News

Iowa State leads 'dream' project to catalog livestock DNA regulatory regions outside genes

“This effort is a culmination of many years of dreaming about such an opportunity and finally getting access to the data and funding to make it happen,” said James E. Koltes, associate professor of animal science at Iowa State University. 

Koltes is referring to a new USDA-supported project he is leading with colleagues at Iowa State and several partner institutions to create a systematic catalog, or encyclopedia, of the DNA netherworld scientists call “genetic regulatory regions” for livestock species. The research sets the stage for important discoveries by identifying regulatory DNA variation that could be useful in breeding for improved animal efficiency and health. 

New artwork aims to inspire viewers to think about agriculture, life sciences

At its best, art can inspire, entertain and inform. The new mural and suspended bee mobile on the fourth floor of the Student Innovation Center at Iowa State University succeeds at all the above.

Kvidera selected as 2024 Emerging Iowa Leader

Sara Kvidera (’17 PhD nutritional sciences), a dairy technical consultant with Elanco Animal Health, is the recipient of the 2024 Emerging Iowa Leader Award. The honor is presented annually to College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alums in leadership positions, working to strengthen agriculture and life sciences and providing outstanding service as CALS graduates.

Iowa program tracks mosquito trends over 50 years: 2024 a big year

Despite a slow start following several dry years, mosquito populations in Iowa have ramped up this season due to regular rains and flooding in some areas of the state, according to Ryan Smith, associate professor of plant pathology, entomology and microbiology at Iowa State University. 

Smith leads the Iowa Mosquito Surveillance Program, which has been running since the 1960s. It is one of the country’s most active, long-running programs, and one of the few led by an academic institution.

BioConnect Iowa Joins Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University

AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Soybean Research Center at Iowa State University welcomes BioConnect Iowa as its newest partner. BioConnect Iowa will serve as a representative on the center’s industry advisory council, which provides guidance on research needs and funding priorities for the center.

AI tutor being developed to help Iowa State students find success

Coming soon: the AI tutor – a computerized personal assistant that can go over lessons, tailor study sessions based on students’ needs and quiz students on what they have learned in class.

Bug-themed everything at upcoming Iowa State Bug Village ’24 event

Get your best bug costume or bug-themed outfit ready for the Iowa State University Insect Zoo’s annual Bug Village ’24. The free event is open to the public and will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, from noon to 3 p.m., in the Advanced Teaching and Research Building, 2213 Pammel Dr., on the north side of campus.

Grapes grown at Iowa State result in award-winning wines

The 2023 wines - La Crescent, Rosé, and Marquette - from the Iowa State University Winery have recently been honored with prestigious awards from international, regional and state wine competitions. The wines were bottled in March 2024 at the winery, located in the Food Sciences Building on campus.

Iowa Soybean Research Center welcomes Indigo Ag as industry partner

Economics graduate student selected as Outstanding Student Leader of the Year

Albulena Basha's efforts to advocate for and build community among fellow students earned her the Outstanding Student Leader of the Year Award for 2024.