Citizen scientists help researchers collect valid data. But University of Florida scientists wanted to know how citizen-science projects change the volunteers. In a newly published study, a project involving urban gardening led participants to adopt healthier lifestyles. For the study, Catherine Campbell, a UF/IFAS assistant…
Read More Citizen Science Project Leads Volunteers To Live Healthier Lifestyles
In a first-of-its-kind study for North America, scientists accumulated a list of potential invasive species for Florida, and researchers deemed 40 pose the greatest threat. A team of experts, led by University of Florida scientists, evaluated terrestrial, aquatic and marine species with characteristics that make…
Read More Study Identifies Florida’s Potential Invasive Species Threats
Fall is not normally when you find Florida-grown blueberries at the grocery store. But that may change, thanks to University of Florida researchers. This comes as good news for consumers and growers, who would be able to expand their market window by several months. In…
Read More New Genetic Finding Could Pave Way For Fall Blueberries In Florida
Florida’s native grape, the muscadine, has long held a reputation for being an acquired taste. Juicy and sweet with a leathery, thick skin and bitter seeds, the grape is typically reserved for specialty stores and wine making. Not only are these grapes delicious – they’re…
Read More Florida Superfood Muscadine Grapes Get New Recipe For Success From UF/IFAS Researchers
Communities are hungry for urban food production. Engagement continues at an all-time high when there is opportunity to grow food in containers, hydroponic systems, rooftops, community gardens and any available green space. Why? Urban food production, also called urban agriculture, provides an avenue to grow food…
Read More Learn To Grow Food Locally, UF/IFAS’ Award-Winning Urban Food Production Course Is Back
Florida Sea Grant wants to hear from boaters to gauge their understanding of boating activities and practices. More specifically, they want to know what and where additional sewage disposal resources are needed from boaters while traveling the waterways of the Sunshine State through an online…
Read More UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant Survey Seeks Boater Input On Existing And Needed Resources
People aren’t the only ones stressed by heat waves. For many plants, higher-than-anticipated temperatures can lead to water loss, wilted foliage, and unsuccessful pollination. University of Florida scientists are investigating how to improve plant resiliency to high temperatures. Kevin Begcy, assistant professor in the UF/IFAS…
Read More New Research Looks To Pollen For Plant Heat Stress Resilience In Florida
Strawberry consumers love the fruit’s sweet flavor, and University of Florida scientists are trying to meet that desire, while also helping growers produce high yields. But genes and volatile compounds that control flavor are difficult to pinpoint, said Mark Porter, a Ph.D. student in the…
Read More New Paper Shows UF Scientists See Bright Future As They Seek Savory Strawberries – And High Yield
The long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum is a keystone species. Coral reefs rely on healthy sea urchins to eat algae so coral can thrive. Healthy coral means healthy fish, and their positive impacts continue up the food chain. In early 2022, long-spined sea urchins in…
Read More Scientists Discover Cause Of Sea Urchin Die-Offs In The Caribbean: A Protozoan Parasite
On and off over the past four decades, scientists have tried a handful of times to restore sea urchins on coral reefs because they eat harmful algae that otherwise smother the ecosystems. Results of a new collaborative study show promise in urchin restocking strategies to…
Read More UF-Led Research Gets Help From NFL Player, Air Force Veteran To Restock Sea Urchins On Coral Reef