Food security
Millions of people are undernourished globally and with the population growing, food security is a major concern. Food security is multifaceted, requiring advancements in food safety, ensuring products have a good shelf life, reducing spoilage and providing dietary additions to improve the nutrient intake of the population. The application of microbiology is far reaching, and new approaches are required to maintain food security. Through an improved understanding of plant-microbe interactions, it is possible to forecast and mitigate food shortages.
News
Oregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits
In a rare long-term public study that compared the effects of phytochemicals from rosemary and oregano with antibiotic growth promoters, animal scientists found that the natural agents given to weaned pigs supported favorable gut health and growth performance later in their lives.
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NewsBiochar offers climate-smart pathway to healthier soils and safer tea production
A new scientific review highlights how biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass, could transform tea farming by restoring soil health, reducing pollution risks, and improving both yield and quality.
NewsHow fermentation reshapes golden flower white tea aroma
Golden flower white tea is a relatively new tea product made by applying the traditional Fu brick tea flowering process to white tea. That process includes steaming, pressing, microbial fermentation, and drying, and it is known to trigger complex biochemical changes associated with the growth of Eurotium cristatum.
NewsUnexpected potential bacterial symbiosis found in fungus that causes angular leaf spot
Scientists have uncovered an unexpected microbial relationship that could help explain differences in the severity of a major disease affecting common beans. The discovery sheds light on how the pathogen evolves and may point to new strategies.
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Biochar–microbe partnership unlocks soil phosphorus and boosts tomato yields
A new study reveals that combining biochar with beneficial soil bacteria can significantly improve phosphorus availability, reshape plant development, and increase crop yields in greenhouse-grown cherry tomatoes.
NewsHow plants fight back against bacteria that promote waterlogging in leaves
Researchers clarify a humidity-driven plant defense against bacteria that limits water buildup, with potential implications for future crop protection strategies.
NewsBiochar from peanut shells boosts soil health and crop quality over the long term
A long-term field study across major agricultural regions in China has revealed that biochar made from peanut shells can significantly improve soil fertility and enhance crop quality by reshaping soil microbial communities.
NewsInto the fungal unknown: New tool maps fungal gene functions without reference genomes
Researchers have created a fungal-specific workflow that supports downstream functional analysis regardless of whether a reference genome is available.
NewsDegraded soils can regain microbial diversity with soil microbiome transplants
Scientists have discovered that degraded soils can regain their microbial diversity by combining soil microbiome transplants with artificial humic acid amendments.
NewsScientists identify new Fusarium species behind wheat disease outbreak in Ethiopia
New research provides new insights into the severe 2022 outbreak of Fusarium head blight in Ethiopia and identifies emerging fungal pathogens that could have broader implications for global wheat production.
NewsNew antibiotic alternative fights foodborne salmonella
Researchers have discovered a safe and highly effective natural virus that functions like a precision-guided missile, capable of eliminating harmful Salmonella on various foods and packaging materials, showing great potential as a novel guardian for food safety.
NewsLong-term field study shows biochar delivers dual benefits for soil health and climate mitigation
A 14-year field study has provided compelling evidence that biochar can simultaneously reduce heavy metal risks in agricultural soils while enhancing carbon storage, offering a powerful strategy for sustainable farming and climate mitigation.
NewsPork bones to the rescue: Healing arsenic-poisoned rice paddies with engineered char
A newly published paper explores exactly what happens when agricultural lands are treated with micro- and nano-scale bone char (MNBC). It proves that adding just a small amount of this specially processed biochar triggers a massive biological revival in toxic soil.
NewsUnlocking the phosphorus puzzle: How microplastics and hydrochar change the way rice paddies feed
A fresh look at the soil microbiome reveals that the key to freeing up phosphorus locked away in the ground relies heavily on the type of carbon we add, whether that is treated animal waste or, surprisingly, synthetic plastic pollution.
NewsBrewing protein from greenhouse gases: A greener, more profitable alternative to farming
Engineers prove that feeding methane to bacteria outperforms traditional soy and fish meal in both ecological savings and financial returns.
NewsBiosensor detects early fungal outbreaks, advances plant biotechnology
A new biosensor detects the emerging presence of fungus on plants at the molecular level, paving the way for next-generation crop protection and the development of stress-tolerant plants.
NewsSelenium nanoparticles and glutathione synergistically enhance soybean salt tolerance by activating the JA pathway and arbutin-mediated rhizosphere microbiota
Researchers addressing soil salinity have developed a novel nano-biostimulant, a synergistic composite offering a new paradigm for enhancing salt tolerance by coordinating the plant’s endogenous signaling pathways with the functions of its rhizosphere microbial community.
NewsBiochar particle size found to shape disease control in crops
Researchers have discovered that the particle size of biochar determines how effectively and how long it can suppress soil-borne pathogens, offering new insights for sustainable agriculture.
NewsFood scientists develop new antimicrobial for cleaning and sanitizing dry-food processing equipment
New research describes a novel chemical mixture for sanitation in low-moisture environments. Scientists found that a formulation containing cyclomethicone combined with vinegar-based acetic acid was the most effective against Salmonella and Cronobacter bacteria.
NewsA newly identified disease of corn and sorghum may be mistaken for iron deficiency
A newly identified bacterial disease affecting corn and sorghum can closely resemble iron deficiency, potentially leading farmers to apply costly nutrient treatments that do not address the underlying problem.
NewsFantastic fungi found with ability to freeze water
An international group of researchers has discovered the identity of fungal proteins that can catalyze ice formation at high subzero temperatures. One potential application of this discovery could be to engineer weather.
NewsTrace levels of food pathogen do not always translate to health risk, says study
Ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability with limited public health benefit, according to a study. These food safety measures and ultra-sensitive tests may drive edible food being thrown away, excessive packaging, and extra costs for consumers.
NewsStudy identifies causes of potato dry rot in Colorado
Researchers have identified multiple fungal species causing dry rot in Colorado. By analyzing structural and molecular features, plant pathologists identified four Fusarium species associated with potato dry rot – including one that hadn’t previously been found in the U.S.