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Natural insecticide made by nanoemulsification of compounds found in garlic and spearmint found to be effective on adzuki bean beetles with low non-target impacts

Researchers developed a new environmentally friendly insecticide using nanoemulsions of diallyl disulfide and carvone, which showed enhanced toxicity against the adzuki bean beetle while having relatively low impact on parasitic wasps. The nanoemulsions were also safe on seeds and enhanced root growth.

SourceKyushu University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2026

Mediterranean diet may boost mitochondrial signals linked to heart and brain health

Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026
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.

Researchers want a better whiff of plant-based proteins

Researchers developed a two-step fermentation process to counter plant-based protein odors, achieving 95-99% smell removal. The method could benefit the global food supply, reduce environmental impact, and increase consumer acceptance of plant-based foods.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFoods·DateFeb 13, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Fermenting legume pulses boosts their antidiabetic, antioxidant properties

Fermenting legume pulses increases their antioxidant activity by up to 83% and their capacity to regulate Type 2 diabetes markers by up to 70%, according to a study. Red lentil and green split pea exhibited the greatest improvements in antioxidant scavenging activity and protein solubility.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Food·DateApr 22, 2025

Natural Gatekeeper: How plants use barriers to maintain healthy relationships

Legumes have special root nodules that house friendly bacteria, which take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form plants can use. The Casparian strip, a waterproof barrier in plant roots, develops at the same time as nodules and regulates nutrient exchange.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2025

Could this fundamental discovery revolutionise fertiliser use in farming?

Researchers at John Innes Centre have discovered a biological mechanism that enhances partnerships between plant roots and soil microbes, increasing nutrient uptake. This finding holds great potential for advancing sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for inorganic fertilizers.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025
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.

A new piece in the grass pea puzzle - updated genome sequence published

A new chromosome-scale reference genome of grass pea has been published, improving on earlier draft assemblies and offering potential for climate-smart agriculture. The updated genome allows for improved breeding and gene editing to develop varieties with improved agronomic characteristics or low toxin content.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 31, 2024

Isolated older people more likely to have low levels of key nutrients in their diet

A new study led by UCL researchers found that older adults who are socially isolated are more likely to have an insufficient intake of key micronutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin B6. This is important as inadequate intake of these micronutrients puts people at greater risk of health problems as they get older.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeObservational study·DateOct 15, 2024

Next generation biosensor reveals gibberellin’s critical role in legume nitrogen-fixation – paving the way for more productive legume crops and self-fertilizing cereals

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that the plant hormone gibberellin is essential for legume nitrogen-fixing root nodule formation and maturation. The study used a highly sensitive next-generation biosensor to visualize GA accumulation in specific zones of the root, revealing its critical role in nodulation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil

A new study by Salk scientists reveals a key gene that enhances plants' zinc tolerance, allowing them to thrive in toxic conditions. The discovery enables the development of crops more resilient to soil contamination, a major goal of Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2024
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.

A new study reveals key role of plant-bacteria communication for the assembly of a healthy plant microbiome supporting sustainable plant nutrition

A new study in Nature Communications reveals that symbiotic bacteria play a critical role in modulating the profile of root secreted molecules, influencing the assembly of a symbiotic root microbiome. The findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between nitrogen nutrition and plant-bacteria interactions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Pea plants that flower for longer

A research team from the IBMCP has identified a gene called FUL that regulates the duration of flowering in crops like peas, leading to increased seed production. This finding could provide a biotechnological tool to prolong reproductive phases and boost yields in leguminous crops.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

Researchers uncover a key link in legume plant-bacteria symbiosis

Legume plants have a unique ability to interact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, allowing them to thrive without external nitrogen. Researchers identified four essential phosphorylation sites on the SYMRK kinase that mediate this symbiotic relationship.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024
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.

LSH genes associated with defining the shapes of stems, flowers and leaves required for N-fixing root nodules

Researchers have identified two genetic factors, LSH1/LSH2, that promote the production of specialized root cells required for nitrogen-fixing bacteria to thrive in legumes. This discovery brings us closer to engineering non-legume crops to develop root nodule organs and reduce our reliance on industrial nitrogen fertilizers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Red meat consumption associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk

A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming more red meat is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Replacing red meat with plant-based protein sources like nuts and legumes may reduce this risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateApr 27, 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.

Can a healthy diet prevent prostate cancer?

A study of 15,296 men found that a healthy Mediterranean or Prudent diet had no impact on prostate cancer risk, while an unhealthy Western diet may increase the risk of aggressive tumors. The findings suggest avoiding Western-style diet products and adopting Mediterranean diet habits could help prevent aggressive prostate cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateApr 19, 2023

The giant faba bean genome finally sequenced

The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, providing a wealth of information on its genetic makeup. This breakthrough will facilitate varietal selection for traits related to protein content and yield potential, addressing global demand for plant-based proteins.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2023

Common meat-free proteins may trigger soybean and peanut allergies in some people

Scientists investigated whether patients allergic to legumes are also at risk from meat-free proteins made of other legumes. While most people won't experience a reaction, nearly all patients with bean allergies were sensitized to other legumes, and nearly a quarter of patients were sensitized to all legumes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Allergy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023

The giant faba bean genome decoded

The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, offering insights into its traits such as drought tolerance and protein content. This breakthrough has the potential to improve crop yields and reduce reliance on artificial fertilizers, making faba bean a more attractive crop for sustainable agriculture.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Mixture of crops provide ecological benefits for agricultural landscapes

A study by researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated the effect of mixing wheat and faba beans on pollinating insects. They found that areas with mixed crops were visited equally often by foraging bees as those with single crops. The findings suggest that this mixture may counteract pollinator decline.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023
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.

An innovative approach reveals a novel strategy for engineering root nodule symbiosis into important crops for more sustainable agri-food systems

Researchers developed a novel strategy to engineer root nodule symbiosis in legumes and cereals using nanobodies. This approach, tested in barley and Lotus plants, initiates nodulation by bringing receptors together, revealing the core complex involved in symbiotic signaling.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

A legume locus stimulates promiscuous interaction with soil bacteria

A recent study discovered a legume locus that stimulates promiscuous interaction with soil bacteria, forming nitrogen-fixing nodules with up to 30 different rhizobial strains. This finding opens the door for crop improvement by naturally promoting plant growth through symbiotic associations.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 5, 2023

Technique using light and artificial intelligence is effective in selecting immature soybean seeds

A team of Brazilian researchers has developed a novel technique using light and artificial intelligence to identify the maturity stages of soybean seeds. The method utilizes chlorophyll fluorescence and machine learning algorithms to classify commercial seeds with high accuracy. This innovation avoids destroying seeds, which are then c...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 25, 2022

Rare plants attract rare bees and birds in urban gardens

A Dartmouth-led study found that urban gardens with rare plant species tend to attract rare bee and bird species. Women, older gardeners, and those living near the gardens are more likely to curate these rare plants, suggesting a cascading effect on biodiversity.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEcological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2022
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.

New nutrient profiling tools confirm starchy vegetables deliver comparable nutritional value as non-starchy vegetables and whole fruit

A new study challenges the separation of starchy vegetables from non-starchy counterparts in nutrition research. Starchy vegetables, including white potatoes, were found to meet the definitions for high-quality carbohydrates using five separate indices, with some even scoring closer to fruits and non-starchy vegetables than sweets.

SourceThe Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 25, 2022

Modulation of calcium signaling to enhance root nodule symbiosis

The John Innes Centre researchers identified the role of the signaling protein CaM2, which regulates calcium channels and shapes calcium signals. This led to accelerated calcium frequency, earlier signaling with bacteria, and enhanced root nodule symbiosis in engineered legume roots.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

Weighing up: What’s the bottom line when it comes to weight loss?

A new study from the University of South Australia has found that popular weight loss diets can be expensive, with costs ranging from $345 to $625 per week. The most cost-effective diet was modelled on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and adapted for weight loss through calorie restriction.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 2, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Nanocarrier spray: Better crops without genetic modification

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.

SourceRIKEN·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 23, 2022

Plant smoke detectors evolve as hormone sensors

Researchers have discovered an ancient receptor protein that can detect karrikins in smoke from burnt plant material, initiating molecular signals to speed up seed germination. The study also found that the receptors play a role in sensing growth hormones in plants, shedding light on the enigmatic karrikin signaling pathway.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Gene important in soybean protein content found after 30-year search

University of Illinois researchers found a key gene responsible for increasing soybean protein content by approximately 2%. The discovery could lead to significant increases in protein production, addressing global food security issues. However, the gene's function is unclear and may involve the plant's circadian machinery.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 10, 2022

Changing your diet could add up to a decade to life expectancy, study finds

A new model estimates the impact of dietary changes on life expectancy, suggesting that adopting an optimized diet rich in legumes, whole grains, and nuts can increase lifespan by over a decade. For young adults, this could add up to 10-13 years, while older individuals may still experience significant gains.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2022
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.

Oregon State scientists identify new genus and species of legume, now mysteriously extinct

Researchers at Oregon State University identified a new genus and species of legume, Salpinganthium hispaniolanum, from flowers preserved in amber. The species is believed to have been extinct for millions of years and may have disappeared due to unique biological or physical events.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022

USask chickpea research aims to improve important food source for low- and lower-middle-income countries

The study provides insights into the genetic evolution and migration of chickpeas, offering a roadmap for improving the crop's nutritional value and climate resilience. Chickpeas are a main protein source for hundreds of millions of people worldwide, particularly in South Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 12, 2021

Protein crop's potential unlocked by deciphering anti-nutrient biosynthesis

Researchers have identified the VC1 gene as the source of faba bean's anti-nutrients vicine and convicine. This discovery enables the breeding of low-anti-nutrient varieties, improving food safety and sustainability. The study provides a crucial step towards a global switch to plant-based diets.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 8, 2021
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.

The legume family tree

A comprehensive study of the legume family reveals a history of whole-genome duplications and helps uncover the evolution of genes involved in nitrogen fixation. The research team identified strong evidence for 28 separate whole-genome duplication events, shedding light on the evolutionary spread and diversification of legumes.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Plant·DateMay 7, 2021

Legume trees key to supporting tropical forest growth

Researchers found that legume trees can alter their soils' microbiome to increase access to nutrients and support surrounding tree growth. This process involves accelerating mineral weathering processes, releasing vital nutrients for the trees.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021
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.

Super-resolution microscopy and machine learning shed new light on fossil pollen grains

Researchers developed a new method to identify fossil pollen using super-resolution microscopy and machine learning, allowing for the classification of previously unknown legume groups. The trained models achieved 90.3% accuracy in identifying samples from ancient Africa and South America.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2020

Cover crop could solve weed problems for edamame growers

A new study shows early-terminated rye can effectively suppress weeds in edamame without harming the crop, increasing yield and reducing contamination. However, other crops like lima bean may not benefit from this approach due to their nitrogen-fixing limitations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateOct 13, 2020