WETENSCHAP

Genes of a feather flock together

15:55u 4 March 2010 - Chicken genes are more organized that we thought. Genes that are frequently expressed can be found close together on chromosomes, and so can genes which are rarely expressed. The clustering of active genes is efficient and creates an evolutionary advantage under pressure from natural selection, believes Martien Groenen, professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics.

WETENSCHAP

Ichneumon wasp back in favour

14:55u 23 February 2010 - The Aphidius matricariae wasp of the Ichneumon family was widely used to get rid of plant lice in greenhouse agriculture up to fifteen years ago. Since then, it has given way to its American cousin, Aphidius colemani. A comparative study by the Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture group has led to its re-introduction by Koppert, the market leader in organic pest control.

WETENSCHAP

Breeding Eels in Africa

9:25u 17 February 2010 - Imares is to provide advice on breeding eels in Madagascar, with the aim of promoting the sustainable exploitation of a healthy eel population.

ORGANISATIE

New Zodiac buildings on the campu

10:08u 4 February 2010 - Construction work on the new Animal Science buildings on campus is due to start before the summer.

WETENSCHAP

Piglets benefit from homeopathy - or do they?

11:48u 3 February 2010 - Fewer piglets with diarrhoea after injection with homeopathic medicine.
Professor Savelkoul has reservations about the study.

WETENSCHAP

Big Brother spies on wading birds

14:25u 20 January 2010 - Video camera makes fieldwork unnecessary.
Mobile radar recognizes bird species and records their flight movements

WETENSCHAP

With their tail between their legs

17:23u 6 January 2010 - Pig tails reveal outbreak of tail biting. Pig farmers can take preventive action.

WETENSCHAP

Migrating birds spread bird flu

7:39u 22 December 2009 - The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 has probably been spread by birds migrating from Southeast Asia to other continents five years ago. This suggestion is propounded by Herbert Prins, professor of Resource Ecology, together with researchers of the ITC in the journal Geospatial Health.

WETENSCHAP

Slaughtering goats: How should we tackle Q fever?

15:42u 17 December 2009 - The Netherlands will be slaughtering dairy goats on 55 of the 400 goat farms in order to prevent the spread of Q fever. Should the uninfected goats on the 55 farms be vaccinated or killed?

ORGANISATIE

Test farms given expiry date

15:25u 17 December 2009 - Wageningen UR is going to clean up its research activities for the livestock farming sector. Six of the nine experimental farms may be closed down between 2010 and 2012. Only the farms in Leeuwarden, Sterksel and Hengelo will be retained. Resource pays a visit to the barns.