CAFNR

A group of students pose for a photo.

March 5, 2025

CAFNR students earn Mizzou 18 and Mizzou ’39 honors

This week, the Mizzou Alumni Association and Alumni Association Student Board named the 2025 Mizzou 18 Award and Mizzou ’39 Award recipients.
Black walnuts on a tree limb.

March 4, 2025

MU Center for Agroforestry patents first black walnut cultivar, marking a milestone for Missouri’s tree nut industry

After a quarter of a century of development, the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry made a significant step toward a long-term goal of furthering the black walnut industry in Missouri with a recent patent for its first black walnut cultivar — The UMCA® “Hickman” Walnut.

Feb. 26, 2025

Missouri’s snowy winter: How La Niña and cold temperatures teamed up to bring more snow

According to Zack Leasor, Missouri State Climatologist and associate professor in the University of Missouri’s School of Natural Resources, a weather phenomenon known as La Niña — cooler than average water surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean — is partly to blame.
Asia Smith with dog.

Feb. 25, 2025

From study participant to co-author, animal sciences student Asia Smith has explored multiple disciplines on the road to her future

A chance encounter with research has led Smith to paper authorship and cross-disciplinary lessons as she pursues veterinary school.
A student in a Costa Rican rain forest.

Feb. 24, 2025

Environmental sciences major explores new ecosystem through Gilman Scholarship

Lindsey Cunningham, junior environmental sciences major from Springfield, Missouri, studied abroad in Costa Rica over winter break.

Feb. 13, 2025

Discovering a clue to what causes reproductive complications

Ahmed Balboula Our cells constantly receive DNA damage from factors such as ultraviolet rays, irradiations, toxins and chemicals. For women, that can lead to poor egg quality, which in turn can cause infertility, miscarriage, birth defects or genetic disorders. Researchers at the University of Missouri are now working to better understand a process that can help repair that damage. In a recent study, a team led by Ahmed Balboula, an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) and researcher at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building, is studying a process known as autophagy. The…
A person stands with a tomato plant in a greenouse

Feb. 13, 2025

Boosting a plant’s protective forces

Sonawane’s discovery unlocks the door to a wide variety of future opportunities for genetically modified plants and biocontrol agents that ultimately strengthen crops’ protection against pests and pathogens. Photos by Abbie Lankitus. Plants produce special molecules that act like natural pesticides to help defend themselves against pests. Unfortunately, they don’t make enough of these molecules, leaving plants vulnerable to pests such as the Colorado potato beetle, which can result in damaged crops and economic losses for farmers. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri may have found a solution. In a recent study, scientists discovered that a scaffold protein —…
Super Bowl food lay out.

Feb. 5, 2025

Food safety tips for Super Bowl parties

Keep your Super Bowl spread safe and scrumptious with MU Extension's essential food safety tips.
A group of students pose for a photo.

Feb. 5, 2025

First woman of Mizzou wildlife

Katheryn Paullus, BS ’47, Mizzou’s pioneering female graduate in conservation, transformed the field with bobwhite quail research that inspired generations.
Hoa Hoang

Feb. 5, 2025

Mizzou expert predicts Super Bowl menu price hikes, but savvy shoppers can score deals

Mizzou researcher Hoa Hoang offers expert tips for creating the perfect game day spread on a budget.