Is a little-known predator insect that lives its life underwater in the tropics the cause of an outbreak of a mysterious flesh-eating disease? Robert Sites, entomologist and professor of entomology at the University of Missouri, recently returned from Tanzania with specimens that may help other scientists and physicians answer that question.
Innovative Thinking ⋅ Page 12
A Closer Look at Plant Genetics
MU plant scientists receive a $3 million boost from National Science Foundation
Plant genetics research at the University of Missouri got a boost In November with the receipt of three new Plant Genome Research Program awards totaling $3 million from the National Science Foundation.
Safer Turkey Dinners
A new test will better identify salmonella-contaminated poultry and eggs
Food scientists at the University of Missouri have developed a faster and more accurate way to test poultry and eggs for live salmonella contamination. The DNA-based process provides results in as little as 2-5 hours versus up to five days for current testing techniques that culture samples in a Petri dish. The technique can allow the poultry industry to test for contamination before product is shipped, thus avoiding costly recalls.
Post-Nuclear Adaptation
Plants grown near the Chernobyl nuclear disaster have adjusted to the radiation there
Scientists studying the ecological legacy of the 1986 nuclear disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power station have found surprising evidence that some plants can adapt and even flourish in a highly radioactive environment. An international team of scientists, including researchers from the University of Missouri, grew flax plants in a high radiation environment near the abandoned Chernobyl site and compared the seeds produced to those from plants grown in non-radioactive control plots.
A Turf War on Bacteria?
Sports field tests at MU may curtail athlete infections
Student and professional athletes seem to get more and more serious infections from their bumps and bruises. Is it the grass? Scientists at the University of Missouri are testing different brands of artificial turf to study the effects of heat and bacterial growth on the surfaces, which are widely used on high school, college and professional sports fields.
Healthier Snacks through Improved Soybeans
A genetic change could reduce trans-fats in our favorite foods
A research team, led by plant scientists at the University of Missouri, has created a soybean variant that produces oil that does not have to be hydrogenated before going into food – adding no trans-fat.
A Well Regarded Chip
University of Missouri researchers honored by USDA secretary
A cattle genomics consortium from the University of Missouri and USDA Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland has been awarded a 2010 U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary’s Honor Award.
A Promising Plant Looks Even Better
Reputed to delay the wasting effects of HIV/AIDS, a medicinal plant goes into the next part of a clinical examination
A herbal remedy used by South African traditional healers to enhance immunity and slow the wasting of HIV/AIDS has passed the first part of a multi-part clinical study in that country. The next piece of the study, now beginning, will determine if anecdotal evidence of the plant’s benefits can be scientifically demonstrated.
Going Green on the Farm
An MU-directed project will help animal farmers buy efficient equipment, learn energy-saving techniques
Saving energy is a great way to reduce costs in agriculture operations. Upfront equipment expenditures or a lack of knowledge about best conversion practices can be obstacles to implementing improvements, however. To help Missouri animal farmers go green and save money, a team made up of the University of Missouri (MU), Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), and EnSave, Inc., will partner to provide energy audits, loans, interest buy downs, rebates and grants to retrofit energy-saving equipment.
The Cottonwood Solution
MU agroforestry 'flood lab' research shows how trees can substitute for crops in flood-prone areas
Cottonwoods are among the fastest growing trees in North America and mature in as little as two years. They can be sold for biomass, rough-cut lumber for home framing and high-quality lumber for cabinets. Their short and fine cellulose fibers also make them an excellent paper source. Extracts from their fragrant buds are used in perfumes and cosmetics.