News Stories - Page 2

Make room, Joro spiders. There’s another invasive species taking over Georgia yards this summer. The Asian needle ant is becoming infamous as a “medical pest.” Although this type of ant has been around in the U.S. since the 1930s, its spread through the Southeast marks a significant danger for those with allergies to other insects like wasps or yellowjackets, said Dan Suiter, an Orkin Distinguished Professor of Urban Entomology in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Cooperative Extension.

Georgia, traditionally known as the Peach State, is famous for its peaches, pecans and peanuts. But thanks to its mild climate, the state also supports a variety of uncommon and exotic fruits — like kiwi. In a monthly series inspired by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension publication “Minor Fruits and Nuts in Georgia,” we’re highlighting lesser-known fruits that can thrive in Georgia home gardens.

Ten weeks into his tenure as associate dean for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Michael Toews’ focus has remained steadfast: UGA Extension is about people and trust. Toews is kicking off his new role with a listening tour across the state as he expands his vision for UGA Extension with an emphasis on serving Georgia’s diverse population — both urban and rural.

The University of Georgia’s class of 2025 included the first student to graduate from UGA’s new doctoral program in regenerative bioscience. Introduced in 2024 by the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the new degree focuses on interdisciplinary training in regenerative medicine, biomanufacturing, and biomedical imaging and computation. “I realized on commencement day that I was the first person to graduate from the program,” said Jinghui Gao. “I felt both excited and very, very proud.”

As we move into the 2025 hurricane season, it is more evident than ever that agriculture is dependent on nature. Even seemingly minor temperature variations have a significant impact on the precise mechanics of plants, animals and insects. As average temperatures have warmed by 3 degrees over the past century, the question remains — how will we adapt our agricultural practices to ensure that all people continue to have access to food, fiber and fuel now and in the future?

The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, in collaboration with the North Dakota-based Grand Farm, broke ground earlier this month on the UGA Grand Farm in Perry, Georgia. The 250-acre site will be a hub for agricultural innovation projects, demonstrating new technologies and automation focused on specialty crops from Georgia and the Southeast. The first projects are set to go live this year.

Long before a ripe blueberry makes it into a grocery cart or muffin mix, a native bee has likely played a quiet but critical role in its journey. Now, thanks to a robust study on wild bee diversity in blueberry fields, we know more about just how essential those wild pollinators are to one of the state’s most valuable fruit crops. Sarah Rezende, a doctoral candidate in entomology at the University of Georgia, is working to uncover what Georgia’s wild bees need to thrive — and how their movements shape the productivity of commercial blueberry farms.

University of Georgia Center for Food Safety researcher Issmat Kassem has dedicated nearly two decades to studying antimicrobial resistance, identified by the World Health Organization as a top-10 public health threat to humanity. Kassem was recently recognized as a ScholarGPS Highly Ranked Scholar for his research studying antimicrobial resistance in water and food. Hear directly from Kassem in this Q&A about his work to protect public health from this ongoing threat.

In this episode of Cultivating Curiosity, we dive into the science behind composting with two University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts — what composting is, why it matters and how you can start doing it right at home. Whether you’re new to composting or looking to improve your bin game, this episode breaks down the basics, offers beginner-friendly tips and shares the real-life benefits of turning your food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Plus, learn how composting can save you money and help the planet, one banana peel at a time.