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Bacterial gene could help crops beat the heat of global warming, say UF researchers

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Though E. coli bacteria are notorious for making people sick, a University of Florida study shows that a gene found in the microbes can keep plants healthy by improving their resistance to heat stress – a discovery that may help researchers develop food crops that withstand harsh climates and global warming.

Filed under Agriculture, Environment, Research on Thursday, March 30, 2006.

UF study: World shark attacks dipped in 2005, part of long-term trend

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Assertive and even aggressive human behavior could explain why shark attacks worldwide dipped last year, continuing a five-year downward trend in close encounters with the oceanic predators, new University of Florida research suggests.

Filed under Environment, Florida, Research, Sciences on Monday, February 13, 2006.

UF engineer develops tiny, easily mass-produced motion sensor

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida engineer is the latest researcher to design a tiny, easy-to-manufacture motion sensor, a development that could help popularize the sensors as standard equipment in personal electronics, medical devices and other applications.

Filed under Environment, Research, Technology on Thursday, February 9, 2006.

Manure matters: UF waste management system produces energy, protects environment and stops annoying odors

HAGUE, Fla. — As the nation looks to agriculture for renewable fuels from crops and other sources, University of Florida researchers have developed a manure management system that produces energy, saves valuable nutrients for fertilizer, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and stops offensive odors.

Filed under Agriculture, Environment, Research on Thursday, February 2, 2006.

UF researchers say citrus greening can be managed with new biological and chemical controls

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Canker topped the list of worries for the Florida citrus industry until citrus greening – described as the world’s most serious citrus disease – was found in groves last year.

Filed under Agriculture, Business, Environment, Florida, Research on Thursday, January 19, 2006.

Florida land boom: New UF survey shows Florida farmland values increased by 50 percent to 88 percent during past year

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Demand for land by developers, investors and speculators pushed the value of agricultural land to record levels in all regions of the state during the past year, according to a new University of Florida survey.

Filed under Agriculture, Business, Environment, Florida, Research on Friday, January 13, 2006.

UF research shows that methyl bromide use on crops can be reduced by 50 percent under metalized bed covers

WIMAUMA, Fla. — With this month’s federal ban on most uses of methyl bromide, University of Florida scientists are searching for alternatives to the widely used soil fumigant that is essential for the production of fruits, vegetables and ornamentals in Florida and the nation.

Filed under Agriculture, Environment, Research on Thursday, January 12, 2006.

When freezes threaten crops, UF’s automated weather network helps growers avoid losses

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — When freezes threaten crops, growers rely on the Florida Automated Weather Network for accurate weather data to protect their crops. In addition to delivering weather data 24 hours daily, the University of Florida network helps farmers improve their irrigation efficiency and provides reliable climate predictions months in advance.

Filed under Agriculture, Environment, Florida, Research on Friday, January 6, 2006.