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UF researchers seek bugs to battle aquatic weed plaguing Central, South Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Years of hydrilla control efforts have paid off for some Florida communities — unfortunately, their success has benefited a more troublesome aquatic weed, a University of Florida expert says.

Filed under Research, Environment, Florida, Agriculture on Monday, April 21, 2008.

Imported aquacultured reef clams found to have foreign disease

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Vividly colorful giant clams officially called tridacnids decorate many an upscale aquarium. But now experts say they boast an exterior beauty that masks an ugly truth: their potential for carrying foreign diseases.

Filed under Research, Business, Environment, Sciences, Veterinary on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.

UF professor uses art to highlight tie between cultural and biological diversity

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Conservationists often promote pristine wilderness as a warehouse of biological diversity, but new research findings by a University of Florida anthropologist show higher biological diversity actually exists in areas where there is more human cultural diversity.

Filed under Research, Environment on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.

UF research shows termite damage cuts insulation values by nearly 75 percent

GAINESVILLE, FLA. — Termites aren’t just out to eat the wood in your home. A new University of Florida study shows the voracious insects like to feast on your home’s insulation, too — making it nearly 75 percent less effective.

Filed under Research, Environment on Wednesday, March 26, 2008.

UF researchers on the watch for nice weather — and the diseases it could bring

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Calling it a silver lining may be a stretch, but the storm clouds wrought by the devastating 2004 hurricane season did bring the Sunshine State at least one ray of relief.

Filed under Research, Environment, Florida on Wednesday, March 19, 2008.

Overfertilizing St. Augustinegrass could encourage chinch bugs, UF researcher warns

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A little fertilizer can perk up a St. Augustinegrass lawn as spring arrives, but homeowners who overdo it may find they’re growing more than grass.

Filed under Research, Environment, Florida on Monday, March 3, 2008.

Beachgoers who stay high and dry may stay healthier

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Attention snowbirds and spring breakers: Beachgoers who stay high and dry may have healthier fun in the sun than those frolicking on wet sand or in the water, according to a University of Florida veterinary researcher.

Filed under Research, Health, Environment on Tuesday, January 29, 2008.

Scientists: Environmental protection, development not always at odds

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Mangroves in coastal Thailand are the main protection against deadly flooding from tsunamis, so it might seem wise to protect them at all costs.

Filed under Research, Environment, Sciences on Thursday, January 17, 2008.

Ancient global warming changed earth from ’icehouse to greenhouse’

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Earth literally turned over a new leaf 15 million years ago when an earlier version of global warming changed large parts of the planet from lush forests to open grasslands, a new study by scientists at the University of Florida and other institutions shows.

Filed under Research, Environment, Sciences on Monday, December 17, 2007.

UF studies show home buyers like ‘green’ features but may not understand green living

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Home buyers appreciate the benefits of “green” communities, but residents don’t necessarily lead more eco-friendly lives than their neighbors in traditional homes, according to two University of Florida studies conducted in the fast-growing state.

Filed under Research, Environment, Florida on Monday, December 17, 2007.