MIT College of Agriculture and Technology Presents MITCAT Trends
This pet gecko could help scientists unlock the secrets of cancer
An unusual leopard gecko that naturally develops aggressive tumors may become an important new model for cancer research. Scientists found its tumors share key genetic changes with human cancers, offering a rare opportunity to study the disease as it develops naturally.
Are humans really the ultimate super-predator?
Humans are often described as the planet's ultimate "super-predator," but wild animals do not fear every human the same way. After analyzing three decades of research, scientists found that animals become much more alert and spend less time feeding when people pose a real threat, such as hunters or fishers. In contrast, tourists, researchers, and other non-lethal humans trigger far weaker and less predictable reactions.
Scientists finally solved why some frogs survive a deadly fungus
A deadly fungus has wiped out amphibian populations around the globe, yet some mysteriously recover. Researchers discovered that survivors develop powerful immune defenses while they are still tadpoles, giving them a head start before the fungus can attack after metamorphosis. The study also uncovered a vast collection of previously unknown antimicrobial peptides that could someday inspire new drugs to fight infections.
Why have humans collected crystals for 780,000 years? Chimpanzees may hold the answer
Chimpanzees showed a remarkable attraction to crystals, choosing them over ordinary stones and studying them with intense curiosity. The results suggest that the same unusual features may have fascinated early humans long before crystals had any practical use.
Broccoli Tree Video_Champions Retreat-1920 x 1080_07.12.26
Champions Retreat Video shares the story of the infamous 'Broccoli Tree'. Includes Barry Rewis (Director of Agronomy), Mike Rymer (Director of Golf), and Michael Meeks of MacArthur Design Co.
Broccoli Tree Video_Champions Retreat-MP4 H264 1920 x 1080_07.12.26
Champions Retreat Video shares the story of the infamous 'Broccoli Tree'. Includes Barry Rewis (Director of Agronomy), Mike Rymer (Director of Golf), and Michael Meeks of MacArthur Design Co.
Broccoli Tree Video_Champions Retreat-MP4 H264 1280 x 720_07.12.26
Champions Retreat Video shares the story of the infamous 'Broccoli Tree'. Includes Barry Rewis (Director of Agronomy), Mike Rymer (Director of Golf), and Michael Meeks of MacArthur Design Co.
Broccoli Tree Video_Champions Retreat-MP4 H264 640 x 360_07.12.26
Champions Retreat Video shares the story of the infamous 'Broccoli Tree'. Includes Barry Rewis (Director of Agronomy), Mike Rymer (Director of Golf), and Michael Meeks of MacArthur Design Co.
Broccoli Tree Video_Champions Retreat-MP4 H264 960 x 540_07.12.26
Champions Retreat Video shares the story of the infamous 'Broccoli Tree'. Includes Barry Rewis (Director of Agronomy), Mike Rymer (Director of Golf), and Michael Meeks of MacArthur Design Co.
July 13, 2026: Fertilizer Focus with Phil - SummerFill Results, Nitrogen Market Update & Key Grower Takeaways
In this week’s Fertilizer Focus, Phil Altstaetter, Agronomy Manager at Sunrise Cooperative, reviews the fertilizer market activity following the July 6 SummerFill program and discusses what it means for growers planning for the 2027 crop year.
Key topics include:
• Logan County Fair week and current weather conditions
• Analysis of 28% UAN pricing relative to corn values
• How Sunrise evaluated SummerFill opportunities
• Strong farmer participation and demand for nitrogen tons
• Why early progr
Boca West CC Turf Talk: Ep 3, Palmer III
Talk a listen to Mike Bove, Head Golf Professional and Jeff Jones, Assistant Director of Agronomy, as they talk about Phase 2 of the Summer Agronomy Cultural Practices on Palmer III as well as the re-grassing of all tees.
Will El Niño drought hit food prices in South Africa? Earlier rains and grain stocks offer hope
The likely impact of the expected El Niño on South Africa’s agriculture and food prices in 2027 is a major point of discussion among analysts and economists in the country.By mid-2026, weather forecasts were signalling that the world was heading towards a severe El Niño. The El Niño weather phenomenon tends to have varying impacts on the many regions of the world. For southern Africa, it typically presents drought, which is negative for agricultural production. The arrival of the likely drought
Gujarat’s Unjha cumin and fennel receive GI tag
With the addition of Unjha cumin and Unjha fennel, Gujarat has expanded its list of GI-tagged agricultural products, which already includes Gir Kesar mangoes, Bhalia wheat, Kachchhi Kharek and Amalsadi chikoo.
Eating chili peppers may raise the risk of one deadly cancer
A major review found that people who consumed the most chili peppers had a substantially higher risk of esophageal cancer, though the evidence was less clear for stomach and colorectal cancers. Researchers emphasize that the findings show an association, not proof of cause and effect, and that more research is needed to determine whether moderate consumption carries similar risks.
A 37-year soil experiment revealed a hidden climate threat
The world's longest-running soil warming experiment has revealed an unexpected climate concern. After nearly four decades, researchers found that warming can cause microbes to break down stable soil carbon that scientists once believed was largely protected. That releases extra carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, potentially accelerating global warming.
This dinosaur fossil captures the final moments of a T. rex attack
A fossilized Edmontosaurus skull with a Tyrannosaurus tooth still embedded in its face has given scientists rare evidence of a dramatic predator-prey encounter. The discovery suggests the giant carnivore delivered an incredibly powerful face-to-face bite, offering new clues about how Tyrannosaurus hunted.
What is no-till farming, and is it actually better for the environment?
Maksym Belchenko/GettyHumans have been turning seeds and soil into food for thousands of years.We first started cultivating edible plants at the end of the last Ice Age, roughly 12,000 years ago. Ploughing made this possible.Ploughing, also known as tilling, is the process of turning over soil to bury weeds, loosen the earth and bring fresh nutrients to the surface. But ploughing, particularly over long periods, can erode the soil and make it less healthy. This is where conservation-focused far
America And Global Agriculture Nightmare
America And Global Agriculture NightmareAmerica And Global Agriculture Nightmare
Future moon landings could wipe out clues to how life began on Earth
A new study suggests spacecraft exhaust could quickly contaminate the moon's most scientifically valuable regions, potentially masking ancient clues about how life began on Earth. Researchers say future lunar missions should consider new ways to reduce and monitor this pollution before it becomes widespread.
Spider-like creatures help uncover the surprising origins of fatherhood
Citizen scientists have helped researchers solve a long-standing mystery about how parental care evolved in harvestmen. Using photos and observations from iNaturalist, scientists more than doubled the known cases of egg-guarding behavior and discovered that maternal and paternal care followed different evolutionary paths. The project, completed in just days with help from public data, shows how citizen science is transforming biological research on a global scale.