In Focus Articles
Unexpected consumer reactions to mandated GMO labeling
Unexpected consumer reactions to mandated GMO labeling Federal legislation mandates the labeling of foods with genetically engineered (GE) ingredients (commonly called genetically modified organisms, or GMOs) by 2020. Jayson Lusk, distinguished professor and head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, wanted to test how consumers would respond to this labeling. His recently published findings surprised…
Read MoreNational Black Farmers Association honors AgrAbility
National Black Farmers Association honors AgrAbility AgrAbility’s vision is to enhance the quality of life for agricultural workers with a wide range of disabilities from arthritis and back impairments to spinal cord injuries, amputations and behavioral health issues. Approximately 19 percent of active farm operators are no longer able to perform essential tasks due to…
Read MoreAs our climate shifts, so do trees
As our climate shifts, so do trees When we think of migratory species, trees are probably not the first things we picture. Perhaps that’s why the work of Songlin Fei has captured the imagination of the scientific community. Fei, associate professor in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and researcher with Purdue’s Climate Change…
Read MoreWe want to feed the world. But how?
We want to feed the world. But how? You may have read the prediction that by 2050, we’ll have 10 billion people to feed across the globe while facing increasing environmental change. It’s a daunting task but a solid wager that we have the tools and ability to address this challenge. To do so, we…
Read More$5 million Gates Foundation grant targets weed-resistant crops in Africa
$5 million Gates Foundation grant targets weed-resistant crops in Africa Striga, a parasitic weed threatening African crops, robs maize, sorghum, rice, pearl millet and sugarcane of necessary nutrients. Its impact on production of these essential crops affects more than 100 million people across the continent. Over the last four years, Gebisa Ejeta has found the…
Read MoreNew animal sciences complex has immediate impact
New animal sciences complex has immediate impact It was three years in the making, and in March, the Purdue community came together to dedicate its new animal sciences complex. The $60 million, 123,000-square-foot facility includes the Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences and Land O’Lakes, Inc. Center for Experiential Learning. The building’s dedication…
Read MoreIndiana’s digital divide
Indiana’s digital divide Lacking high-speed internet in today’s digital age is a significant economic and educational disadvantage, much like being unable to read or write would have been 100 years ago, says Roberto Gallardo, Purdue Extension community and regional economics specialist and assistant director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development (PCRD). A new study…
Read MoreSows try to keep their cool
Sows try to keep their cool A team of Purdue researchers has developed a cooling pad that helps keep sows healthier and more comfortable in farrowing houses, where they feed piglets after giving birth. Modern sows are having more piglets than ever, and feeding those larger litters causes the sows to have higher body temperatures.…
Read MoreThe what and why of our food supply
The what and why of our food supply Jayson Lusk, who joined Purdue in July as distinguished professor and head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, was awarded the Borlaug CAST Communication Award at the 2017 World Food Prize ceremony. Presented by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, the award honors outstanding contribution to…
Read MorePurdue prepares firefighters
Purdue prepares firefighters The fall of 2017 was one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, with over 1.3 million acres burned in September alone. With fires burning across Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and California, thousands of firefighters were required to extinguish them. But to battle wildfires managed by the federal government and many states,…
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