Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science News

U of A experts rank among world’s most influential researchers

December 3, 2024

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.

3D printability of pea protein shapes up with plasma treatment

December 3, 2024

Innovation strengthens potential for using the low-cost, nutritious protein source in food products.

Man prepares Semaglutide Ozempic injection (Photo: Getty Images)

Weight-loss drug found to shrink heart muscle in mice, human cells

November 18, 2024

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

November 14, 2024

Carla Prado is one of 11 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs at the U of A.

Beef cattle in a field. (Photo: Getty Images)

New research will help beef producers use genetics to reduce methane emissions in cattle

November 5, 2024

Project aims to make technology easier to adopt on the farm.

A variety of protein sources including chicken, salmon, eggs and cheese. (Photo: Getty Images)

Eating more protein helps patients with colorectal cancer maintain muscle — or even gain it

October 30, 2024

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

October 29, 2024

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

October 28, 2024

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

August 14, 2024

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

August 7, 2024

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

July 23, 2024

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

June 18, 2024

Experiment builds knowledge about increasing food safety in the rapidly developing technology.

Convocation ‘24: Zoe Bumanis, MSc, Food Science and Bioresource Technology

June 12, 2024

A lifelong love of food preparation inspires student to pursue health sciences and nutrition

Convocation ‘24: Sierra Sayles, BSc Animal Science

June 12, 2024

“Hard work pays off, and you'll end up exactly where you're supposed to be.”

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Convocation ‘24: Anissa Armet, PhD in Nutrition and Metabolism

June 12, 2024

“The U of A is the best place in the world to conduct and advance nutrition science and educate future nutrition professionals.”

From childhood fear to aviation innovation

June 10, 2024

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

May 7, 2024

In 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?

April 18, 2024

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

April 8, 2024

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

March 28, 2024

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

February 6, 2024

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

January 15, 2024

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

January 12, 2024

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

January 10, 2024

From Brazil to Alberta, forage agronomist is embracing all four seasons

Diet and exercise could pave the way for diabetes remission

November 24, 2023

Some people may be able to manage the disease without medications, say researchers building on promising results from a major U.K. study.

Portrait of Janine Soderstrom in a park.

Convocation ‘23: Janine Soderstrom, MSc Animal Nutrition

November 20, 2023

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

November 14, 2023

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

October 19, 2023

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

October 16, 2023

“Bad” cholesterol isn’t the only culprit linked with a higher likelihood of heart disease, U of A researchers find.

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Researcher develops better ways to convert CO2 and biofuel byproducts into valuable chemicals

October 10, 2023

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

September 21, 2023

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

September 6, 2023

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

September 5, 2023

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

August 14, 2023

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

July 13, 2023

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

July 6, 2023

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

July 5, 2023

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

June 20, 2023

Treatment may also help crops weather drought and extreme heat, researchers find.

Grocery cart filled with produce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Eight simple ways to eat healthy without blowing your food budget

May 3, 2023

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

April 28, 2023

Six-year, $16-million project will look at outcomes of culturally appropriate programs supporting healthy pregnancy and families, childbirth and early development.

Dairy cows in a field. (Photo: Getty Images)

Promising probiotic for dairy cattle headed to marketplace

March 28, 2023

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

March 23, 2023

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

March 9, 2023

Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our students and faculty members.

Celebrating International Women's Day 2023

March 7, 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?

February 6, 2023

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

December 12, 2022

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

October 19, 2022

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

September 19, 2022

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

September 16, 2022

The human body is “like a high-performance sports car” that needs the right fuel for optimal performance, says registered dietitian.

A photo of Linda Gorim wearing a purple top.

Let's Talk Teaching: Linda Gorim

September 6, 2022

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

August 31, 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

August 8, 2022

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

August 5, 2022

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

July 28, 2022

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

July 5, 2022

There’s only one genetic defence to protect crops from wheat midge — but researchers are looking to change that.

Awards and accolades: June 2022

July 4, 2022

Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our students and faculty members.

Dr. James Rude – In Memoriam

May 8, 2022

Newborn dairy calves fed probiotic were healthier in crucial first weeks, student research shows

May 6, 2022

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

May 3, 2022

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

April 30, 2022

Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our students and faculty members.

Awards and accolades: March 2022

March 31, 2022

Join us in celebrating some of the recent achievements of our alumni, students and faculty members.

Innovator Spotlight: Catherine Field

March 15, 2022

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

February 18, 2022

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

February 18, 2022

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

February 10, 2022

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

January 31, 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

December 13, 2021

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

October 12, 2021

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

October 7, 2021

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

September 24, 2021

Strong partnerships with employers bolster university’s position among top 100 globally and top five in Canada, according to latest QS rankings.