CAFNR

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 —…

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.

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.

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.

Feb. 5, 2025
A protein at the heart of heart disease
Mizzou researchers discover the structure of a protein that could lead to more targeted heart disease treatments.

Feb. 5, 2025
Plant Sciences and Technology faculty member recognized for early career contributions by Universities Council on Water Resources
Gurbir Singh, assistant professor and state Extension specialist in soil science, agroecology and landscape management, was recently named as the recipient of the 2025 Early Career Award for Extension, Outreach and Engagement by the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR). Gurbir Singh The UCOWR Early Career Award for Extension, Outreach, Engagement recognizes outstanding early contributions through extension, outreach and engagement activities related to water. Awardees have a significant record of accomplishment in these areas and show promise of continued professional growth and recognition. Singh will be recognized at an awards luncheon during the UCOWR annual conference in June.

Jan. 31, 2025
CAFNR plant scientist’s curiosity sparks global collaboration for sustainable fashion
A spark of curiosity about sustainable materials has taken Jaime Barros-Rios, a Mizzou plant scientist, far beyond his usual work with model plants, soybeans, and corn. Today, he’s collaborating with a marine biologist and a New York City fashion innovator on a project that could revolutionize working conditions and sustainability in the global textile industry. Barros-Rios’s journey began at Scialog, a unique interdisciplinary conference organized by the Research Corporation for Science and Advancement. The conference name — a combination of “science” and “dialog” — reflects its mission: bringing together scientists from different fields to foster collaboration on innovative solutions. Jaime…

Jan. 16, 2025
Final fall 2024 Show-Me-Select sale sets record
Palmyra’s Show-Me-Select Heifer sale set a local record with $1.16 million in sales, highlighting MU Extension's impactful heifer replacement program.

Jan. 16, 2025
Center for Agroforestry to host 16th Annual Symposium
The University of Missouri’s Center for Agroforestry is holding its 16th Agroforestry Symposium: Working Lands for Restoration and Harvest on Jan. 30 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the center for Missouri Studies in Columbia, Mo.

Jan. 16, 2025
Inaugural director named for Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands & Aquatic Systems
The Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands and Aquatic Systems at the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) has selected Rick Relyea as its first director, starting July 1, 2025.