Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science News Archive
Recent Posts
Bioengineered red yeast turns wood waste into a valuable fatty acid
Discovery could offer economic wins for forestry and food industries.
The Ag Club’s annual Bar None, the longest running event on campus, reaches fund-raising milestone
77 years of tradition, 30 years of supporting STARS
Traditional diet shows promise for modern gut health
Restoring the gut microbiome could help reduce risk of diabetes and heart disease, study shows.
Alberta researchers aim to revolutionize animal feed
Gates Foundation backs U of A partnership with startup to turn coal-derived methanol into a more sustainable protein source.
Researchers genetically engineer yeast to produce healthy fatty acid
CRISPR-based technique could offer a way to produce more of the valuable fatty acid along with a protein supplement for food.
Gluten-free food affordability a struggle for nearly half of Canadian households with kids who have celiac disease
Researchers point to “urgent need” to relieve price pressures for families.
Breakthrough research helps young liver transplant patients preserve muscle
Pilot study shows resistance training could alleviate adverse outcomes associated with sarcopenia, a type of muscle loss prevalent in transplant patients.
3D printability of pea protein shapes up with plasma treatment
Innovation strengthens potential for using the low-cost, nutritious protein source in food products.
U of A experts rank among world’s most influential researchers
A soil scientist whose work underscores the value of plant biodiversity in soil function is among 10 leading researchers cited most often in their fields.
Weight-loss drug found to shrink heart muscle in mice, human cells
U of A researchers urge caution about the unknown unintended negative health consequences of trendy anti-obesity medications.
Leading nutrition expert aims to help women tip the scales in their favour against cancer
Carla Prado is one of 11 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs at the U of A.
New research will help beef producers use genetics to reduce methane emissions in cattle
Project aims to make technology easier to adopt on the farm.
Eating more protein helps patients with colorectal cancer maintain muscle — or even gain it
Dietary changes alone could help patients preserve crucial muscle mass and improve their quality of life during chemotherapy, study shows.
No free lunches when it comes to popular weight-loss drugs
Research team discusses how anti-obesity drugs also target muscle, which may inadvertently set the table for a host of long-term medical issues.
Soil pH affects growth of destructive fungus in canola
Study suggests producers may need to balance practices to avoid inadvertently trading one crop disease for another.
U of A researchers help solve the mystery of the global rise of wheat and bread through genetics research
How did bread wheat became one of the most successful crops on the planet? A collaborative study by the Open Wild Wheat Consortium (OWWC) helps explain this historic mystery.
The U of A Crop Science Field Day cultivates knowledge
From soil to plants, pests and the environment, there was much to learn at field day.
DNA technology helps breed cattle to benefit earth and beef industry
U of A-based Livestock Gentec harnesses genomic testing to strengthen the Canadian livestock sector, thanks to $2.2 million from Results Driven Agriculture Research
3D printing heats up food safety
Experiment builds knowledge about increasing food safety in the rapidly developing technology.
Convocation ‘24: Sierra Sayles, BSc Animal Science
“Hard work pays off, and you'll end up exactly where you're supposed to be.”
Convocation ‘24: Anissa Armet, PhD in Nutrition and Metabolism
“The U of A is the best place in the world to conduct and advance nutrition science and educate future nutrition professionals.”
Convocation ‘24: Zoe Bumanis, MSc, Food Science and Bioresource Technology
A lifelong love of food preparation inspires student to pursue health sciences and nutrition
From childhood fear to aviation innovation
Graduate’s expertise in biojet fuel drives his interest in renewable energy legislation.
A taste of the future of work: experiential learning in food innovation
In the Nutrition and Food Sciences (NU FS) 450 - Food Product Development capstone course, students applied their knowledge of food chemistry, nutrition, sensory evaluation, microbiology and packaging to create a new food product.
Have You Met … Gurcharn Brar?
Meet Gurcharn Singh Brar, assistant professor and wheat breeder at University of Alberta and an affiliate assistant professor in plant science at the University of British Columbia. Gurcharn is well-known for his work in Canadian crop science research.
New canola research aims to boost yield, profitability
Researchers look to the genes of broccoli and cabbage to increase the genetic diversity of one of Canada’s most important cash crops.
Innovator Spotlight: Caroline Richard
Caroline Richard is a registered dietitian and researcher who is working to understand how nutrition can improve the immune system.
Researchers serve up a guide to help kick-start new fermented foods
Study aims to help industry choose the best starter cultures to feed growing global demand for sustainable plant-based foods.
Research is making faba beans a better source of protein
Improved extraction processes could help meet growing global demand for sustainable plant-based sources.
Intense short-term drought is harder on grasslands than previously thought
Groundbreaking global study sheds new light on how the increasingly common drought pattern affects vital ecosystems.
Meet Erick Santos, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science
From Brazil to Alberta, forage agronomist is embracing all four seasons
Diet and exercise could pave the way for diabetes remission
Some people may be able to manage the disease without medications, say researchers building on promising results from a major U.K. study.
Convocation ‘23: Janine Soderstrom, MSc Animal Nutrition
From the farm to the lab, a passion for animal welfare leads to a career in animal nutrition
Could a pill cure diabetes? A U of A researcher is working on it
Innovative research is now on the cusp of human clinical trials thanks to a partnership providing vital funding.
The Campus Food Bank and Faculty of ALES team up to offer Campus Kitchen Sessions
The Campus Kitchen sessions are more than just learning how to cook; they are all about making great friendships.
Studies confirm an overlooked risk for cardiovascular disease
“Bad” cholesterol isn’t the only culprit linked with a higher likelihood of heart disease, U of A researchers find.
Researcher develops better ways to convert CO2 and biofuel byproducts into valuable chemicals
A pair of processes could add up to a win-win for industry and the environment.
Four U of A researchers elected 2023 Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Aminu Bello, Jason Acker, Carla Prado and Toshifumi Yokota received the prestigious honour within Canada’s academic community
Researchers to explore how Canada’s grasslands could store more carbon
Interdisciplinary team will use genomic tools to understand how grazing management influences carbon cycling and measure indicators of changing emissions in cattle and soil.
Leading researchers recognized by Royal Society of Canada
Seven U of A standouts are making an impact in diverse fields from biology and computer engineering to food science and visual culture.
New clubroot strains continue to emerge in Western Canada
Producers need to use a variety of management strategies to counter the evolving threat to crops, say researchers.
Low muscle mass could make people more vulnerable to COVID, study suggests
Research review highlights importance of looking at body composition when assessing patients’ risk.
Alumna Christina Osborne takes on a new role as director of animal care
As a graduate of the ALES animal sciences program, Christina Osborne is thrilled to return to her alma mater as the director of animal care, a role that draws upon two decades of work as a veterinarian and educator.
Researchers take a step forward in turning chicken feathers into water filters
Improved technology boosts potential for a low-cost, sustainable solution to the global problem of contaminated water.
Adding silicon to soil could help protect canola from clubroot
Treatment may also help crops weather drought and extreme heat, researchers find.
Eight simple ways to eat healthy without blowing your food budget
Beating inflation doesn’t have to mean sacrificing good nutrition, says expert.
‘A new way of doing research’: Indigenous communities and U of A allies partner to support family, women and children’s well-being
Six-year, $16-million project will look at outcomes of culturally appropriate programs supporting healthy pregnancy and families, childbirth and early development.
Promising probiotic for dairy cattle headed to marketplace
Product developed at U of A shown to promote reproductive health and protect against infections.
Dr. Field & Dr. Bell's APrON Study in the Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Associations between maternal folate status and choline intake during pregnancy and neurodevelopment at 3–4 years of age in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) study
Awards and accolades: Winter 2023
Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our students and faculty members.
Celebrating International Women's Day 2023
The stories and achievements of eight of the many women at the U of A whose work challenges the status quo.
Are some cows better at weathering climate change?
New research could help cattle — and beef producers — cope with more extreme ups and downs in temperature year-round.
New agronomy courses let students dig into the science of prairie farming
Field trips in central and southern Alberta take learners beyond the classroom to gain a career edge in a global marketplace.
Nutrition expert Carla Prado named 2022 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 honouree
From Brazil to Canada, Prado is defying the odds and finding new ways to bring her groundbreaking research to those who need it most
More awareness, education needed to better treat polycystic ovary syndrome
Survey shows many women may not be getting information and support they need for a condition that causes infertility and is linked with a host of health risks.
Food for focus: what to eat to make learning easier
The human body is “like a high-performance sports car” that needs the right fuel for optimal performance, says registered dietitian.
Let's Talk Teaching: Linda Gorim
Hear from Linda Gorim, a Western Grains Research Foundation Chair in Cropping Systems who believes in the power of experiential learning.
Awards and accolades: Summer 2022
Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our students and faculty members.
Lime shows promise for controlling clubroot in canola crops
Spot-treating soil with the mineral could give farmers another option to stem the costly disease and improve soil health at the same time.
New Ag-Food Innovation Endowment Fund focused on supporting leading edge research
The fund will ensure innovations and emerging agricultural science will be adopted and incorporated into teaching and research programs for generations to come.
U of A programs in business, engineering take top place in Canada in new global ranking
High-demand programs in business administration, engineering, nursing and biological and agricultural sciences ranked in top three in Canada and top 50 worldwide.
Researchers aim to create new strains of wheat with built-in resistance to its biggest insect threat
There’s only one genetic defence to protect crops from wheat midge — but researchers are looking to change that.
Awards and accolades: June 2022
Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our students and faculty members.
Newborn dairy calves fed probiotic were healthier in crucial first weeks, student research shows
Supplements containing beneficial gut bacteria from healthy cows could be a boon for dairy producers.
Combination of drugs for obesity and Type 2 diabetes may be more effective than a single therapy
Canadian and German researchers work together to identify personalized prescriptions for weight loss and blood glucose control, especially for kids.
Awards and accolades: April 2022
Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our students and faculty members.
Awards and accolades: March 2022
Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our alumni, students and faculty members.
Innovator Spotlight: Catherine Field
Catherine Field reminds us that students are partners in research and how previous solutions can be adapted to meet challenges across disciplines.
Grazing technique that mirrors natural patterns helps protect grasslands from drought
U of A research could help ranchers adapt to climate change and preserve vital ecosystems.
Grazing technique that mirrors natural patterns helps protect grasslands from drought
U of A research could help ranchers adapt to climate change and preserve vital ecosystems.
Animal-based protein recommended for people being treated for cancer
Getting at least two-thirds of protein intake from meat, fish and dairy helps people maintain muscle and tolerate treatments, say experts.
Awards and accolades: January 2022
Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our students, staff and faculty.
Groundbreaking research could help ranchers optimize free-range grazing
U of A team will pinpoint genetic traits that could increase grazing efficiency while protecting pastures.
Researcher aims to buy more time for dairy calves to absorb vital antibodies
PhD candidate picks up where scientists left off 40 years ago, trying to solve problem of delayed immunity that affects nearly a third of calves worldwide.
‘Armchair rancher’ app could help beef producers make smart business decisions based on data
U of A researchers mix agriculture with AI to develop a tool that will help ranchers get ahead of trends in everything from weather to beef prices.
U of A graduates rank among most employable in the world
Strong partnerships with employers bolster university’s position among top 100 globally and top five in Canada, according to latest QS rankings.