'Superenzymes' could streamline biofuels refining [ High Plains Journal ] Nov 07, 2008  Stain removers that make even the most stubborn spots on your clothes vanish in the wash may be powered by molecules known as enzymes. Agricultural Research Service scientists at Albany, Calif., are in search of similarly strong, fast-acting enzymes. Read More ...

Roads less traveled; Wandering the wheat fields and wind farms of north-central Oregon [ The Bulletin ] Nov 09, 2008  CONDON — The wheat fields of north-central Oregon do not attract a lot of travelers. The back roads of Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam and Morrow counties are plied by as many farm vehicles as standard passenger cars. Even well-maintained state highways — such as Route 216 from Tygh Valley to Grass Valley, or Route 206 from Wasco via Condon to Heppner — see more head of cattle than human beings. Read More ...

Reporters Call for Justice in Journalist's Murder [ The Epoch Times ] Nov 12, 2008  Journalist Marlene Esperat was just 45 when she died, killed by a single bullet to the forehead by a gunman who casually walked into her home and shot her in front of her children. Read More ...

The real horror story behind the business of food we eat [ Orangeville Citizen ] Nov 12, 2008  There is a book called 'The Omnivore's Dilemma' written by an American, Michael Pollan, a journalist of considerable energy and thoroughness who decided to delve into the business of growing the food that we consume. Read More ...

Mouth bacteria give some wines, food a flavor boost [ Reuters via Yahoo! News ] Nov 13, 2008  Certain wines, fruits and vegetables pack a delayed but powerful flavor punch thanks to the bacteria living in our mouths, food chemists have demonstrated. Read More ...

RCCC wins approval for new biotech degrees [ The Salisbury Post ] Nov 13, 2008  By Emily Ford eford@salisburypost.com Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has won state approval to offer two biotechnology associate degrees in 20 ... Read More ...

RCCC approved for two biotech degree programs [ The Salisbury Post ] Nov 14, 2008  By Emily Ford eford@salisburypost.comRowan-Cabarrus Community College has earned state approval to offer two biotechnology associate degrees in 2009. ... Read More ...

Community Links [ Bloomington Alternative ] Nov 16, 2008  Editor's Note: The following policy statement on concentrated animal feeding operations in Indiana was prepared and signed by a group of concerned citizens and organizations. Read More ...

Recycling debate returns [ Toowoomba Chronicle ] Nov 16, 2008  PROFESSOR Mike McLaughlin would rather drink the recycled sewage coming to Toowoomba than the tap water in his home state of South Australia. Read More ...

Daily Calendar [ California Aggie ] Nov 18, 2008  Noon to 1 p.m. Learn about opportunities within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Read More ...

A Model to Measure Soil Health in the Era of Bioenergy [ Newswise ] Nov 19, 2008  The loss of soil organic matter due to poor land-management practice threatens farmlands, and while the use for crop residues as feedstock for biomass ethanol and bio-based products increases, these materials no longer contribute to the health of the soil. Scientist have now developed a method of measuring soil quality to assure an adequate amount of soil organic matter, called the CQESTR model. Read More ...

Birch tree contributes to good health [ Japan Update ] Nov 20, 2008  An extract drawn from the northern Okinawa birch tree is finding its way into an elixir essence that promises to reduce fatty acids and lower cholesterol. Read More ...

Grain News [ Grainnet.com ] Nov 20, 2008  Zein, a major corn protein, is primarily used in specialty coatings, such as for paper. Now, improved methods of purifying and modifying zein devised by Agricultural Research Service scientists could usher in new cosmetic and biomedical applications as well. Read More ...

Mouth bacteria boost some flavours Study [ Food Navigator ] Nov 20, 2008  Scientists from the Swiss company's Corporate R&D Division studied the effects of oral microflora on a series of sulphur-containing compounds found commonly in foods such as wine and fruit. Read More ...

MIT Appoints Gary DeMel as a Member of Executive Staff; Industry Veteran Has Track Record of Success [ Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance ] Oct 29, 2008  Micro Imaging Technology, Inc., the developer of a patented non-biological based system which can currently identify up to 23 species of bacteria in a matter of minutes and at a cost of pennies per test, announced the appointment of Gary DeMel to the Board of Directors and as a member of the executive team. Read More ...