What goes down the drain, from ibuprofen to soaps, gets turned out to pasture via toxic sludge, researchers warn

Toxic chemicals from households and industry persist in the environment because they end up in sewage sludge. Though pathogens are removed in treatment plants, there are no requirements for chemicals, which contaminate sludge. (Jan. 29, 2008)

Grapes of gnash: Pomace, the residue of red winemaking, may help prevent tooth decay

New research shows that both red wine grapes and winemaking residue contain substances that may help prevent cavities by interfering with the ability of bacteria to contribute to cavities.

CU donates a record 82 tons of produce to area food banks

In 2007, Cornell's Homer C. Thompson Research Farm in Freeville donated a record 178,000 pounds – or about 82 tons – of fresh produce, more than double what the research farm gave away in 2004, to three local food banks.

A story about a wasp, a caterpillar and a fungus ends with more dominating female wasps

Understanding survival of a species can be a lot more complicated than meets the eye because ecosystems are so interrelated. In a recent study, a Cornell researcher discovered that host caterpillars that eat fungus-infected plants harbor more female than male wasp larvae by 2-to-1.

National Academy of Sciences honors Tom Eisner for 'extraordinary scientific achievement'

The National Academy of Sciences will present Professor Thomas Eisner, a world authority on animal behavior, ecology and evolution, with the 2008 John J. Carty Award for the Advancement of Science at an April ceremony.

Promoting local foods is paying off, CU research shows

Duncan Hilchey of Cornell's Community and Rural Development Institute says northern New York is selling more food directly to consumers, but more needs to be done. (Jan. 22, 2008)

New biography by CU professor details George – Warren Hall's namesake and key FDR adviser

In 'George F. Warren: Farm Economist,' Cornell Professor Emeritus Bernard 'Bud' F. Stanton details Warren's life and legacy as a key adviser to President Roosevelt and a leader in developing the field of farm management.

Web site hosts gardeners' ratings on veggie varieties

Now is the perfect time to curl up with seed catalogs and pick vegetable varieties for summer gardens. To see how various varieties have worked out for thousands of other gardeners, check out Cornell's Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners Web site. (Jan. 21, 2008)

Genetic discovery can boost the provitamin A content of Africa's maize

A new study has identified a set of genetic variants in maize that accounts for levels of vitamin A precursors among varieties. The discovery could lead to at least tripling provitamin A levels in maize in Africa, where millions go blind due to vitamin A deficiency. (Jan. 17, 2008)