Soybean Innovation Lab releases new guide to African soybean seedborne diseases and pests
URBANA, Ill. – The Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL) developed a new Guide to African Soybean Seedborne Diseases and Pests for use by African seed companies, seed multipliers, research institutions, and soybean processors, whose operations demand high-quality seed. Identifying the causes of decreased seed health, which translates to poor germination, low yields, and decreased profitability, is key to building a successful soybean industry in Africa.
John W. Santas, former assistant dean of academic programs, passes away
John W. Santas devoted much of his career to facilitating international opportunities and study abroad programs. Santas, former assistant dean of academic programs in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) passed away on July 23, 2020, at the age of 80.
Santas worked for 25 years at the University of Illinois, managing the training and education components of a variety of international projects and programs.
Sweet-taste perception changes as children develop
URBANA, Ill. — Compared with adults, children and adolescents are less sensitive to the sweet taste and need 40% more sucrose in a solution for them to detect the taste of sugar, a new study found. Read more from Illinois news Bureau.
State-of-the-art extruder amps up companion animal research, education
Unless you’re a companion animal lover, a vegan foodie, or a science geek, the word “extrusion” might not hold much meaning. However, extrusion is an everyday term that describes a process crucial to the food and feed industries.
Research could save years of breeding for new Miscanthus hybrids
URBANA, Ill. – As climate change becomes increasingly difficult to ignore, scientists are working to diversify and improve alternatives to fossil-fuel-based energy. Renewable bioenergy crops, such as the perennial grass Miscanthus, show promise for cellulosic ethanol production and other uses, but current hybrids are limited by environmental conditions and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Reducing wildlife trafficking and forest loss could prevent future pandemics
URBANA, Ill. – Governments might be able to prevent future pandemics by investing as little as $22 billion a year in programs to curb wildlife trafficking and stem the destruction of tropical forests, a new analysis by an international team of scientists and economists shows.
Compared to the $2.6 trillion already lost to COVID-19, and the more than 600,000 deaths the virus has caused so far, that annual investment represents an exceptional value, the experts argue.
University of Illinois Feed Technology Center to feature Vortex products
URBANA, Ill. – Vortex Global is pleased to announce a donation of slide gates and diverters that will optimize operations within the new Feed Technology Center at the University of Illinois and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The facility, currently under construction, will be a national hub for new discoveries and advancement in animal management, nutrition, and production.
High-protein distillers dried grains with solubles provide high quality pig nutrition
URBANA, Ill. – With more ethanol in production and a greater ability to upcycle co-products into animal feed ingredients, companies are creating custom products and partnering with University of Illinois researchers to test for quality and digestibility.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Animal Science, Illinois researchers show a new high-protein distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) product from Marquis Energy has greater energy and protein digestibility than conventional DDGS.
Emergency research grant studies how coronavirus affects food systems in the U.S.
Urbana, Ill.–– The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is highlighting food system deficiencies. While the food system is successfully providing for Americans during this crisis, many are encountering empty grocery shelves. Simultaneously, producers are struggling to reach consumers due to concerns with processing, distribution and demand.
Five ACES faculty receive major ASABE awards
URBANA, Ill. – Five University of Illinois faculty members received major awards at the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) 2020 annual international meeting. The virtual event took place July 13 to 15. Illinois recipients include Paul Davidson, Vijay Singh, Richard Cooke, and Prasanta Kalita, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) and The Grainger College of Engineering, and Laura Christianson, Department of Crop Sciences, College of ACES.