Slugs and snails, destructors of crops and gardens, could be controlled by bread dough
New research from Oregon State University Extension Service found slugs and snails are strongly attracted to bread dough, a discovery that could lead to better ways of controlling these serious pests of agriculture, nurseries and home gardens......»»
Out in the cold: Enhancing frost tolerance in wheat
Rugging up against winter chills is a cozy and easy option for most of us. But our crops are facing frosts and freezing temperatures without the warmth of winter woolies. Frost poses a significant threat to agriculture, particularly in Australia's wh.....»»
Could we replace Ingenuity with a swarm of robotic bees?
Humans finally achieved controlled flight on another planet for the first time just a few years ago. Ingenuity, the helicopter NASA sent to Mars, performed that difficult task admirably. It is now taking a well-deserved rest until some intrepid human.....»»
New genomic tools for three modern cotton varieties could guide future breeding efforts
We live in an ever-changing and growing world. Changing climates, emerging pests, and other environmental stressors put pressure on the cash crops that feed and fuel the world. As we race to meet the growing demand for sustainable and high-quality fo.....»»
Abandoned farmlands could play a role in fighting climate change. A study shows exactly where they are
Farmland is often a battleground in the fight against climate change. Solar panels and energy crops are pitted against food production, while well-intended policy choices can create incentives for farmers to till up new lands, releasing even more hea.....»»
New sensing techniques can detect drought tolerance in ancient crops, may inform new breeding programs
Drought is the most devastating environmental stress that farmers face worldwide. With the added pressures of climate change, drought years have become less predictable, more frequent and more severe......»»
Antibiotic pollution disrupts the gut microbiome and blocks memory in aquatic snails, study finds
Antibiotics prevent snails from forming new memories by disrupting their gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria found in their guts......»»
Study shows transgenic expression of rubisco factors increases photosynthesis and chilling tolerance in maize
Maize is one of the world's most widely grown crops and is essential to global food security. But like other plants, its growth and productivity can be limited by the slow activity of Rubisco, the enzyme responsible for carbon assimilation during pho.....»»
Researcher says not every exotic species needs to be controlled
Certain invasive exotic species, such as the red swamp crayfish, are harmful to our environment because they nibble on aquatic plants, dig burrows in banks, and transmit crayfish plague to native species. "But there are also non-native fish and crayf.....»»
iPod Tetris game controlled by scroll wheel found on prototype
An unreleased iPod Tetris game has been found on a prototype of a 3rd-gen model, controlled by the scroll wheel … more….....»»
Researchers make better chickpeas possible by harnessing genetic traits of wild cousins
A new study has revealed the potential of using wild crop relatives for chickpea improvement, paving the way for more advanced crops and greater global food security......»»
South Africa: Gold mine pollution is poisoning Soweto"s water and soil—study finds food gardens are at risk
For 140 years, gold mines in Johannesburg, South Africa have been leaking wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. The acid mine drainage from Johannesburg's estimated 278 abandoned mines and 200 mine dumps includes uranium (a radioactive metal), t.....»»
Researchers develop framework for databasing properties of crystal defects
Point defects (e.g. missing, extra or swapped atoms) in crystalline materials often determine the actual electronic and optical response of a given material. For example, controlled substitutions in semiconductors like silicon are the backbone of mod.....»»
Researchers find unique adaptations of fungus associated with bee bread
The past attempts of honey bee researchers to inventory the fungal diversity in honey bee colonies revealed that Aspergillus flavus is frequently found in hives. In a new study, researchers have discovered that this fungus is uniquely adapted to surv.....»»
Proteomic analysis reveals how phosphite contributes to the fight against chemically resistant dieback
Having previously confirmed dieback is resistant to chemical control on crops such as avocados, stone fruits and pines, Curtin University researchers have gained new insights into how phosphite works against the fungus-like disease, in a potential br.....»»
Two-year study shows some varieties of annual flowers have a place in pollinator-friendly gardens
While wildflowers and perennials are a must for supporting pollinators, there's no denying the popularity of many annual flowers for their colorful, visual appeal. Annuals are often thought of as pollinator "deserts," but a new study suggests choosin.....»»
Smartphone addiction is real, and we all probably need to do something about it
If you feel like you're being controlled by your smartphone, don't feel alone — smartphone addiction is a real thing. So, let's talk about it, and how to deal with it.How to dial back your screen timeWe've all done it — we've lost entire days to.....»»
Report: There are no good or bad oil crops, only good and bad practices
When shopping, have you considered the social and environmental impacts of your vegetable oil purchases? Most products offer limited information on these effects. Labels like "No Palm Oil"—linked to environmental damage and threats to orangutans—.....»»
New rhizobia-diatom symbiosis solves long-standing marine mystery
Nitrogen is an essential component of all living organisms. It is also the key element controlling the growth of crops on land, as well as the microscopic oceanic plants that produce half the oxygen on our planet. Atmospheric nitrogen gas is by far t.....»»
Researchers: Heat is coming for our crops—we have to make them ready
Australia's vital agriculture sector will be hit hard by steadily rising global temperatures. Our climate is already prone to droughts and floods. Climate change is expected to supercharge this, causing sudden flash droughts, changing rainfall patter.....»»
Amid two wrongful death lawsuits, Panera to pull the plug on “charged” drinks
A large previously contained nearly as much caffeine as the FDA's daily safe limit. Enlarge / Dispensers for Charged Lemondade, a caffeinated lemonade drink, at Panera Bread, Walnut Creek, California, March 27, 2023. (credit: Ge.....»»