Agriculture and Life Sciences

Entomologist Edward Holman Smith dies at 96

Edward Holman Smith, M.S. '40, Ph.D. '48, professor emeritus of entomology, died in Asheville, N.C., June 23 at the age of 96.

Link discovered between tomato ripening, color and taste

Researchers have identified the gene that controls tomato ripening; their study is published in the June 29 issue of Science.

Why the 'land' in 'land grant' is not about agriculture

The Morrill Land Grant Act specified more than just agriculture as a discipline to be taught and recognized that other branches of science could be embraced to promote a 'practical education.'

Higher ed researcher: Land-grant act's 150th is an occasion to revitalize mission for the future

Cornell's Scott Peters, associate professor of education, researches the public mission of American higher education and helped celebrate the sesquicentennial of the Morrill Land Grant Act in June. (June 28, 2012)

Study: Hawkmoths use humidity to sense nectar

A study of hawkmoths has shown for the first time that slightly higher humidity above flowers may be a cue for some pollinators that nectar is available.

Apps put the power of data in hands of New York schools

A new set of simple Web and iPad applications from Cornell gives New York state school districts access to data to create projects for decision making. (June 27, 2012)

Researchers convert 'beer' into a better-than-ethanol biofuel

Using an open microbial community, biological engineers have designed a process for upgrading ethanol into a more valuable fuel precursor.

Miyoko Chu of Lab of Ornithology receives George Peter Award

Miyoko Chu, senior director of communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, received the George Peter Award for Dedicated Service June 21, lauded for her work with colleagues, faculty and others.

What to do with a dead deer: Compost it

The Cornell Waste Management Institute is educating farmers and others on the value and efficiency of composting animal carcasses rather than burying them.