The H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in over 700 herds of dairy cows in California, the largest dairy-producing state in the U.S. A study published May 5^th in the open-access journal PLOS Biology led by Seema S. Lakdawala at Emory University School of Medicine, U.S. and Jason Lombard at Colorado State University, U.S. suggests that avian influenza (H5N1) is transmitted through multiple, previously unknown sources and that some H5N1 positive cows do not show clinical signs of infection.

University of Missouri researchers are exploring ways to grow sweet corn more efficiently to help American farmers cut costs. In a recent study, scientists from Mizzou’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and College of Engineering found sweet corn can be grown using less water without sacrificing the flavor that consumers have come to expect.

Chocolate is more than a treat; it is Theobroma cacao, the "food of the gods." But our global craving for cocoa is putting a divine strain on the planet. As demand surges, tropical forests are often cleared to make room for plantations, destroying biodiversity and releasing stored carbon.

Isabella Steeley, a researcher from the University of Sheffield, is investigating a ground-breaking solution that could boost chocolate yields while fighting climate change: Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW).