Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Unmask spooky folklore with AgriLife Research. Wildlife expert John Tomeček, provides a scientific explanation for the legend of the "chupacabra," showing how many sightings can be linked to coyotes with late-stage mange. By studying diseases like mange, AgriLife Research helps Texans better understand wildlife health and behavior. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dxBVC5nG

Scientists at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have developed a keychain-sized device that uses light to scan skin, accurately detecting diet, age, sex and specific nutrient deficiencies with up to 90% accuracy. This innovation could bring us closer to a future where wearable devices can non-invasively monitor health in real-time. Read more on AgriLife Today: https://lnkd.in/dd-Rb3NA

Researchers in the Texas A&M Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and the Department of Entomology developed a light-based, non-destructive technique to identify the sex of blow fly larvae, key insects used to estimate time of death with greater speed and accuracy. By combining near-infrared spectroscopy with machine learning, scientists can now achieve over 90% accuracy without destroying samples. Learn more about this groundbreaking research at tx.ag/TwbMagf

Scientists have unveiled a promising new compound, CMX410, that could revolutionize how we treat tuberculosis (TB), including drug-resistant strains, by targeting a key enzyme the bacteria need to survive. This breakthrough offers new hope for safer, more effective and potentially shorter treatment options. “A lot of people think of tuberculosis as a disease of the past. But in reality, it remains a major public health issue requiring significant attention, collaboration, and innovation to overcome," shared James Sacchettini, Professor and Rodger J. Wolfe-Welch Foundation Chair in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife Research. With no harmful side effects observed in early testing and compatibility with current TB drugs, CMX410 could play a vital role in the global fight against this deadly disease. Learn more about this innovative step forward in TB treatment at tx.ag/CMX410.

AgriLife Research leaders spent the day with Texas A&M University System Chancellor Hegar and Executive Vice Chancellor Ballabina in Amarillo and Lubbock, showing our comprehensive work in support of Texas agriculture and natural resources, meeting with regional commodity producers. With G. Cliff Lamb, Stephen Cisneros, Amir Ibrahim

For more than 50 years, Monte Rouquette at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton has been studying what makes pastures thrive and how cattle get the most from the forages they eat. His work helps producers understand which grasses and legumes give cattle the best nutrition while keeping pastures healthy.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists have made cottonseed safe to eat by removing a natural toxin called gossypol. Cotton is one of the world's biggest crops, but its seeds have mostly gone to waste because they weren't safe for consumption. This breakthrough removes the toxic gossypol from cottonseed and transforms it into a dual-purpose crop, expanding market applications to poultry, swine, aquaculture and direct human protein consumption. Read the full story about this groundbreaking research at tx.ag/GossypolCottonseed Texas A&M AgriLife

“Good to be with Secretary Rollins ‘94 and Gov. Abbott at the Texas Capitol to address the threat of the new world screw worm. The announcement to invest $750m in a new sterile fly production facility and $100m in research and technology will help protect our nation’s food supply and help our farmers and ranchers in battling this threat. The Texas A&M University System appreciates their leadership on this critical issue and stands ready to assist however we can.” - GH

AgriLife Research entomologist Pete Teel and colleagues helped produce the first high‑quality, chromosome‑level genome assembly for O. turicata, a soft tick that thrives in burrows, caves and even buildings across Florida, Texas and beyond. The chromosome-level genome unlocks powerful new tools for studying tick physiology, reproduction and pathogen transmission. Learn more about this milestone and its implications for vector control through this article by Bioengineer.org: https://lnkd.in/gEvZbwqs

Formula is often the sole source of nutrition for many infants, making its safety and quality particularly critical. Recently, IHA director Teresa Davis, PhD, DFASN, FASAS served on the Committee on Protein Quality and Growth Monitoring Studies to Satisfy Quality Factor Requirements for Infant Formula.   This Committee was formed as part of the The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's consensus study report on infant formula, commissioned by the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Dr. Davis is a member of the National Academy of Medicine.   You can read the consensus study report here: https://lnkd.in/gy4ZfC6t