Latest news from College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on News en-us Copyright 2025 News 115 31 / /images/newswise-logo-rss.gif /articles/brownie-points-for-chatgpt-s-food-analysis-skills/?sc=rsin /articles/brownie-points-for-chatgpt-s-food-analysis-skills/?sc=rsin Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:40:19 EST AI is changing the way we work, create, and share information -- but brownies? A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explores how ChatGPT can be used in the sensory evaluation of foods, specifically brownies. The study offers insights that could streamline development of new products, and possibly enhance recipes moving forward. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/new-ivf-method-mimics-fallopian-tube-environment-increasing-sperm-viability/?sc=rsin /articles/new-ivf-method-mimics-fallopian-tube-environment-increasing-sperm-viability/?sc=rsin Mon, 24 Mar 2025 19:35:56 EST The success of in vitro fertilization depends on many factors, one of which is sperm viability. A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign documents a new way to select viable sperm and prolong their viability in the laboratory, reducing one source of variability during the process. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/parents-advice-benefits-african-american-youth-when-they-seek-support/?sc=rsin /articles/parents-advice-benefits-african-american-youth-when-they-seek-support/?sc=rsin Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:25:10 EST Parents can help their children by giving advice on how to deal with challenges, but it matters whether youth want support or not. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks at the impact of parental advice and youth support seeking in African American families. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/illinois-study-extreme-heat-impacts-dairy-production-small-farms-most-vulnerable/?sc=rsin /articles/illinois-study-extreme-heat-impacts-dairy-production-small-farms-most-vulnerable/?sc=rsin Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:30:35 EST Livestock agriculture is bearing the cost of extreme weather events. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explores how heat stress affects U.S. dairy production, finding that high heat and humidity lead to a 1% decline in annual milk yield. Small farms are hit harder than large farms, which may be able to mitigate some of the effects through management strategies. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/maternal-depression-can-lead-to-children-s-emotional-overeating-study-shows/?sc=rsin /articles/maternal-depression-can-lead-to-children-s-emotional-overeating-study-shows/?sc=rsin Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:40:00 EST Up to 25% of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression, which can significantly impact their parenting behavior and the wellbeing of their children. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks at long-term effects of early maternal depression on children, underscoring the need to provide adequate support for mothers who might be struggling. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/illinois-researchers-spearhead-efforts-to-establish-guidelines-for-personalized-nutrition-approaches/?sc=rsin /articles/illinois-researchers-spearhead-efforts-to-establish-guidelines-for-personalized-nutrition-approaches/?sc=rsin Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:05:54 EST Personalized nutrition (PN) has gained popularity in recent years as a customized approach to health outcomes. The Personalized Nutrition Initiative at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, together with their external partners, hosted two workshops for PN practitioners and experts, aimed at establishing guidelines and setting up best practices for the field. The workshop findings were recently published in two journal articles. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/date-tag-illinois-researchers-develop-next-generation-organic-nanozymes-and-point-of-use-system-for-food-and-agricultural-uses/?sc=rsin /articles/date-tag-illinois-researchers-develop-next-generation-organic-nanozymes-and-point-of-use-system-for-food-and-agricultural-uses/?sc=rsin Fri, 28 Feb 2025 19:10:53 EST A University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research team has developed organic-material-based nanozymes that are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost effective. In two new studies, they introduce next-generation organic nanozymes and explore a point-of-use platform for molecule detection in agricultural products. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/genomic-tools-provide-clearer-view-of-health-for-endangered-bats/?sc=rsin /articles/genomic-tools-provide-clearer-view-of-health-for-endangered-bats/?sc=rsin Wed, 26 Feb 2025 19:00:39 EST How do wildlife researchers know when an endangered population is sick? They can detect infectious microbes in animal waste, but the presence of a microbe doesn't always equate to impactful symptomatic infections. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/in-the-weeds-amaranth-genomes-reveal-secrets-of-success/?sc=rsin /articles/in-the-weeds-amaranth-genomes-reveal-secrets-of-success/?sc=rsin Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:50:17 EST Weeds like Palmer amaranth make farming harder and less profitable, and available herbicides are becoming less effective. For scientists to find solutions, they first need to know their enemy. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and collaborating institutions reveals complete chromosome-level genomes for Palmer and two other Amaranthus species, smooth and redroot pigweed. The advancement represents a major leap in scientists' understanding of the weeds' biology, including their ability to detoxify common herbicides. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/online-weight-loss-program-is-effective-way-to-reach-rural-populations-study-shows/?sc=rsin /articles/online-weight-loss-program-is-effective-way-to-reach-rural-populations-study-shows/?sc=rsin Thu, 13 Feb 2025 22:00:49 EST A research team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign developed an online weight management program that provides personalized assistance from a registered dietitian. In a new study, they collaborated with Illinois Extension to test the program's efficacy among residents of rural Illinois. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/waste-to-wealth-pomelo-peel-can-be-used-for-electricity-generation-and-sensing-devices/?sc=rsin /articles/waste-to-wealth-pomelo-peel-can-be-used-for-electricity-generation-and-sensing-devices/?sc=rsin Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:05:45 EST Pomelo is a large citrus fruit commonly grown in Southeast and East Asia. It has a very thick peel, which is typically discarded, resulting in a considerable amount of food waste. In a new study, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers explore ways to utilize waste pomelo-peel biomass to develop tools that can power small electric devices and monitor biomechanical motions. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/new-agroforestry-maps-plot-environmental-social-and-economic-benefits-of-trees/?sc=rsin /articles/new-agroforestry-maps-plot-environmental-social-and-economic-benefits-of-trees/?sc=rsin Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:15:52 EST There's a longstanding attitude in many farming communities that trees and agriculture don't mix. But agroforestry can provide a multitude of benefits to farmers and landscapes. A new University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study provides a decision support tool for strategic plans that integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations of trees in agricultural landscapes. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/hybrid-job-training-improves-participation-for-women-in-nepal-study-finds/?sc=rsin /articles/hybrid-job-training-improves-participation-for-women-in-nepal-study-finds/?sc=rsin Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:30:16 EST Globally, women's workforce participation is about 25% lower than men's, often due to barriers such as domestic responsibilities and cultural norms. A new study from an international research team explored whether hybrid distance learning can improve accessibility to job training for rural women in Nepal. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/timing-matters-early-planting-benefits-soybean-in-unfertilized-low-fertility-fields/?sc=rsin /articles/timing-matters-early-planting-benefits-soybean-in-unfertilized-low-fertility-fields/?sc=rsin Wed, 05 Feb 2025 19:15:17 EST Unfertilized soybean fields with lower soil fertility should be planted earlier than high fertility fields, according to a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study that re-evaluates longtime soil testing. This result comes as a bit of a surprise, says Fred Below, senior author of the study. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/forest-landowner-motivation-to-control-invasive-species-depends-on-land-use-study-shows/?sc=rsin /articles/forest-landowner-motivation-to-control-invasive-species-depends-on-land-use-study-shows/?sc=rsin Tue, 04 Feb 2025 21:25:33 EST Many U.S. forests are privately owned, which makes control of invasive plants and pests challenging. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explores how differences in ownership motivation affects willingness to control, and how economic incentives can be implemented efficiently. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/slow-traffic-fast-food-study-links-road-delays-with-unhealthy-eating/?sc=rsin /articles/slow-traffic-fast-food-study-links-road-delays-with-unhealthy-eating/?sc=rsin Mon, 03 Feb 2025 20:45:33 EST Ever notice how much more tempting it is to pick up fast food for dinner after being stuck in traffic? It's not just you. New University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research shows that traffic delays significantly increase visits to fast food restaurants, leading to unhealthier eating for millions each year. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/u-of-i-team-develops-weight-loss-app-that-tracks-fiber-protein-content-in-meals/?sc=rsin /articles/u-of-i-team-develops-weight-loss-app-that-tracks-fiber-protein-content-in-meals/?sc=rsin Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:50:02 EST A research team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has developed a weight management program that helps individuals plan meals with the assistance of a web application and support from a registered dietitian. In a new study, they discuss the app's features, development, and implementation. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/illinois-research-team-to-receive-5m-to-reduce-synthetic-nitrogen-fertilizer-in-corn-production/?sc=rsin /articles/illinois-research-team-to-receive-5m-to-reduce-synthetic-nitrogen-fertilizer-in-corn-production/?sc=rsin Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:10:18 EST The U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has announced $5 million in funding to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and partner institutions to develop a new variety of corn called NSave that will reduce nitrogen fertilizer use and greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining crop yield. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/natural-food-colorant-expert-available-to-offer-alternatives-in-the-wake-of-red-dye-3-ban/?sc=rsin /articles/natural-food-colorant-expert-available-to-offer-alternatives-in-the-wake-of-red-dye-3-ban/?sc=rsin Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:35:05 EST College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign /articles/gene-edited-soil-bacteria-could-provide-third-source-of-nitrogen-for-corn-production/?sc=rsin /articles/gene-edited-soil-bacteria-could-provide-third-source-of-nitrogen-for-corn-production/?sc=rsin Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:30:08 EST If corn was ever jealous of soybean's relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, advancements in gene editing could one day even the playing field. A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows that gene-edited bacteria can supply the equivalent of 35 pounds of nitrogen from the air during early corn growth, which may reduce the crop's reliance on nitrogen fertilizer. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign