Monday links
February 26, 2018
What’s the latest in the fields of agriculture, food safety, animal science and toxicology? Check it out here.
Animal Science:
The genius who solved the porcine ileitis puzzle — Pig Progress
Renowned veterinary researcher Dr. Gordon Lawson passed away early this year. In remembrance of him, Pig Progress takes a look at Lawson’s contributions to understanding animal illness, and the bacteria that carries his name, Lawsonia.
Join the club, buddy; Research shows feedlot cattle stressed out, running on empty, too — Beef Magazine
Chronic oxidative stress is a big deal for cattle and those who raise them, because of its impact on cellular function. “It’s not a cure-all, but it goes a long way in explaining why we have better vaccines and antibiotics today… but cattle health is worse,” says one expert.
Food Safety:
South Africa’s Listeria outbreak claims 150+ lives; source still unknown — Food Safety Magazine
As of February 14, a total of 872 Listeria cases have been confirmed by South Africa, amid the worst foodborne illness outbreak in recorded history. Over 150 people have died.
Why was there a norovirus outbreak at the Winter Olympics? 4 questions answered — The Conversation
With over 200 confirmed cases of norovirus at the 2018 Winter Olympics — two of which were athletes — an infectious disease expert explains this foodborne virus and how it spreads.
Agriculture:
Tomatoes with half the irrigation needs — University of Seville
A new study shows how tomatoes raised with 50% of a typical water intake had the same nutritional benefits of tomatoes raised with more water — and even some extra nutrients. “This is not about using half the water for no reason, but rather studying the water status of the plants and, knowing their needs, watering the crop in the right way at the best time,” said one researcher.
A-peeling? Japanese farmers invent edible banana skin — The Guardian
A Japanese farm uses a unique method that it calls the “freeze thaw awakening method” to grow bananas that have a softer, digestible peel. The skin is made without chemicals, and its taste has been compared to pineapples.
Toxicology:
Xanax, Valium looking like America’s next drug crisis — Chicago Tribune
America is well aware of its opioid epidemic, but there’s a hidden crisis brewing with prescription sedatives such as Xanax and Valium, a new review warns.
Offbeat:
Perceptions of age change as we age — MSU Today
Does life really begin at 40? Is 50 the new 30? For people in these age groups, the answer appears to be yes. But for young adults, turning 50 equates to hitting old age. A new study of more than a half-million Americans shows just how skewed views of aging can be — particularly among the young.
Animal Science:
The genius who solved the porcine ileitis puzzle — Pig Progress
Renowned veterinary researcher Dr. Gordon Lawson passed away early this year. In remembrance of him, Pig Progress takes a look at Lawson’s contributions to understanding animal illness, and the bacteria that carries his name, Lawsonia.
Join the club, buddy; Research shows feedlot cattle stressed out, running on empty, too — Beef Magazine
Chronic oxidative stress is a big deal for cattle and those who raise them, because of its impact on cellular function. “It’s not a cure-all, but it goes a long way in explaining why we have better vaccines and antibiotics today… but cattle health is worse,” says one expert.
Food Safety:
South Africa’s Listeria outbreak claims 150+ lives; source still unknown — Food Safety Magazine
As of February 14, a total of 872 Listeria cases have been confirmed by South Africa, amid the worst foodborne illness outbreak in recorded history. Over 150 people have died.
Why was there a norovirus outbreak at the Winter Olympics? 4 questions answered — The Conversation
With over 200 confirmed cases of norovirus at the 2018 Winter Olympics — two of which were athletes — an infectious disease expert explains this foodborne virus and how it spreads.
Agriculture:
Tomatoes with half the irrigation needs — University of Seville
A new study shows how tomatoes raised with 50% of a typical water intake had the same nutritional benefits of tomatoes raised with more water — and even some extra nutrients. “This is not about using half the water for no reason, but rather studying the water status of the plants and, knowing their needs, watering the crop in the right way at the best time,” said one researcher.
A-peeling? Japanese farmers invent edible banana skin — The Guardian
A Japanese farm uses a unique method that it calls the “freeze thaw awakening method” to grow bananas that have a softer, digestible peel. The skin is made without chemicals, and its taste has been compared to pineapples.
Toxicology:
Xanax, Valium looking like America’s next drug crisis — Chicago Tribune
America is well aware of its opioid epidemic, but there’s a hidden crisis brewing with prescription sedatives such as Xanax and Valium, a new review warns.
Offbeat:
Perceptions of age change as we age — MSU Today
Does life really begin at 40? Is 50 the new 30? For people in these age groups, the answer appears to be yes. But for young adults, turning 50 equates to hitting old age. A new study of more than a half-million Americans shows just how skewed views of aging can be — particularly among the young.
Category: Food Safety, Agriculture