MU Food Scientists Develop Faster, More Accurate Test for Salmonella

In early November, there was a recall of 290,000 eggs from an Ohio facility because of Salmonella contamination. Food producers and suppliers willingly perform recalls, but a recall is a business nightmare because it damages a company's reputation and causes serious fiscal injury.  For this reason, a quick and accurate test for Salmonella is vital.  Now, a University of Missouri researcher has created a Salmonella test that is both fast and precise.

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Learning How Plants Protect Themselves from Disease

Just like weapons escalation between warring nations, plants and disease organisms are in a continuous battle. The winner thrives, the loser struggles. Plants have an innate immune system that responds to disease by creating resistance proteins. You can think of them as little soldiers that march in to prevent disease from causing damage. Sometimes, however, a plant's immune system can overreact.  Thanks to a University of Missouri researcher, we are one step closer to understanding how plants regulate their immune system.
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Strong Farm Prices are Translating into Increased Farm Equipment Sales

While the U.S. economy continues to struggle there is one bright spot, farm commodity prices are booming. This, in turn, means a jump in farm equipment sales. Just like any good CEO, farmers are taking record profits and re-investing in their business. Photo by Igor Spanholi






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Pumpkin - Not Just for Halloween

While pumpkins are typically associated with Halloween, they are a healthy choice even after the trick-or-treat holiday.





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Use Halloween to Teach Children about Moderation and Healthy Choices

The doorbell rings. Ghosties and Goulies shout, "trick or treat" as you open the door.  Even though candy is the typical bounty given to appease Halloween tricksters, there are other options that can also delight children.





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Bats - Victims of Poor PR

It's difficult to think of Halloween without thinking of the classical monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula. Unfortunately, thanks to the good ol' Count, we have the wrong impression of bats.






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Autumn Colors - A Biochemical Symphony

Bright reds and purples are the hallmark of a stunning fall color display. While on the surface, trees my appear quiet and stationary, at the chemical level, there's a lot going on right now.
  
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