Don’t have time to scour the internet for the latest food safety, animal safety, life sciences and agriculture news? Relax, we’ve got it covered.
Food safety
Groundbreaking study into peanut allergy – Food Standards Agency
The United Kingdom’s (U.K.) Food Standards Agency is recruiting participants in a study that will look at the factors that affect peanut allergy.
Four main culprits found for serious childhood diarrhea – Nature
Four pathogens are responsible for most serious cases of diarrhea in children – E. coli, Shigella, Cryptosporidium and rotavirus. Diarrhea is the second biggest killer of children globally.
Eat more bugs, they’re good for you! – The Social Silo
The United Nations recently released a report about the potential benefits of eating bugs as a way to combat global hunger. You can find it here.
E. coli outbreak reported in northeast Georgia – Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Officials still are tracking the source of the outbreak.
Animal safety
USDA confirms porcine epidemic diarrhea virus – The Pig Site
The virus is not zoonotic and doesn’t affect food safety.
Egg and broiler prices to bounce back from bird flu – The Poultry Site
As the number of H7N9 avian flu cases continues to decline, the Chinese government has announced a subsidy to help get China’s poultry industry back on its feet.
Tips for guarding against heat stress in horses – The Horse
With high temperatures come increased risk of heat stress, which can be characterized by fast heart rate, rapid breathing and excessive sweating.
Flaxseed: The next superfood for cattle and beef? – NPR’s The Salt
Some ranchers are turning to flaxseed to improve their cattle’s diet and the omega-3 content of their meat.
Dog Bite Prevention Week –AVMA
May 19-25 marks Dog Bite Prevention Week. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a whole page with educational resources.
Agriculture
Why humans took up farming: They like to own stuff – NPR’s The Salt
New research indicates early farming and the development of the idea of private property are linked.
Cambridge-based scientists develop “superwheat” – BBC
By combining modern wheat with an ancient variety, scientists in the U.K. have raised wheat that is heartier and bigger than modern strains.
Farm equipment that runs on oats – The New York Times
This fascinating profile looks at one of 400,000 farms in the U.S. that still uses draft horses for work.
Michigan apple orchards blossom after a devastating year – NPR’s The Salt
After last year’s massive apple losses due to a spring frost, Michigan’s orchards are poised for a comeback.
U.S. corn crop seen reaching record even with slow planting – Bloomberg
Although rainy weather has slowed planting, the U.S. still is on track for a record year.
Plant diagnostics
U.K. tree expert issues “unknown” pest threat warning – BBC
After recent outbreaks of serious tree diseases in the U.K., a leading expert has warned the next big threat to trees may come from an unknown disease.