The fate of fentanyl
Scientists are beginning to study how fentanyl and its by-products enter and persist in the environment with early findings suggesting it does not easily break down in soil and can be detected in water, wastewater, and even transit systems. While current environmental levels are far below those that pose direct safety risks to humans, little is known about the drug’s metabolites, degradation products, and long-term impacts on ecosystems and food chains.
Learn about the latest research on this topic in the October issue of CSA News.
As soil is our witness
How soil collection honors lynching victims
In Montgomery, AL, there is a moving exhibit with rows of glass jars lining the walls of the Memorial for Peace and Justice. Each jar contains soil collected from some of the sites where more than 4,400 Americans were lynched between Reconstruction and World War II.
In this article, Asmeret Asefaw reflects on the profound symbolism of this exhibit.
Featured articles
How I learned to love grantsmanship
Good research requires funding, which comes to many scientists through grants. How do you feel about writing for grants? Do you dread it? Do you love it? Somewhere in between? Dr. Michael Mulvaney's perspective on grantsmanship has evolved over the years to the point where he now finds it "the most fun part of the project life cycle." Read about his thoughts...and tips for success.
The ‘essence’ of genomic selection
We started using DNA fingerprints to select for new crop varieties more than 30 years ago. What have we learned, and what’s coming next?
- Crop production is a science that needs to constantly evolve in order for farmers to keep producing high yields in spite of emerging agricultural challenges. One strategy to enhance crop-breeding programs, genomic selection, allows breeders to predict the traits of a crop based on its DNA, before it’s ever grown.
- While it took some time for genomic selection to be widely adopted in breeding programs, it now is an essential tool for many researchers, cutting down the time, labor, and resources needed to produce new crop lines.
- The future of genomic selection will likely see breeders incorporating new technologies, like recent breakthroughs in AI, into their programs. Genomic selection’s applications and prospects were recently reviewed in The Plant Genome journal.
Recent articles
Recent articles
Affordable phenomics for crop breeders
A new article in The Plant Phenome Journal reviewed currently available and accessible phenomics hardware, sensors, software, and platforms. The authors highlight existing phenotyping tools and techniques that can be used by breeding programs with restricted budgets, such as those located in economically developing countries.
Let's talk science policy in Salt Lake City
Coming to CANVAS? Join us on Monday, November 10 to talk with staff about science policy and the impact the government’s actions are having on you and your work.
Down to Earth
Our Down to Earth section key food, farming, and environmental concepts and research in language that is easy to understand by all, including those without formal scientific training. Visit us each week as we continue to add more sections and content.
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