Yams for Ethanol

I prefer mine with butter and brown sugar....

Sweet Potato Out-Yields Corn in Ethanol Production

StudyBy Don Comis
August 20 , 2008

In experiments, sweet potatoes grown in Maryland and Alabama yielded two to three times as much carbohydrate for fuel ethanol production as field corn grown in those states, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists report. The same was true of tropical cassava in Alabama.

The sweet potato carbohydrate yields...(complete article here).

Neosporosis Vaccine Shows Promise for Cattle

Neosporosis is a disease that is commonly found in cattle, yet rarely understood by producers. The economic losses to the industry from this parasitic disease are significant.

Test Vaccines Show Promise against Parasite of Cattle

By Ann Perry
July 29, 2008

An effective vaccine against a parasite-borne disease called neosporosis may be a few steps closer to development, thanks to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators.
Neosporosis, caused by the parasite Neospora caninum, affects...(complete article here).

New Research Shows Benefits of Peanuts

New research shows new benefits of peanuts....

New Research Presented on Peanut Components

By Rosalie Marion Bliss
June 30, 2008

Fat free peanut flour, whole peanuts and peanut oil all may have cardio-protective properties, results from a new animal study suggest. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are presenting the findings at this week's Institute of Food Technologists 2008 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, La.

For the study...(complete news release here).

New Compounds, Old Sources

Bio-diversity is critical. You never know what new compounds will be derived from virtually overlooked species.

New Prospects for an All-Around Spice

By Ann Perry
February 20, 2008

People use anise to add a hint of licorice to everything from holiday springerle cookies to robust bottles of ouzo and raki. Now Agricultural Research Service (ARS) postdoctoral scientist Nurhayat Tabanca and plant pathologist David Wedge have found that anise (Pimpinella sp.) is more than just another jar in the spice rack.

Teaming up with colleagues in...(complete article here).

New Uses for an Old Crop

New uses for an old crop.

'Teamaker' Hops Offer Benefits Without Bite

By Laura McGinnis
January 3, 2008

Northerners sip it from steaming mugs, whereas Southerners prefer it super-sweet in ice-cold glasses. However it's prepared, tea is a popular beverage in the United States. Now, scientists from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are offering a new twist on this old favorite—with assistance from a surprising source.

Hops are best known as ingredients in another popular beverage, but the...(complete article here).