IFAS News
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – University of Florida
Archive for July, 2007
Of maggots and murder – UF researcher says sleuths need new way to estimate time of death
July 26, 2007
Topic(s): Entomology and Nematology, Research
By:
Tom Nordlie (352) 392-0400Source(s):
Susan Gruner savethemaggots@cox.net, 352-514-5006
Dan Slone dslone@usgs.gov, 352-264-3551
Jeffery Tomberlin jktomberlin@ag.tamu.edu, 979-845-9718
James Cooney III jcooney@wcsr.com, 704-331-4980
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Blow fly maggots are one of the best tools forensic entomologists have for estimating when a person died—but a University of Florida researcher says current methods should be revised to account for a phenomenon that can skew results.
Maggot size and maturity can indicate when adult blow flies first encountered a corpse. But unlike many insect larvae, blow fly maggots generate heat when they’re grouped in large masses, which can speed their development, said Susan Gruner, an entomology doctoral student with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (more…)
Fuel Ethanol
July 20, 2007
Topic(s): Biofuels, Stand-Alone Photos, Uncategorized
Stand Alone Photo (No Story Available)
Whether plant or animal, UF’s new genetic model can predict its future
July 18, 2007
Topic(s): New Technology, Research
By:
Stu Hutson 352-392-0400Source(s):
Rongling Wu rwu@ufl.edu, 352-392-1946
Min Lin 919-668-7049
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Rongling Wu is out to prove Mark Twain clearly didn’t know a darn thing about genetics.
“Lies and damn lies” notwithstanding, Twain’s much-maligned statistics are our best shot at reading the truth within the coded messages of DNA — whether that of a person or a poplar tree. (more…)
Swim diapers may not keep pool water clean, UF experts say
July 10, 2007
Topic(s): Families and Consumers, Safety
By:
Tom Nordlie (352) 392-0400Source(s):
Fred Southwick southfs@medmac.ufl.edu, 352-392-4058
Keith Schneider keiths29@ufl.edu, 352-871-0440
Patti Gilmer info@mypoolpal.com, 770-532-2034
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Swimming is good, clean summer fun for small children—but University of Florida experts caution that swim diapers won’t necessarily keep the water clean, and that could spell trouble if sick kids go in the pool.
A common illness called Norovirus infection can cause vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. And for children suffering from such an infection that last symptom can render swim diapers ineffective, said Fred Southwick, a professor and chief of the infectious disease division at UF’s College of Medicine. (more…)
