Stacy Krueger-Hadfield visits PLPT
Dr. Stacy Krueger-Hadfield visited the Department of Plant Pathology November 15 as a invited 2017 FALL 2017 BIOTECHNOLOGY / LIFE SCIENCES SEMINAR SERIES speaker. Dr. Krueger-Hadfield is a Assistant Professor at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her seminar was titled “The Curious Case of Complex Life Cycles: Mating System Variation in Haploid-Diploid Seaweeds” Krueger-Hadfield met with faculty and students during her stay for further discussion during meals and appointments.
CNET: Scientists say there's a virus that makes you stupid
A surprise discovery found that the ATCV-1 virus, which comes from algae, seems to affect human cognition. Previously, it had been thought that humans weren't prone to infection by this virus. James Van Etten, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln plant pathologist involved in the research, says that the virus doesn't appear to be contagious. CNET writer Chris Matyszczyk quips that the virus may explain those days when you can't get things right.
Greeley Tribune: Wheat rust a growing problem for Colorado, Weld County farmers
Wheat rust, a fungal disease that reduced grain production, has raised major concerns among Colorado farmers. The disease is occurring earlier and more widespread than in the past. Stephen Wegulo, an extension plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said it costs $25 to $30 per acre to treat wheat with a fungicide.
The Daily Beast: Global warming could revive giant viruses now dormant in permafrost
James Van Etten, a plant pathologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, says that viruses released by thawing permafrost are unlikely to infect humans.
Science Codex: New study shows algae virus can jump to mammalian cells
New research led by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has provided the first direct evidence than an algae-infecting virus can invade mammalian cells. "A few years ago, no on I know would have made a prediction like this," said David Dunigan, research professor of plant pathology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Nikita Gambhir receives Widaman Distinguished Graduate Assistant award
Nikita Gambhir, Department of Plant Pathology graduate student in Sydney Everhart's lab, was named recipients of the Widaman Trust Distinguished Graduate Assistant Award for basic research.
Congratulations!
Jyothi Kumar awarded for Milton E. Mohr 2016-2017 Biotechnology Fellowship
Jyothi Kumar(adviser: Steven Harris) selected for Milton E. Mohr 2016-2017 Biotechnology Fellowship on their academic performance and potential for accomplishments in their specific field.
Congratulations!
Foiling Rice-Spoiling Fungus
Rice blast spoils between 10 and 30 percent of annual rice yields worldwide — enough to feed as many as 60 million people. Recent outbreaks of the disease, which also strikes wheat and grass crops, have ranged from Brazil to Bangladesh.
Plant pathologists at Nebraska have revealed how the fungus behind blast disease can evade rice’s first immune response and silence the molecular sirens that mobilize reinforcements. The team’s identification of a key fungal gene and associated protein could inform genetic modification efforts to combat the disease.
Discovery, achievement, recognition: the year in Husker research
Reflecting the life-changing innovation of research at Nebraska, the 2016-2017 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Research Report is now available to the public.
Assembled by Nebraska's Office of Research and Economic Development, the annual report highlights the creativity and diligence that drives the university’s research growth. This past year, research expenditures totaled $295 million.
Raquel Rocha awarded for UNL 2016 Spring Research Fair
Raquel Rocha, doctoral student, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture wins the UNL 2016 Spring Research Fair Award for her poster titled
"Plant-fungal metabolic interplay at the leaf surface governs infection-related development by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae"
2016 Graduate Poster Session Award Winners will receive a $400 travel grant to present their research at a regional or national conference.
Congratulations!