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Making a Difference
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Scientists Unravel Mystery of How Fish Develop Immunity to Disease
When the immune systems of jawed vertebrates are stimulated by an infection or immunization, they generate proteins called antibodies to fight disease. In warm-blooded vertebrates such as humans, these antibodies are produced in a germinal center, which is a specialized structure that forms in secondary lymphoid tissues.
Until recently, scientists believed that cold-blooded jawed vertebrates such as fish did not have these specialized structures. This led them to wonder how these fish, called teleost fish, such as cod, salmon and rainbow trout, were able to mount an immune response.
With support from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have discovered, contrary to earlier belief, that fish develop an antibody response in similar structures located in the spleen. Read more about their research and their findings.
Steelhead trout. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
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Improving Wine Grapes for American Growers and Winemakers
Wine grapes are a high-value crop, but planting a poorly adapted variety in the wrong place is a costly mistake. Traditional grape varieties are not well suited to the growing conditions or pests and diseases in large parts of the United States. In addition, some varieties may not perform well as climate change creates new pressures. Researchers at Land-grant Universities nationwide are developing and evaluating wine grapes for American growers and winemakers. Learn more about this research that is supported by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture through the Hatch Multistate Research Fund.
View of a vineyard. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
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NIFA Invests $4.45 Million in Tribal Colleges Research
NIFA has invested $4.45 million to 9 projects in six states through its Tribal Colleges Research Grant Program. This program supports 1994 Land-grant Universities (LGUs) which often serve as the primary institution of scientific inquiry, knowledge and learning for reservation communities. Through this funding, 1994 LGUs can address the unique challenges reservation communities face.
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January 25, 1 p.m. EST: Technical Assistance Webinar: Farm Business Management and Benchmarking Competitive Grants Program
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January 30, 12 p.m. EST: Grant Applicant/Awardee Networking Sessions
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January 31, 2 p.m. EST: Learn How to Write a Strong USDA BFRDP Application
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February 1, 12 p.m. EST: Technical Assistance Webinar: SBIR/STTR FY24 Phase II Request for Applications
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February 6, 2 p.m. EST: Technical Assistance Webinar: Rural Health and Safety Education Grant Program
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February 7, 3 p.m. EST: Technical Assistance Webinar: Higher Education Challenge – FY24 RFA
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February 12, 1 p.m. EST: Focus on AFRI: NIFA Funding Opportunities for Climate Change Research, Education and Extension
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February 21, 2 p.m. EST: Technical Assistance Webinar: Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) RFA
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February 23, 10:15 a.m. EST: Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program Listening Session
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March 4-8, 11 a.m. EST: Second Annual Virtual Grants Support Technical Assistance Workshops
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March 13, 2 p.m. EDT: Lessons Learned from Teams Using Transdisciplinary Approaches Webinar
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Dirt-powered Fuel Cell Runs Forever
A team of researchers led by Northwestern University has developed a new fuel cell that harvests energy from microbes living in dirt. About the size of a standard paperback book, the completely soil-powered technology could fuel underground sensors used in precision agriculture and green infrastructure. This potentially could offer a sustainable, renewable alternative to batteries, which hold toxic, flammable chemicals that leach into the ground, are fraught with conflict-filled supply chains and contribute to the ever-growing problem of electronic waste. Read more about this AFRI-supported research.
Lead researcher Bill Yen in the lab. Image courtesy of Northwestern University.
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USDA Names Participants in 2024 Future Leaders in Agriculture Program
USDA has announced the selection of 20 undergraduate and graduate students as the 2024 winners of the USDA Future Leaders in Agriculture program. The selected students hail from Land-grant Universities and Hispanic-serving institutions.
Now in its 17th year, the program is aimed at students majoring in agriculture-related subjects, including business, economics, communications, nutrition, food science, and pre-veterinary studies. The program seeks students who exhibit leadership at their university or in their community. Read more about the program and this year’s recipients.
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Register for USDA’s 100th Agricultural Outlook Forum
The Agricultural Outlook Forum is USDA’s largest and premier annual gathering. The breadth and timeliness of the forum’s programs have consistently drawn a diverse group of participants. The 2024 Program will feature a keynote address by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a presentation on the outlook for agricultural markets and trade and 30 breakout sessions covering a wide range of agricultural, food market and environmental issues. This is a hybrid event.
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The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is committed to ensuring that its programs and services are accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any NIFA event, please contact the appropriate Program staff no later than 10 days prior to the event. To find Program staff by event, please visit the NIFA Calendar of Events. NIFA Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to limited English proficient individuals upon request. If you need interpretation or translation services please visit NIFA language services or contact Lois Tuttle, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at Lois.Tuttle@usda.gov or (443) 386-9488 no later than 10 days prior to the event.
NIFA’s mission is to invest in and advance agricultural research, education, and Extension that solves societal challenges. NIFA’s investments in transformative science directly support the long-term prosperity and global preeminence of U.S. agriculture. Keep informed about NIFA, USDA, our Land-grant and non-Land-grant university partners, and stakeholders with the NIFA Update. Read past issues online, sign up for email updates or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @USDA_NIFA, #NIFAImpacts or LinkedIn @usda-nifa.
If you wish to submit a news item or information, send an email to NIFAUpdate.
USDA is an equal opportunity lender, provider, and employer.
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