Anyone who’s cleaned a feeder or a waterer knows about the fun of getting and keeping biofilm off of surfaces. Now we know why. Belying their slimy natures, the sticky patches of bacteria called biofilms often form intricate, starburst-like patterns as they grow. Now, researchers at Princeton University have combined expertise in molecular biology, mechanical […] Read more
Tag Archives Science Notes
Understanding why biofilm is sticky
The challenge of raising beef and dairy in a desert
Science Notes: Irrigation to feed crops for cattle in western U.S. drops river levels
Humans are using freshwater resources faster than they can be naturally replenished. In the western United States, for example, water extractions from the Colorado River have exceeded total river flow, causing rapid depletion of water storage reservoirs. In addition, as these water sources dry up, species of fish, plants and animals are also adversely impacted. […] Read more
Researchers develop a quick test for DON
Science Notes: Innovation could reduce toxins harmful to both animals and humans
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre (CDC) have developed a fast and accurate method for identifying and quantifying toxins in fusarium-infected cereal grain, an innovation that could reduce toxins that are harmful to both animals and humans. It could also help farmers who have struggled with trusting the toxin tests of buyers. […] Read more
Silky seed coating could distribute plant nutrients
Science Notes: Process could open up new areas of land previously not suitable for agriculture
Providing seeds with a protective coating that also supplies essential nutrients to the germinating plant could make it possible to grow crops in otherwise unproductive soils, according to new research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). A team of engineers has coated seeds with silk that has been treated with a kind of bacteria […] Read more
Researchers unlock key to photosynthesis
Science notes: It is hoped that the finding can mean more productive crop yields
Scientists have solved the structure of one of the key components of photosynthesis, a discovery that could lead to photosynthesis being ‘redesigned’ to achieve higher yields and meet urgent food security needs. The study, led by the University of Sheffield and published in November in the journal Nature, reveals the structure of cytochrome b6f – the […] Read more
Chicks born with ability to distinguish and avoid dangers
Science Notes: Appropriate reactions to predators key to survival
Chicks are born with the know-ledge to flee from predators rather than learning it from experience, according to a study by University of Trento in Italy and Queen Mary University of London. Researchers also found that newborn chicks know to slow down or stop moving to avoid being noticed when a predator is far away. […] Read more
Protein that triggers plant defences to light stress identified
Science notes: Finding could play role in protecting crops from harsh clime conditions
A newly discovered protein turns on plants’ cellular defence to excessive light and other stress factors caused by a changing climate, according to a new study published in eLife. Plants play a crucial role in supporting life on Earth by using energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and oxygen, a […] Read more
Seeing greenery linked to less intense and frequent cravings
Science Notes: The research focused on urban areas, but farm families are exposed to greenery every day
Being able to see green spaces from your home is associated with reduced cravings for alcohol, cigarettes and harmful foods, new research has shown. The study, led by the University of Plymouth, is the first to demonstrate that passive exposure to nearby greenspace is linked to both lower frequencies and strengths of craving. It builds […] Read more
Scientists edit chickens resistant to avian flu
Science Notes: New research suggests it could be possible to halt the bird flu virus in chickens
Scientists have used gene-editing techniques to stop the bird flu virus from spreading in chicken cells grown in the laboratory. The findings raise the possibility of producing gene-edited chickens that are resistant to the disease. Researchers prevented the virus from taking hold by deleting a section of chicken DNA inside lab-grown cells. The next step […] Read more
Higher crop yields increase need for Midwest irrigation
Science Notes: As corn crops get bigger with more yield, they will need for more water
If crop improvement and warming trends continue into the future, Midwestern corn growers who today rely on rainfall to water their crops will need to irrigate their fields, a new study finds. This could draw down aquifers, disrupt streams and rivers, and set up conflicts between agricultural and other human and ecological needs for water, […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
