ARS Newslink

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
September 17, 2010

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Testing corn genes with MAGIC:
ARS researchers and their university cooperators have developed a new high-tech method called MAGIC that helps test gene function in maize plants. (9/13)
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100913.htm

A closer look at how soybeans and sorghum react to higher CO2:
In the first long-term study comparing tillage practices under high levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, ARS scientists have discovered that crops responded positively to predicted future levels of CO2, but soil tillage practices had little effect on this response. (9/14)
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100914.htm

The best of the best:
ARS this week inducted three of its scientists into the agency's Science Hall of Fame for their achievements which have saved lives, alleviated disease-related human suffering, and boosted knowledge of the genetics of agricultural animals vital to the world food supply. (9/15)
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100915.2.htm

Sweet science:
ARS researchers were part of a multi-institution team that this week announced the preliminary release of the sequenced genome of the cacao tree, an achievement that will help sustain the supply of high-quality cocoa to the $17 billion U.S. chocolate industry and protect the livelihoods of small farmers. (9/15)
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100915.htm

Soy oil that's more heart-healthy:
Products made from soy oil stand to benefit from two new germplasm lines that produce high levels of oleic acid, according to an ARS scientist and her university colleagues who developed the lines. (9/16)
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100916.htm

A bacteria that's bad for pickles, but good for the environment:
Spoilage bacteria that can cause red coloration of pickles' skin during fermentation may actually help clean up dyes in textile industry wastewater, according to an ARS microbiologist and her colleagues. (9/17)
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2010/100917.htm

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Newslink is the weekly e-mail pointer for web links to stories issued each workday by the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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ARS News Service, Information Staff, Agricultural Research Service
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Room 1-2251, Beltsville MD 20705-5128
NewsService@ars.usda.gov | www.ars.usda.gov/news
Phone (301) 504-1636 | fax (301) 504-1486