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A Mojave poppy bee.
Mojave poppy bee. (Photo by Michael Branstetter, D5160-1)

Farmers know that a healthy pollinator population is critical for their crops. One way to gauge how healthy a population and its environment are, is through examining how much diversity there is: the more kinds of organisms and species, the healthier the system. 

In the desert southwest, researchers are studying bee populations that are quite diverse — and highly specialized. The extreme conditions of the desert have led bees there to develop unique adaptations in order to survive: some species only feed on and pollinate particular plants, some have developed ways to go long periods without water, and other solutions are still being discovered. 

Researchers are looking at the bees’ genetic profiles, behavior, and more to learn about how they can benefit pollinator populations everywhere. Learn more about these fascinating bees.

Keeping America Healthy: ARS's Human Nutrition Centers 

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is conducting ground-breaking research on human nutrition, paving the way for Americans to lead healthier lives while reducing the risk of diseases. Our research supports human health at all stages of life by better understanding relationships between nutrient intake, eating patterns, exercise, health conditions disease prevention, and how nutrition promotes health. ARS has six human nutrition research centers in Maryland, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Texas, Arkansas, and California. Our research on human nutrition gives Americans the tools and knowledge to make science-backed decisions for taking care of their bodies. 

W.O. Atwater

Human nutrition research as we know it has its origins in the work of ARS chemist Wilbur Olin Atwater (1844-1907). Dr. Atwater developed a system of assigning a calorie value to each gram of protein, fat, and carbohydrate found in foods. These calorie values were known as the “Atwater Factors” and pioneered the Nutrition Facts label that can be found on food containers today. Fast forward over 100 years, and ARS today provides Americans with research findings that they can use to stay healthy and happy. We even have a web-based App known as FoodData Central, which enables users to see the nutrient breakdown of thousands of food products.

ARS scientists support human health at all stages of life by conducting research to better understand relationships between nutrient intake, eating patterns, and health conditions and how nutrition promotes health. 
 


 

ARS’s Nutritional Research Centers

Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center

The Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center is the oldest and most comprehensive of the six human nutrition research centers within the Agricultural Research Service and the home of the first human nutrition research conducted by USDA and W.O. Atwater in the late 1890's. Its current program spans the human nutrition and health continuum, from investigating the role of nutrients and food components at the cellular level, to examining the impact of dietary interventions on health in animal and human research, to conducting mission critical surveys to find out what people are eating while supporting an expanded understanding of what's in food.

Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center

The Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center was established in 1963 and is  located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Center is staffed by 12 senior scientists and 60 support personnel with the mission to study the roles of foods, food factors, agriculture practices and physical activity on human health, obesity prevention, and maintenance of healthy body weight. The Center also has partnerships with Native American communities and tribal colleges to address obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in high need, under-served communities.

Western Human Nutrition Research Center

The Western Human Nutrition Research Center was established at the Presidio of San Francisco in 1980, taking over the U.S. Army Medical Nutrition Research Laboratory. The WHNRC now occupies a new location in Davis, CA with a Metabolic Kitchen that is among the best in the world and supports controlled human feeding studies including nutritional status assessment and biochemistry, body composition analysis, food intake behavior, and whole body calorimetry.

Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

The Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center in Little Rock, AR is one of two National human nutrition centers focusing primarily on pediatric/maternal nutrition and metabolic health. The ARS Microbiome and Metabolism Research Unit is co-located at Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center where it conducts innovative research, training, and engagement to advance understanding of how parental-child diet, nutrition, and physical activity optimize development with a goal of enhancing parental and child health through the science of food, nutrition, and physical activity.

Children's Nutrition Research Center

The Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, TX was established in 1978 through the cooperation of the Agricultural Research Service,  Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. The mission of the CNRC is to define the dietary needs that will assure health in pregnant and lactating women and in children from conception through adolescence.

Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging

The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging is run by a cooperative agreement between the USDA and Tufts University. Its mission is to promote healthy and active aging based on research focused on nutrition and physical activity choices that encourage vitality. The HNRCA has made significant contributions to U.S. and international nutritional and physical activity recommendations, public policy, and clinical healthcare.

A nutrition study participant eating a meal

Participate in a Research Study

Are you near one of our nutrition centers? Would you like to join a human nutrition study? Check out these current studies.

The Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center is looking for participants to join our nutrition studies.
 

Western Human Nutrition Research Center needs volunteers:

Diet Quality and Body Weight Intervention Study (DGA4ME)

Fiber Intervention Study

Other Nutrition Studies

Hungry for the Latest Nutrition Research?

Cooking with Science: Ancient Grains

Chef Eric McCoy demonstrates how to make a delicious healthy farro and pomegranate salad. He is joined by ARS experts, Drs. Liu and Baer who discuss the versatility, and science behind ancient grains including some that are gluten-free. Check out the video and recipe. 

 

 

 


 

Nutrition Tips and Research

'Activated Foods' and Quality of Life

Scientists use crops to create foods with health-promoting properties.

Eating Right Key to Avoiding Diseases?

Project examines the role of prebiotics in healthy gut microbiota.

Enlisting Fiber in the Fight Against AMR

Healthy diets that are diverse and high in fiber can result in lower antimicrobial resistance.

Giving Tortilla Chips a Vitamin E Boost

Study reveals vitamin E can be successfully added to frying oil and fried foods, like tortilla chips.

How Do You Make Yogurt Healthier?

ARS scientists studied the potential benefits of a yogurt fortified with heart healthy chickpea flour.

Popcorn: A Healthy, Whole Grain Snack

Popcorn is a popular snack and can be a healthy, whole grain choice for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans.

Precision Nutrition for Military Families

ARS-funded research helped to empower military families with nutritional knowledge.

Benefits of Fermented Cucumbers

Scientists have identified in fermented cucumbers, peptides known to have anti-hypertensive properties.

Take a Journey Into the Gut Microbiome

ARS research shows that eating nuts can change the microbiota that live inside our intestines.

Microbe Turns Bread into Useful Compound

ARS scientists found a way to make a valuable compound from bread waste.

Secret to Happiness May Be in Your Garden

Researchers find eating vegetables improves emotional wellbeing.

The Health Benefits of Fermented Vegetables

Researchers are studying to what extent fermented vegetables may enhance human health.

Send Your Isoflavones Over

Thanks to major clover-centric breakthroughs, we’ve found yet another reason to love clover.

More on the Menu

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans can be adapted for vegetarians and vegans.

Balancing Carbs & Fat Can Prevent Diseases

Study finds eating a high level of carbohydrates regulates a gene in the body that can reduce your risk of obesity and other metabolic diseases.

Special Nutrition Needs


 

Can a Vitamin Improve the Quality of Life?

Studies suggest increasing vitamin K may help muscles, bones, memory, and more.

Can We Slow Age-Related Decline?

Researchers are examining the roles of physical activity and diet in slowing or reversing the age-related effects of sarcopenia.

D and K May Lower Risk of Dementia

Research found that the consumption of vitamins D and K can lower the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.

Fight Osteoporosis: Bone Up on B12

Study suggests adequate vitamin B12 intake is important for maintaining bone mineral density.

Food Discoveries for Brain Fitness

Studies show that eating a healthful diet over a lifetime can improve the condition of the brain as people reach their twilight years.

Healthy Gut Increases Muscle Strength

Research suggests a role between the gut microbiome and maintenance of muscle strength with advancing age.

Making Spinach with Low Oxalate Levels

Scientists identified 8 spinach varieties that have low oxalate levels, which is sometimes linked to better health.

Muscle Up to Protein Every Day

ARS researchers explore how regular protein consumption can ward off disability in older adults.

 

MyPlate: Good for Your Bones

Consuming balanced each of the food groups as recommended in MyPlate helps you build and maintain healthy bones.

Of Mice and Men

Scientists study the role of gut microbes on muscle mass and strength in both mice and older adult humans.

Research May Slow Onset of Alzheimer’s

An ARS-funded study suggests that diets high in flavonoids may protect cognitive health. 

Strength Training and Muscle Loss

Resistance or "strength" training has been shown to be a safe and effective method of reversing sarcopenia, or muscle loss, in the elderly.

Walking to Better Health

People in their 70s and 80s can improve their mobility and function by walking 30 minutes a day.

Zinc Eases Pneumonia in Elderly

Study finds that elderly participants with normal blood zinc concentrations were about 50% less likely to develop pneumonia.

A Baby's Personality and Weight

An ARS study shows that infants who display less joy while eating tend to gain more weight than infants who smile, giggle, and babble more.

Are The Effects of Obesity Generational?

Being overweight may predispose mothers to pass health challenges to their children.

From Obesity To Strong Bones

ARS-funded research delves into the critical connection between childhood obesity and bone health.

Here’s Lookin’ At You, Kid

New scanner can monitor children’s fruit and vegetable intake.

Moms May Give Vaccines a Boost

Breastfeeding can influence development of the infant immune system.

Nutrition of a Preterm Infant

ARS-funded researchers are studying the role of nutrition in reducing health risks for preterm infants.

Overnutrition May Lead to Issues Later

Overnutrition during infancy could lead to future health problems, including type 2 diabetes.

'Programming' Babies for Better Health?

The content of oligosaccharides differ in milk produced by women with normal weight, overweight, or obesity.

Drinking Tea Lowers Cholesterol

Drinking tea lowered low-density lipoprotein, the LDL "bad" cholesterol, in a small group of volunteers.

Eating Beans Helps Lower Cholesterol

Whole, cooked beans are low in fat and provide high-quality protein as well as vitamins, minerals and polyphenols. 

Fatty Acids and Mortality

ARS scientists led two dietary projects to determine the effects of fatty acids on heart health. 

Healthy Plant Sterols: A Daily "Drip" is Best

"Bad" cholesterol is lowered most when plant sterols are consumed in small amounts throughout the day vs one large amount.

Black Beans Help Fix Insulin Resistance

Adding cooked black beans to a high-fat diet improved sensitivity to insulin in obese mice. 

Cinnamon Spices Up Insulin Sensitivity

Compounds in cinnamon may one day be key natural ingredients in new products aimed at lowering blood sugar levels. 

Peppers May Help Lower Blood Sugar

A recently discovered compound in peppers may help counter the adverse effects of some diabetes medications.

Stevia Makes a Gutsy Comeback

Popular sweetener stevia found to have no negative effect on human gut health.

Sucromalt: A Low Glycemic Sweetener

ARS researchers develop a low-glycemic sweetener for diabetics.

ARS Fights To Reduce Peanut Allergies

ARS is at the forefront of cutting-edge research to improve quality of life for people with peanut allergy.

Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

ARS scientists are looking to alternative grains as a key to making foods both healthy and tasty.

Sorghum Enhances Gluten-Free Bread

Sorghum bran, a byproduct of sorghum milling, can enhance gluten-free bread's nutritional value without compromising its flavor.

Sunbutter: Peanut Butter Alternative

Sunbutter, developed by ARS, contains sunflower seeds as its main ingredient. 

Are the Effects of Obesity Generational?

Being overweight may predispose mothers to pass health challenges to their children.

Eating Late? Watch For Excess Calories

ARS researchers investigate whether late evening eating leads to higher energy intake.

Reducing Risk of Summer Weight Gain

Researchers found that children who were overweight or obese gained more weight during the summer than during the school year.

Stress and Diet Influence Health

ARS researchers are studying the relationships between psychological stress, diet, and health outcomes.

Taste Perception Can Influence Diet

Research found that taste perception could influence diet quality.

Addressing Iron and Zinc Deficiency

Deficiencies of iron and zinc are major causes of early childhood morbidity and mortality, primarily in developing countries.

Get More Iron and Flavor Out of Your Beans

Manteca yellow bean is more digestible, provides more iron bioavailability and boils faster.

Testing the Fortitude of Iron in Cereals

ARS scientists evaluated the bioavailability of "elemental iron powders" commonly used in products such as ready-to-eat cereals.

Find the Nutritional Content of (almost) Any Foods with FoodData Central 

In 2019, ARS released an integrated food and nutrient data system that provides online access to nutrient profile information about a wide variety of foods and food products.

FoodData Central contains—in one place—USDA data for five distinct types of food and nutrient composition data including "Foundation Foods" which provides expanded nutrient information and extensive underlying metadata that will help users understand the variability in the nutrient values of foods. And "Experimental Foods" with links to data about foods produced by agricultural researchers that will allow users to see for themselves how factors such as climate, soils and agricultural practices can affect a food's nutritional profile.

FoodData Central provides links to relevant agricultural research data from multiple sources, enhances the transparency about the sources of nutrition information, provides data that is based on the latest scientific research, and is representative of the marketplace.

USDA Nutrition Resources

Nutrition.gov is powered by USDA science and offers credible information to help you make healthy eating choices

MyPlate replaced the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid. With the advancement of technology, MyPlate provides a personalized  approach to healthy eating to meet your dietary needs, preferences, budget and cultural traditions.

The USDA's Food and Nutrition Service leverages 16 nutrition programs to ensure children, seniors, Native Americas and income eligible individuals and families have access to healthy, affordable foods.

Are Robots the Secret to Better Farms of the Future?

One of the biggest changes to U.S. agriculture in the past two centuries has been the share of people living or working on farms, which has dropped from about 90% to less than 1%. With fewer people present, much knowledge about specific conditions at each farm has also disappeared. That kind of information, though, is crucial to managing land in ways that produce the best outcomes. Now robots guided by advances in computer science and AI present an opportunity to bring back precise, localized management and with it, big wins for farmers and the environment. Watch this video to learn more.

Cooking with Science Recipes

Do you enjoy cooking? We've got you covered from soups to desserts! Get cooking with these great recipes featured in our Cooking with Science videos.  Each delicious recipe features nutritious ingredients and was created by a professional chef. 

Want to add a little science to your cooking? Check out the Cooking with Science video series to learn more about the featured ingredient used in each recipe.

Clam Chowder

Delicious clam chowder with bacon and peppers.

A bowl of bean and grain soup.
Bean and Grain Soup

Zuppa Etrusca - beans, buckwheat groats, and vegetables. 

A plate of buckwheat pasta.
Maltagliati Pasta

Buckwheat maltagliati with miso butter and a gigante bean, mushroom ragu. 

Chicken Thighs

Grilled herb peppered chicken. 

Veggie Burger

Veggie burger made with potatoes and black beans. 

Spanish Omelet

Easy Spanish tortilla with potatoes. 

Sautéed Kale

 Kale sautéed with peppers.

Vegetable Hash

A summer vegetable hash topped with a poached egg. 

Whipped Potatoes

Whipped sweetpotatoes with peppers. 

A plate of 5 chocolate chunk cookies.
Buckwheat Cookies

Buckwheat chocolate chunk cookies with cardamom and orange. 

No-Bake Cheesecake

No-bake strawberry cheesecake with a peppered crust. 

Fruit Cobbler

Strawberry cobbler with black pepper cornmeal biscuits. 

Cranberry Orange Bread

A gluten-free cranberry orange bread made with sorghum flour.

Farro Salad

Farro salad with cucumbers, mint, arugula and pomegranate molasses. 

The Amazing Apple

The domesticated apple, Malus domestica, is an important fruit crop grown in most of the world. The United States is a major apple producer and consumer. The United States ranks third in apple production and Americans ate an average of 9 pounds of fresh apples in 2021  according to USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service.

Researchers believe that central Asia—Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in particular—is likely the ancestral home of familiar domestic apples (Malus x domestica) such as Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and McIntosh. Centuries of selection and propagation across Asia, Europe, and North America resulted in an array of apple cultivars rich in quality and cultural significance.

Apples Are an All-American Success Story

Photo by Stephen Ausmus, USDA. Available on Flickr.

Apples are an abundant and healthy fruit that’s available year-round in most markets. ARS has played a key role over the years in the quality, variety, and production of apples. For example, the apples today can be stored for as long as 9 months, and they’ll still remain crisp, thanks to controlled-atmosphere-storage methods devised by ARS. Our fruit-breeding research has enabled farmers and nurseries to provide consumers with more abundant, healthy, and flavorful new varieties every year. ARS is collecting and preserving the world's bounty of apple genestock, so that the apples of tomorrow may be even sweeter, crunchier, and better than ever. Never before have growers had a better chance against pests and diseases in the apple orchard, thanks to new, nonchemical biocontrols. ARS scientists have worked to harness naturally occurring yeasts and bacteria and turn them against apples' enemies. And our researchers have developed robotic tools built on AI technology to drastically improve the way apples are picked, sorted, and treated for pests and diseases.

ARS researchers are at the forefront of innovative new technologies in orchard management to help growers reduce losses, maximize yields, and provide consumers with a sweet (and sometimes tart!), crunchy, healthy snack. Check out our research highlights below:

Take a Bite Out of Our Apples Research

Peeling Away a Cause of Food Loss

Researchers use cutting-edge imaging to pre-screen fruit for the marketplace.

Using Ancient Apples to Improve Breeding

Working to improve the breeding and cultivating of apples through genomics research.

Rapid Apple Decline

Detecting and identifying pathogens affecting plants such as rapid apple decline.

How D'Ya Like Them Apples?

An ARS team held a successful field test and demonstration of their new and improved apple-harvest and in-field-sorting machine. 

Roots of apple rootstock
Apple Breeding Program Takes Root

Apple orchards today can produce about 10 times more than they did 100 years ago, thanks to ARS.

Precision Sorting Keeps Bad Apples Out

Researchers have developed a self-propelled apple-harvest and in-field-sorting prototype machine.

Remarkable Kazak Apples

Their resistance to disease may boost an entire industry.

USDA Apple Collection

National Plant Germplasm System apple collection: program and impact.

Watch Our Apple Research in Action

Check Out Our Apple Podcast

Take a Slice Out of This Apple Fact

Sliced apples can be a tasty snack in a bagged lunch, but the apples can turn brown and mushy if not eaten quickly. 

In 1999, ARS researchers developed a coating that helps keep sliced apples crunchy and non-browning for up to 28 days. Best of all, this preservative is all natural, comprised of calcium and ascorbate (vitamin C). 

This preservation technique has become such a hit that supermarkets and fast-food restaurants are using it to keep their sliced apples fresh!

Purple, brown, and red rice
Purple, brown, and red rice.

Diabetes — a disease that affects how your body uses blood glucose (sugar) — is a major health concern for millions of people worldwide. Because their bodies are unable to produce enough insulin, for people with diabetes, glucose management is essential. Without proper medical care, diabetes can lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

Medications can improve glucose uptake, but they can also have side effects. These drawbacks have spurred increased research to find natural foods and supplements that can help manage the disease.

ARS researchers have found an interesting possibility. They examined the ability of colored rice bran extracts to stimulate glucose uptake. Learn more.

Knowledge, data, and understanding of soils is vital for advancing agriculture and society. Until recently, however, Native American farmers lacked the foundational soil property information they needed to sustainably produce culturally important crops with improved yield and to promote food security on their tribal lands.

ARS researchers in Fayetteville, AR, are working with the Quapaw tribe to create the first-ever high-resolution digital maps of soil properties and land-use interpretations for their lands in northeastern Oklahoma. 

Watch this video to learn more.

 

(Photo by Brennan Smith)

Sorghum bran, often a low-cost byproduct of sorghum milling, can enhance gluten-free bread's nutritional value without compromising its flavor, according to a study published in the Journal of Food Science.

While gluten-free foods are in demand to meet consumers' medical needs and dietary preferences, these foods sometimes are deficient in nutrients and lack taste and texture that appeals to consumers. In gluten-free bread, wheat flour is typically replaced with refined flour and starches from other sources. Adding dietary fiber, a carbohydrate found in whole grains that has important health benefits, to gluten-free bread can lead to a hard texture and more rapid staling. Sorghum bran could provide both good flavor and nutritional value. Read this article to learn more.

ARS Innovations Help Combat Food Loss and Waste

Food loss and waste is a monumental problem and while the Agricultural Research Service does not receive direct funding for food loss and waste programs, research is a critical factor for finding innovative, sustainable solutions for the food loss and waste problem.

Take a look at a sampling of ARS's innovative research some of which has already been introduced in the marketplace including projects to improve growing practices, breed fruit and vegetables that can better handle storage and transportation, find environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides and sprays, develop new technologies to make processing and delivery more efficient, and turn post-harvest waste into usable foods and materials, including biofuels. 

[Back to Innovations for Reducing Food Loss and Waste]


ARS Innovations | Preventing Food Loss & Waste

Quickly Detecting Disease in Farmed Salmon 

Aquaculture, commonly known as fish farming, is a global multi-billion-dollar industry, and one of the fastest growing forms of food production. Infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) is a serious viral disease that affects farmed salmon both domestically and worldwide. ISAV is a highly contagious disease that can be difficult to detect. If left unchecked, cumulative mortality can sometimes exceed 90%. Detection is critical, but standard detection methods can take days to generate results, giving the disease more time to spread.

ARS researchers in Orono, ME, and the University of Maine developed an improved detection method that increased testing speeds while maintaining equal if not better accuracy for ISAV detection. This improved detection tool has helped fish farmers quickly screen salmon for the presence of ISAV, reducing commercial losses valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Read more about the project.

New Strawberry "Lumina" Checks All the Boxes 

Strawberries are a popular fruit for consumers, both for their taste as well as their nutritional benefits. With more than $2 billion in annual farm gate sales and accounting for a 13% share of total production value of fruit, strawberries rank third for all fruit produced in the United States. While consumers want big, beautiful, tasty strawberries that last in the refrigerator, growers desire strawberries that fruit early in the season, are disease resistant, and have high yield.

ARS researchers in Beltsville, MD, recently released ‘USDA Lumina,’ a new strawberry variety that fulfills the wants and desires for both consumers and growers. ‘USDA Lumina’ has high yield, and its large, sweet, beautiful fruits do not split open in the field or turn dark in refrigerated storage. In addition, ‘USDA Lumina’ waits to flower in the spring to avoid damage from frost but still produces fruit early in the season. For both consumers and growers, these improvements can significantly reduce food loss and waste. 

Read more about the project.

Using Genetic Data (Genomics) to Fight A "Bitter" Disease 

Pome fruits such as pears and apples are grown in the mid-Atlantic area and around the world. Growers of pome fruits often have to battle a devastating disease called bitter rot caused by a fungus. This disease accelerates the rotting of fruits and can show up during pre and post-harvest production, causing significant food loss and waste. While bitter rot can be controlled by fungicides, fruit that survive the growing season and enter storage often come out with Bitter rot symptoms, such as brown, sunken lesions.

ARS researchers in Beltsville, MD, are using genomics to determine the genetic makeup of the bitter rot fungi. Data can be used to design rapid screening tests, better understand the factors needed for this pathogen to cause disease and develop novel control strategies to ensure fruit quality while reducing food loss and waste. 

Read more about the project.

Predicting E. coli Outbreaks in Leafy Greens 

Foodborne illness outbreaks due to Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EcO157) contamination not only cause harm to consumers but may also result in nationwide recalls for food suppliers. Leafy green producers in particular may lose a significant amount of their supply when they have to discard their products due to recalls or loss of consumer confidence after outbreaks. Predicting contamination in the field could reduce human illness and limit the amount of lettuce that must be thrown away.

Researchers at ARS in Albany, CA, and Cleveland State University developed a weather data model to predict EcO157 contamination trends in lettuce. The model accurately predicted EcO157 survival rates on young romaine lettuce plants that had been measured in previous field experiments in Salinas, CA — the lettuce-growing capital of the world. Food safety regulatory agencies can use this user-friendly model to develop a weather- based risk assessment tool for the lettuce industry, thereby reducing waste due to crop contamination. 

Read more about the project.

ARS Innovations | Harnessing AI and New Technologies

Using AI to Detect and Prevent Fish Mortality 

Many fish farmers use Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to rear and grow their fish. However, fish mortalities in RAS due to disease or other factors can quickly escalate, leading to disease spread and mass deaths. Fish farmers employ underwater cameras to try and detect fish disease and mortality in their RAS systems. However, camera detection can be obscured by high densities of fish as well as cloudy water. In addition, human observation and tracking of disease spread can be slow and inaccurate.

ARS collaborators in Shepherdstown, WV, developed MortCam, an Artificial Intelligence- and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled fish mortality detection and alert system. MortCam consists of an imaging sensor integrated with an edge computing device, customized for underwater applications. MortCam provides 24- hour surveillance for RAS conditions and reliably sends email and text alerts to fish farmers about mortality events. Using MortCam, farmed fish producers can apply effective and timely treatments to prevent mortality escalation, improve fish welfare, and reduce economic losses.

Read more about the project.

New Tool Can Get Tomato Production Back on Track

Tomato corky root rot is a disease that can cut tomato yields in half, causing major food losses for tomato growers. This disease causing fungus is often undetected until it is too late because it attacks roots, is slow growing, and is difficult to isolate from plants. Tomato growers desperately need improved detection methods to help curb their expensive losses.

ARS researchers in Wooster, OH, developed a new tool (a quantitative polymerase assay) to rapidly detect corky root rot pathogens in roots and soils. With this tool, agricultural researchers can rapidly detect and track the pathogen, and in turn, provide farmers with strategies to better manage this disease and reduce their food losses.

Read more about the project.

Using AI to Control Pests in Grain Production

Insects can be a real pest to grain producers, literally! Grain producers must constantly monitor pests when storing grains to ensure postharvest grain quality. However, current sampling and monitoring methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require expertise for accurate species identification. ARS scientists in Manhattan, KS, used deep learning methods and AI to develop image-based identification for five common stored grain insect species: lesser grain borer, rusty grain beetle, red flour beetle, rice weevil, and saw-toothed grain beetle.

The AI-driven system more efficiently identified all species with an accuracy level of at least 96% and enabled producers to more rapidly apply pest controls and ultimately reduce damage, food loss, and economic losses. This work is part of a broader effort to develop camera-based systems for automated pest monitoring in warehouses, flour mills, and general food storage facilities that will improve pest identification and control.

Read more about the project.

Screening for Toxins in Our Foods Before Consumption 

Aspergillus flavus is a fungus that can infect corn and other food crops before harvest and during storage. This fungus produces a toxic and potent carcinogen known as aflatoxin. Aflatoxin contamination of corn imposes a severe health risk to vulnerable populations around the world; for instance, consuming aflatoxin-contaminated crops can result in liver cancer, stunted growth in children, and death. Detecting aflatoxin contamination can not only save lives but reduce food loss and waste.

ARS researchers in New Orleans, LA, and Mississippi State University scientists developed a table-top or tablet-based, low-cost portable system that can validate aflatoxin contamination. The novel detection system costs less than $200 and uses batteries that can be charged with solar energy, which increases its utility in remote regions. This user-friendly tool will enable small farmers and households to screen stored grains and nuts for aflatoxin contamination before the foods are cooked or consumed.

Read more about the project.

Using Biocontrol to Reduce Potato Storage Loss

Potato losses from fungal spoilage during storage are approximately $500 million in the U.S. The majority of losses are caused by the fungus Fusarium sambucinum (dry rot). There are limited chemical solutions to treat this fungus, and the fungus can become resistant to chemical treatments over time. ARS researchers in Peoria, IL, developed an effective, environmentally friendly treatment to stem these losses, based on bacteria that are naturally antagonistic to this fungus. While effective, a major barrier to applying this "biocontrol" is formulating it as a long-lasting, dried product that is easy to apply.

Researchers developed strains to be more robust to drying and created a special drying formulation in which simple, inexpensive fructose sugar is blended with the bacteria to protect the potatoes during drying. As a result, a product can be stored for over 7 months and reduce potato storage disease up to 80%. It can also work in concert with agricultural chemicals to accomplish near complete control with much reduced risk of the pathogen developing resistance.

Read more about the project.

New Technology Keeps Produce Fresh, Longer

ARS researchers in Albany, CA, are developing a new technology that could "freshen up" the frozen fruit and vegetable market. The new freezing method, called isochoric freezing, works by storing foods in a sealed, rigid container — typically made of hard plastic or metal — completely filled with a liquid such as water. Unlike conventional freezing, where the food is exposed to the air and freezes solid at temperatures below 32 degrees F, isochoric freezing preserves food without turning it to solid ice.

As long as the food stays immersed in the liquid portion, it is protected from ice crystallization, which is the main threat to food quality. As an added benefit of isochoric freezing, the method kills microbial contaminants during processing. The new freezing method could not only extend the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetable products, but also result in products that are fresh-like in taste, texture, juiciness, and nutrition.

Read more about the project.

Controlling Fruit Rots in Blueberries

Blueberries are an excellent source of essential nutrients and a good source of dietary fiber. The United States is the global leader in blueberry production, but producers are losing millions due to postharvest fruit rot diseases, which limit the storage and shelf life of fresh blueberries. Controlling postharvest fruit rot diseases is crucial to producers, both here and abroad.

ARS researchers in Parlier, CA, applied natamycin as a postharvest dipping or spraying treatment to see if it could control postharvest blueberry rots. Natamycin is a natural food additive generally regarded as safe. It’s used as a preservative in foods such as yogurt, sausage, juice, and wine. Researchers determined that natamycin provided effective postharvest control for reduction of fruit rots and maintenance of fruit quality of fresh blueberries. Once it is registered, it can be used on both conventional and organic blueberries. The result is more fresh fruit for consumers and less food loss and waste at postharvest.

Read more about the project.

Extending the Shelf Life of Breadfruit and Papaya 

Breadfruit and papaya are two popular fresh-market foods around the world. However, they both tend to ripen quickly and deteriorate quickly after harvest. In addition, they are highly susceptible to pathogens after harvest. These issues can lead to significant food waste by consumers and in food markets.

In cooperative research, ARS scientists in Hilo, HI, and University of Hawaii researchers determined maturity indices and techniques to prolong breadfruit quality after harvest. They found that picking breadfruit during early harvest maturity delayed discoloration and treating the fruit postharvest with a natural ethylene inhibitor delayed breadfruit softening. Both practices have the potential to improve quality maintenance of breadfruit during transportation and storage. Researchers also determined that using a similar post-harvest treatment could extend the shelf life of "Rainbow" papaya during commercial shipments.

Read more about the project.

ARS Innovations | Turning Ag Waste into New Uses

Squeezing More Products Out of Oranges

Worldwide, the citrus industry generates around 50-60 million tons of excess biomass when producing juices, such as orange juice, for human consumption. This underutilized biomass causes environmental issues when discarded, so finding uses for this material can reduce food waste while potentially generating new revenue streams. ARS researchers in Peoria, IL, converted vegetable oil from waste citrus seeds into biodiesel using a well-known process referred to as transesterification.

The fuel properties of the biodiesel produced from waste citrus seed oil were within the specifications of the American biodiesel standard. These results are beneficial to the citrus and renewable fuels industries as well as to the public, as an agricultural waste material was used to produce an alternative fuel that facilitates the societal transition away from petroleum and its consequent environmental and climatic effects.

Read more about the project.

Finding a New Marketplace for In-shell Peanuts 

Peanuts are grown for a variety of edible purposes; they can be eaten roasted, oil fried, or boiled; added to processed foods; or used for oil. In 2022, the U.S. peanut crop was estimated at 5.57 billion pounds. While peanuts are a popular product for consumers and food manufacturers, a portion of farmed peanuts are deemed unsuitable for human consumption. These nonfood grade peanuts have other potential uses, mainly for the production of oil.

However, ARS researchers in Raleigh, NC, found a new, potentially higher value application. They determined that nonfood grade in-shell peanuts that are aflatoxin free could be used for livestock feed. In particular, researchers found that peanuts unsuitable for human food can be added to poultry feed without the expense of removing the shells. Adding shelled peanuts provided nutritional benefits without affecting egg laying performance or body weight. Best of all, this new source helps reduce the amount of waste from nonfood grade peanuts.

Read more about the project.

A Tasty Way to Increase Fruit Production in the U.S.

Pectin is a natural fiber found in apples, oranges, and other fruits. Pectin has many food uses, such as a binder or thickener in cooking and baking. The global pectin market is valued at over $900 million. Most pectin is obtained from apple pomace and citrus peel when juicing those fruits. Florida is a major citrus juice producer, but there are currently no pectin production facilities in Florida, or even in the United States.

To this end, ARS scientists in Fort Pierce, FL, identified optimum pilot scale conditions for pectin production from Florida sweet oranges. This work served to support the design, engineering, and commercialization efforts of a citrus juice co-product manufacturing facility in the state of Florida. Establishing a pectin production facility in Florida would allow for a domestic source of pectin, increase production value of Florida citrus, and reduce citrus waste.

Read more about the project.

Novel Uses for Discarded Almond Hulls

Almond shells and almond hulls are an inexpensive, abundant waste by-product from the U.S. almond-nut industry. They can be added to livestock feed and converted into sugars for biofuels, but more diverse uses are needed to reduce the excess waste. ARS scientists in Albany, CA, developed a novel application for "spent hulls," using them as a replacement for non-sustainable peat moss to commercially produce mushrooms.

Spent almond hulls are hulls with their sugars removed and they possess important traits, such as a water-holding capacity of greater than 500 percent and high mineral content ideal for mushroom growth. ARS scientists also used a thermal process called torrefaction to produce a residue from almond shells that improves adhesion properties when added to recycled plastic while also improving recycled plastic heat stability and stiffness. ARS researchers and their industrial collaborators are exploring the use of torrefied almond shells to replace or reduce the percentage of polymers in shipping pallets.

Read more about the project.

Take the Healthy Eating Challenge

A healthy eating routine is essential at every stage of life and can have positive effects that add up over time. It’s important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy (or dairy substitute). When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options that are full of nutrients, and make every bite count.

But how do you know if the food you eat is nutritious? Are you eating all of your food groups daily? Do you know if the foods you are eating contain added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats?

About the Experiment

Take the Nutrition Challenge, to find out if you are eating more of what you need, and less of what you don’t. It’s easy, it can be life changing, and you’ll probably be surprised at the results.



 What You'll Need

  • Laptop or smartphone with internet service

  • Pencil and paper or a logsheet (see appendix A)

  • Calculator


Let's Do This!

An example "Cup of Fruit Table" showing the amount that counts as 1 cup of fruit for apples, applesauce, bananas, blueberries and cantaloupe.

For 3 days, keep track of what you eat and drink for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks.

  1. Log your food intake either using a nutrition data app or on the logsheets provided in this challenge, and try to be as specific as possible, including the brand name of the food (ex: Life cereal) or specific type of fruit, vegetable, or protein (ex: Gala apple).

  2. Try to also include the quantity that you eat, using the serving size on the packaging as a guide.

  3. For fruits, log onto MyPlate and check out the fruit table on the page. Do the same for vegetables, proteins and grains.


Option 1: Using FoodData Central and the Logsheets

Photo of the search bar on the "FoodData Central" website

Once your food types and quantity are logged onto your sheet, use the nutritional label on the food containers to determine the nutritional content of each food item eaten. For grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and other items without a nutritional label, visit USDA's FoodData Central.

In the search bar, type in the food item and try to be specific at first. If the search results do not align with what you ate, be a little more general. 

Fooddatacentralsearch image

On the results page you will see several options: Most items, including fruits, vegetables, and proteins, are typically found under "SR Legacy Foods" or "Branded Foods". Choose the selection that fits best.

Now it's time to do a little math. Use the portion dropdown to best align with the amount of that particular food that you ate. For example, if you ate 200 grams of a corn muffin, and the portion dropdown is set at 100 grams, you'll want to double the nutritional content when logging it down on your spreadsheet. If you ate a quarter of the portion, then divide the nutritional content by 25 (percent).

Read through the nutritional content (either from the food container or FoodData Central) and log the amount of the following:

  • protein (g)

  • dietary fiber (g)

  • calcium (mg)

  • potassium (mg)

  • iron (mg)

  • sodium (mg)

  • added sugar (g)

  • saturated fat (g)

Keep in mind that fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy foods naturally do not contain added sugars. But, if they are processed, they could contain added sugars. Remember to log these amounts based on the portions you ate.

 


Option 2: Using A Nutrition Data App

There are many Apps on the market that can calculate and log your daily food intake. When choosing an App, make sure it contains a large inventory of foods and can determine and log portion size. For each food item, you will want to enter the food item and portion consumed. If you cannot find an App to accomplish this, use the FoodData Central method (Option 1).

Read through the nutritional content (either from the food container or FoodData Central) and log the amount of the items below.

  • protein (g)

  • dietary fiber (g)

  • calcium (mg)

  • potassium (mg)

  • iron (mg)

  • sodium (mg)

  • added sugar (g)

  • saturated fat (g)

Keep in mind that fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy foods naturally do not contain added sugars. But, if they are processed, they could contain added sugars. Remember to log these amounts based on the portions you ate.

 

Are You Eating Healthy?

A screenshot of the DRI calculator for healthcare professionals

 

Now that your chart is complete, let’s see how it compares to USDA’s recommended nutrient consumption. Log onto USDA’s DRI Calculator. Fill out the required data about yourself and click Submit. Scroll down to view the recommended intake per day for the 8 nutritional items that you tracked. Compare with your spreadsheet (or on your App) and notate which items you met the recommended guidelines and which you did not. Now let’s take a look at your sugar, sodium, and fat consumption. The Dietary Guidelines are below:

Daily Added Sugar Intake

Less than 10 percent of calories per day starting at age 2. Avoid foods and beverages with added sugars for those younger than age 2.

Daily Sodium Intake

No more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) per day and even less for children younger than age 14.

Saturated Fat

Less than 10 percent of calories per day starting at age 2.

Transfats – Trans fats are unhealthy and should be avoided in your diet. Trans fats can be found in many foods – including fried foods, baked goods, and spreads. It’s worth noting that products can be listed as “0 grams of trans fats” if they contain 0 grams to less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. You can also spot trans fats by reading ingredient lists and looking for the ingredients referred to as “partially hydrogenated oils.”

 


What Did You Learn?

  1. Observe your logsheets, paying particular attention to where you met and did not meet your recommended guidelines.

  2. In what areas did you meet the My Plate Plan?

  3. In what areas did you exceed or not get enough compared to the My Plate Plan?

  4. What type of foods should you be eating more of daily?

  5. What type of foods should you be eating less of daily?

  6. After taking this challenge, should you alter your daily/weekly food intake, and if so, what food changes should you make?

  7. What are your big takeaways from this challenge?


Resources

For more information on eating healthy, making a plan and exploring MyPlate, visit https://www.myplate.gov.

 

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