IFAS News

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - University of Florida

Archive for April, 2007

New mosquito-borne illness may be headed to United States, UF experts say

April 26, 2007
Topic(s): Entomology and Nematology, Environment, Families and Consumers, Household Pests, Invasive Species, RECs

By:
Tom Nordlie (352) 392-0400

Source(s):
Walter Tabachnick wjt@ufl.edu, 772-778-7200 ext. 124
Roxanne Connelly crr@ufl.edu, 772-778-7200 ext. 172
Stephen Higgs sthiggs@utmb.edu, 409-747-2426

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The next mosquito-borne illness in the United States may be chikungunya (“chicken-GUN-ya”) and despite its odd name the viral disease is no laughing matter, University of Florida experts say.

Though generally not fatal, chikungunya has sickened 1.6 million people in the Indian Ocean region since early 2005 and could be transmitted by two mosquitoes found in the southern United States, said Walter Tabachnick of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (more…)

Mulch

April 25, 2007
Topic(s): Agriculture, CALS, Crops, Landscaping, Stand-Alone Photos

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Relocating ‘nuisance bears’ may do more harm than good, UF study shows

April 25, 2007
Topic(s): Conservation, Extension, Florida Friendly

Source(s):
Kim Annis kimannis@ufl.edu, 352-846-0643
Mel Sunquist sunquist@ufl.edu, 352-846-0566

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For decades, state wildlife officials have been trapping and relocating so-called “nuisance bears” that get too close to humans.

But a new University of Florida study shows the policy may merit a second look. (more…)

UF/IFAS Packaging Science Department Donation

April 20, 2007
Topic(s): Agriculture, Disaster Preparedness, Economics, Families and Consumers, New Technology

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Virginia Tech Memorial at the University of Florida

April 20, 2007
Topic(s): Stand-Alone Photos

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Stand Alone Photo (No Story Available)

TIP SHEET: So long, and thanks for all the pollen

April 19, 2007
Topic(s): Conservation, Entomology and Nematology, Environment, RECs

By:
Stu Hutson 352-392-0400

Source:
Jamie Ellis jdellis@ufl.edu, 352-392-1901 ext. 130

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — It’s potentially the biggest mystery in natural science today, and finding answers means more than saving our honey supply.

Across the globe, honeybee colonies are dying in near-epidemic numbers with no known cause. Guesses at what may lie at the root of the culling range from new viruses to radiation from cell phone towers. However, University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers say that the die-offs are most likely a culmination of man-made effects—and potentially a potent warning for our own future. (more…)

NASULGC president to speak on Western Academia’s role in developing nations

April 19, 2007
Topic(s): Announcements

By:
Stu Hutson 352-392-0400

Source:
Peter McPherson 202-478-6060

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Thinking “out of the box” takes on a new meaning when you’re talking about packaging aid to developing nations—Peter McPherson knows firsthand.

Now serving as president of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, he founded the Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa and was director of economic policy for the coalition provisional authority of Iraq in 2003. (more…)