ACES expert: How animals are affected by Canadian wildfire smoke

URBANA, Ill. — Livestock and pets may be at risk due to poor air quality from Canadian wildfire smoke, according to animal welfare expert Angela Green-Miller at the

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Larry Hageman: Cultivating food access through 4-H endowment

Larry Hageman is wrapping up his career by giving back to the organization that played a pivotal role in his personal and professional development: 4-H. His recent gift to create an endowed 4-H State Award will provide an annual scholarship to support Illinois 4-H members engaged in programs related to food access, food production, or agronomy.

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Lean body mass, age linked with alcohol elimination rates in women

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The rate at which women eliminate alcohol from their bloodstream is largely predicted by their lean body mass, although age plays a role, too, scientists found in a new study. Women with obesity – and those who are older – clear alcohol from their systems 52% faster than women of healthy weights and those who are younger, the study found.

Lean body mass is defined in the study – published in the journal Alcohol Clinical and Experimental Research – as one’s total body weight minus fat. 

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Philanthropy for the Pershings is a family affair

“Blessed,” a simple answer was all that was given by Roscoe and Ann Pershing when asked why they give back to the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois. The Pershings, whose relationship with the U. of I. started more than four decades ago, find it important to provide opportunities for others, especially those at ACES.

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Illinois study reveals genetic secrets of America's favorite snack

URBANA, Ill. – In its simplest form, popcorn is pretty uncomplicated. Most supermarket varieties offer the choice of two kernel colors, yellow or white, and two kernel shapes, pointed or pearl. When popped, the flake typically expands into one of two shapes: mushroom or butterfly. But there’s more to popcorn than meets the eye. New research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals a wealth of untapped diversity lurking in popcorn’s genetic code.

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Extension’s Abriendo Caminos program helps Hispanic families prevent childhood obesity

URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension, in collaboration with other institutions and partners, has published a research article on the benefits of Abriendo Caminos, a family-based intervention program that aims to reduce obesity among Hispanic children.

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Carbon mitigation payments can make bioenergy crops more appealing for farmers

URBANA, Ill. — Bioenergy crops such as miscanthus and switchgrass provide several environmental benefits, but low returns and profit risks are barriers for investment by farmers.

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Conflict in marriage less harmful for kids when dad keeps it constructive

URBANA, Ill. — Conflict is unavoidable in all marriages. When it erupts in families with children, stressed or angry parents may take their pain out on the kids, projecting their anger or withdrawing emotionally or physically. In the worst cases, children’s socioemotional development can suffer.

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Meat processing plants: What factors are critical for survival?

URBANA, Ill.Meat processing plants in the U.S. have garnered considerable public attention in recent years, often focusing on production and labor issues. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerability of large, concentrated plants, as major shutdowns led to reduced output and higher meat prices for consumers.

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Voices of ACES Blog

Anniversary of Jill Pitts Knappenberger's Senate Resolution honoring "Clubmobile Gals"

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June 21 is the anniversary of a Senate Resolution “commending the efforts of the women of the American Red Cross Clubmobiles for exemplary service during the Second World War” — an effort brought about by former "Clubmobile Gal" Jill Pitts Knappenberger, a graduate of the College of Agricultural,

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