AgClips :: a service of the regional offices of the council of state governments

::August 27-September 3, 2010 Ag Clips::

     
 

'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