News

The Field Crops Webinar Series continues with a discussion on agronomy and weather-related challenges for 2024 production

Published on February 27, 2024
This webinar focuses on farm management practices with a focus on navigating weather-related challenges to maximize agronomic management decisions.
Safely coloring, hunting and enjoying Easter eggs

Published on February 27, 2024
Tips to keep your Easter eggs safe.
Join us online for PRCI’s second Global Gathering March 6-8 in Washington, DC!

Published on February 27, 2024
The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research, Capacity, and Influence (PRCI) will hold its second Global Gathering March 6-8 at the Ronald Reagan Building and international Trade Center.
EcoTek Students Continue Experimental Journey

Published on February 25, 2024
Students from a Detroit high school visited the Patterson lab again on Saturday—this time to collect soil from the rhizosphere right next to the plant root to capture the bacteria—in the productivity experiment they started in October 2023.
Speeding it up: dual effects of biostimulants and iron on the biodegradation of poly(lactic acid) at mesophilic conditions

Published on February 24, 2024
Biodegradation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in compost and environments enriched with iron, gelatin, skim milk, and ethyl lactate under moderate temperature conditions. Introducing iron and gelatin significantly accelerates PLA biodegradation.
Accelerating Biodegradation: Enhancing Poly(lactic acid) Breakdown at Mesophilic Environmental Conditions with Biostimulants

Published on February 24, 2024
Including gelatin, skim milk, and ethyl lactate in the compost helps improve the protease activity and stimulates the activity of lactate utilizing microorganisms, thus improving the biodegradation rate of PLA at mesophilic temperatures.
Unlocking the secrets of high-water barrier stereocomplex polylactide blend extrusion films

Published on February 24, 2024
Stereocomplex polylactide (sc-PLA) films were produced without using a masterbatch, including varieties with PLLA/PDLA ratios of 85/15, 70/30, 50/50, and 30/70. Blended and annealed films show a reduced moisture barrier by a factor of 2.5 to 6.
Labeling Explainer: Naming Foods with Added Flavorings

Published on February 23, 2024
Here is a quick overview of naming foods with added flavorings, from the faculty of the MSU Food & Dietary Supplement Labeling Workshop. March 5-6, 2024. Orlando, Florida.
The cloning crayfish conundrum: A threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem

Published on February 23, 2024
While not in the Great Lakes -- yet -- its ability to outcompete native species make the marbled crayfish a significant risk to the Great Lakes.
Foes or food? Foraging for Great Lakes invasive species

Published on February 23, 2024
Many invasive species, from garlic mustard to grass carp, were deliberately introduced to the United States because they were once a valuable food source.