississippi. Increased irrigation withdrawals from the MRVA aquifer contribute to declining water levels, while nitrogen fertilizer use can lead to low dissolved oxygen conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.
A new data-driven statistical model incorporating the surrounding landscape, pollinating insects, and human seed dispersal accurately predicts gene flow between crop plants. The study finds that human farming activity has a significant impact on gene transfer rates, while the influence of pollinators is relatively small.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research are developing wireless sensing networks to monitor field conditions in rice and cotton production. The systems use sensors to track temperature, soil moisture, and fiber quality, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions. This technology has the potential to improve crop management, incr...
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a novel approach to controlling pink bollworm pests in cotton fields. By combining pest-resistant cotton with the controlled release of sterile moths, they have virtually eliminated the pest from Arizona, allowing growers to maintain high yields without spraying insecticides.
A 59-year-old patient's vertigo and severe hearing loss were alleviated with surgery, restoring her hearing in an extremely rare occurrence. The case highlights the risks of using cotton swabs to clean ears without medical guidance.
A new multistate study aims to develop and test technologies for site-specific detection and control of nematodes, reducing nematicide usage by over 75% compared to uniform-rate applications. The project will enhance crop yield while saving farmers thousands of dollars annually in reduced pesticide costs.
Dr. Chen and colleagues aim to understand fiber cell development and identify genes important for cotton fiber production, with potential applications to biofuels and sustainable textiles.
Researchers found that early cotton planting boosts yield only with irrigation. In non-irrigated plots, early planting resulted in decreased production, even experiencing a 13% decline in yield one year.
Stanford researchers have developed a high-speed, low-cost filter that kills bacteria with an electrical field, allowing for faster filtering and reduced costs. The filter uses silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes to create a smooth, conducting surface, making it efficient and effective in purifying water.
A GM insect-resistant cotton crop in India significantly increased employment opportunities for female laborers, with average income gains of 40 US dollars per hectare. The research found that the use of Bt cotton reduced manual work and reallocated labor to other household activities, improving women's quality of life.
Researchers at Harvard University have created a new method for fabricating tiny nanofibers using rotary jet spinning, which offers more control and greater yield than traditional electrospinning. The device has potential applications in biocompatible materials, air filters, artificial organs, and tissue regeneration.
Thomas Miller, UCR entomologist, to advise State Department on biotechnology and pest management globally. He will also engage with non-specialists and travel to embassies to share expertise.
A naturally occurring plant hormone, cytokinins, has been found to increase cotton yields during drought conditions. Commercially produced cytokinins stimulate the growth of the main plant stem and branches, promoting cell division and growth.
Monash University scientists have developed a novel cotton-thread based microfluidic device capable of detecting diseases such as kidney failure and diabetes at an affordable cost. The device is the size of a postage stamp and can be produced using simple equipment like sewing machines.
Researchers create e-Textiles that double as rechargeable batteries using single-walled carbon nanotubes. The fabrics retain flexibility and stretchability while storing electricity.
A study by Ascensión Riva and colleagues reveals that darker fabric colors offer superior UV absorption, with deep blue shades providing the highest level of protection. This research could lead to more affordable and effective sun-blocking fabrics for consumers.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America will recognize individuals with outstanding contributions to education, national and international service, and research. The 2009 award recipients include Donald Graetz, David Mengel, Robert G. Hoeft, and others.
A new cotton variety engineered to reduce toxic gossypol in seeds shows promising results, meeting WHO and FDA standards for human consumption. The crop could provide a sustainable protein source for millions of malnourished people worldwide.
Researchers found that adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who have a stronger sense of spirituality tend to experience fewer depressive symptoms and better emotional well-being. In contrast, patients with IBD are at risk for numerous psychosocial difficulties, including increased mental health problems and social stigma.
A new study by University of Chicago researchers found that consumers prefer products with more specifications, even meaningless ones. Participants chose between digital cameras, towels, and other products, prioritizing those with the most specs.
A 110-year-old sustainable farming experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of winter legumes in producing non-irrigated cotton yields, comparable to those using nitrogen fertilizer. The study's findings have implications for long-term soil organic matter and crop yield management.
A study published in Science reveals that genetically modified cotton (Bt cotton) reduces pest populations not only among the modified crops but also among nearby unmodified crops. This finding could offer promising ideas for controlling pests and maximizing crop yields in the future.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame welcomes its 36th class of inductees for 2008, recognizing inventors who developed groundbreaking technologies such as Bose audio innovations and wrinkle-free cotton. The induction ceremony honors both living and deceased inventors, showcasing their contributions to society.
A study found that profitability in transgenic cotton was most closely associated with yields, rather than the technologies themselves. The research compared production systems using different transgenic technologies and non-transgenic cultivars, concluding that higher returns were achieved from non-transgenic options.
Anthropologists have discovered the earliest-known evidence of peanut, cotton and squash farming in northern Peru, dating back 5,000 to 9,000 years. The findings suggest that agriculture played a broader role in cultural and social changes in the region than previously understood.
Researchers have developed a new method to form tiny, uniform metal crystals with novel chemical and physical properties. These crystals, grown on acid-treated cellulose fibers from cotton, show promise as components in biosensors, biological imaging, drug delivery, and catalytic converters.
A sociocultural anthropologist found that Indian farmers' inability to test new genetically modified crops led to a breakdown in traditional farming methods. The speed of change, number of choices in the seed market, and desire for novelty resulted in fads, not testing.
A new study in Current Anthropology examines the effect of genetically modified crops on farmers in Warangal District, India. The research reveals a pattern of 'agricultural deskilling' and reliance on social learning, exacerbated by the spread of Bt cotton seeds.
Cottonseed with reduced gossypol levels has been developed by Texas researchers, meeting World Health Organization and FDA standards for food consumption. This breakthrough could provide a new high-protein food source for 500 million people annually.
A study of Chinese farmers found that Bt cotton's pesticide savings are offset by increased spraying needs, threatening its long-term viability. The GM crop is being reevaluated for remedial actions to address secondary pest problems.
The Human Variome Project aims to catalog human mutations, providing valuable information for people in developing countries. The project has already yielded significant results, including identifying genetic variants that make people resistant to asthma drugs and those predisposed to schizophrenia.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that biotech cotton produces similar yields to traditional cotton with fewer pesticides used. The study, which examined 81 commercial cotton fields in Arizona, revealed that growers using Bt cotton needed fewer applications of broad-spectrum insecticides.
A team of scientists from the University of Arizona found no net increase in resistance to Bt crops, with a decrease in resistance reported instead. This is contrary to experts' predictions when these crops were first commercialized. The use of refuges has driven pesticide use to historic low levels, saving growers $80 per acre.
Researchers found that concurrent use of single- and dual-gene Bt plants can put dual-gene plants at risk if single-gene plants are deployed in the same area. Dual-gene plants expressing two insecticidal proteins offer improved resistance to insects, but may be more vulnerable to resistance development.
Archaeologists have confirmed the existence of a complex society in South America dating back over 5,000 years. The inland culture, based on agriculture, featured monumental architecture and sophisticated social hierarchies.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed a chemical process to extract ethanol and xylitol from cotton gin residue. This technology has the potential to create a new industry in the state's cotton-growing region, providing a solution to the problem of residue disposal.
Research from Imperial College London finds that African cotton markets benefit from a balance between competition and coordination. The study reveals that concentrated, market-based systems have been successful in meeting common challenges while maintaining reasonable prices to consumers.
The Cornell researchers successfully developed a new technique to create ultra-small diameter fibers from cellulose using electrospinning. These nanofibers have potential applications in air filtration, protective clothing, agricultural nanotechnology and biodegradable nanocomposites.
A new study found that genetically modified crops in India produced yields up to 80% greater than non-Bt counterparts, while also reducing pesticide use. This breakthrough has implications for small-scale farmers in developing nations who struggle with crop losses due to pests.
Researchers used stable isotope assessment to determine that most late-season moths in the Cotton Belt are developing on non-cotton plants like corn, providing a major refuge for H. zea moths and helping to control pesticide-resistant pests.
Research by University of Georgia wildlife scientists found that clover strip-cropping and conservation tillage systems in cotton provide critical habitat for threatened songbirds. Clover offers cover from predators, insects for food, and time to nest and fledge young between field operations.
A nonwoven fiber barrier made of ethylene vinyl acetate can significantly reduce the number of eggs laid by onion maggots, with treated plants having an average of 1.4 eggs per plant compared to 10.4 for untreated plants.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified a crucial role for sitosterol in starting the process of making cellulose. The study reveals how plant cells spin cotton fibers, providing valuable insights into the textile industry's most valuable crop.
Researchers used computer models to simulate the effects of elevated carbon dioxide on cotton crop yields, predicting a 26-36% increase in yields. The study's findings suggest that climate change may have a positive impact on US cotton production.
A new book documents dramatic recent changes in southeast's ancient soils formed over about 70 million years and how human use transformed them over the last two centuries. Soils were altered when primeval woodlands were turned into cotton fields, eventually regrowing as pine forests.
A Clemson-led team led by Linda J. Gahan has made a breakthrough in tracking genetically the tobacco budworm's efforts to become resistant to biotechnological pest controls. The discovery opens the door for monitoring resistance mechanisms and management strategies in insect pests.
Researchers at Adelaide University are working to improve cotton fibre quality through genetic engineering, aiming to increase yield and reduce pesticide use. They are studying the genetic control of fibre development using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism.