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'Soyscreen':
Sunscreen for fungus to expand biological control of crop pests
Scientists report the development and successful initial tests on a substance
that acts as a sunscreen for the microscopic spores of a fungus, brightening
prospects for wider use of the fungus as a means of wiping out insect pests
that attack food crops.
Science Daily
Tofu
ingredient yields formaldehyde-free glue for plywood and other wood products
In a real-life "back to the future" story, scientists have reported
that the sustainable, environmentally-friendly process that gave birth to
plywood a century ago is re-emerging as a "green" alternative to wood
adhesives made from petroleum. Researchers have described development of new
soy-based glues that use a substance in soy milk and tofu and could mean a new
generation of more eco-friendly furniture, cabinets, flooring and other wood
products.
Science Daily
Gators showing up in cities are most likely pets
Two alligators appeared in the Chicago River. Another was found on a street in
Brockton, Mass., while yet another was found under a car in New York City.
Experts say the animals most probably were pets that escaped or were abandoned
by their owners, rather than a sign of global warming. Some states allow
alligators as pets under certain conditions, while some communities such as New
York City ban them.
The Associated Press
Fertilizer
chemicals linked to animal developmental woes
Fertilizer chemicals may pose a bigger hazard to the environment --
specifically to creatures that live in water -- than originally foreseen,
according to new research. Toxicologists show that water fleas take up nitrates
and nitrites -- common chemicals used primarily in agriculture as fertilizers
-- and convert those chemicals into nitric oxide.
Science Daily
On organic
coffee farm, complex interactions keep pests under control
Proponents
of organic farming often speak of nature's balance in ways that sound almost
spiritual, prompting criticism that their views are unscientific and naive. At
the other end of the spectrum are those who see farms as battlefields where
insect pests and plant diseases must be vanquished with the magic bullets of modern
agriculture: pesticides, fungicides and the like.
Science Daily
Dehorning,
castration and pain mitigation
How "routine husbandry procedures" such as dehorning and castration
are being performed on farms are increasingly being scrutinized by the public.
The results of a survey of AABP and AVC members.
Bovine Vet On-Line
'Biosensors'
on four feet detect animals infected with bird flu
Blood hounds, cadaver dogs, and other canines who serve humanity may soon have
a new partner -- disease detector dogs -- thanks to an unusual experiment in
which scientists trained mice to identify feces of ducks infected with bird
influenza. The proof-of-concept study may pave the way for development of
"biosensors on four feet" that warn of infection with influenza and
other diseases.
Science Daily
Cinnamon
extracts may reduce risk of diabetes and heart disease, study suggests
A water soluble extract of cinnamon, which contains antioxidative compounds,
could help reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease, a new
study suggests.
Science Daily
Food
Safety in retail stores and delis
Retailers
are in a good position to establish performance standards and other requirements
from their suppliers to enhance food safety. This is especially important as
the food supply supply becomes increasing globalized. There are also steps that
could be taken at stores that would further reduce the risk of contamination.
Meatingplace.com
Michigan community debates whether to regulate pit bulls
The Jackson Citizen Patriot (Mich.)
Banks
Make a Shift Toward Greener Lending
Some large lenders are taking a stand on industry practices — like mining and
deforestation — that they regard as risky to their reputations.
NYTimes.com
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