You’ve probably heard that the production of California almonds requires an immense amount of water — about a gallon per almond. But new research published in the Yale’s Journal of Industrial Ecology (JIE) reveals another, more favorable environmental dimension of almond production.
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Every spring in the United States, bees pollinate crops valued at about $14 billion.
A Michigan State University professor and a team of scientists are using a five-year, $8.6 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to keep this winged workforce operating efficiently.
Almonds, strawberries, apples, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, watermelon, cucumbers and more depend on bees to help maximize yields. But with wild honey bee populations decimated by varroa mites and other threats, farmers are dependent on beekeepers to deliver managed colonies of honey bees during peak pollination to ensure their flowers are pollinated. (more…)
Are you allergic to peanuts and worried there might be some in that cookie? Now you can find out using a rather unlikely source: your cell phone.
A team of researchers from the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science has developed a lightweight device called the iTube, which attaches to a common cell phone to detect allergens in food samples. The iTube attachment uses the cell phone’s built-in camera, along with an accompanying smart-phone application that runs a test with the same high level of sensitivity a laboratory would. (more…)
Weight loss isn’t easy, if it was everyone would be at their healthy goal weight but there is a reason why many countries are finding themselves topping the weight charts. A lot of people don’t have the time and the money to take care of themselves. So here are 6 small changes you can make to your daily routine that will help you drop a few pounds:
Drink more water: Skip the sodas and fruit juices that are full of sugar and opt for water. Water is so good for you and most adults are unaware that they are dehydrated. A good way to always keep yourself drinking water is to have a water bottle with a sports cap with you at all times. This will keep you drinking more and faster than having to fill up a cup of water.
Walk: To increase your daily exercise, try walking everywhere. If you need to run to the store and it’s within walking distance, go. Or if you are at work, take the stairs and not the elevator. Take 30 minutes out of your day to walk around your neighborhood. It is a great way to burn calories and get rid of stress. (more…)
