Biological and Agricultural Engineering Content

AI Tool to Help Farmers Measure Real-Time Crop Health from the Field

Andy Fell — September 24, 2025 - 3:24pm

Leaf Monitor, a new mobile tool backed by artificial intelligence and predictive modeling, could revolutionize how farmers monitor crops and make decisions by providing real-time nutrition and leaf trait information in the field.

Sunglasses for Plants, and Sustainable Agriculture

Andy Fell — September 08, 2025 - 1:42pm

A multilayer film that reflects heat while letting through light needed for photosynthesis could make greenhouse agriculture more energy- and water-efficient. Such a film has been developed by engineers at the ɫ��ɫ, and is described in a recent paper in Advanced Energy & Sustainability Research.

Using Yeast to Convert Almond Hulls to Animal Feed

Andy Fell — November 30, 2023 - 2:38pm

Yeast grown on almond hulls could be a new, sustainable route to produce high-protein animal feed from an agricultural waste product, according to research from ɫ��ɫ published Nov. 15 in PLOS One.

Raising animals for meat requires livestock feed that is high in protein, especially essential amino acids that animals need to grow. That makes feed the most expensive input in meat production.

Researchers Create App to Help Drones Improve Farm Efficiency

Andy Fell — October 26, 2023 - 2:00pm

Researchers at the ɫ��ɫ, have developed a web application to help farmers and industry workers use drones and other uncrewed aerial vehicles, or UAVs, to generate the best possible data. By helping farmers use resources more efficiently, this advancement could help them adapt to a world with a changing climate that needs to feed billions.

Farms to Fungi to Food: Growing the Next Generation of Alternative Protein

Andy Fell — December 08, 2022 - 10:00am

A solution to world hunger might start with boba and caviar. ɫ��ɫ explores alternative protein with farms and fungi. Learn more about the future of food.

Grant will Support Work to Improve PPE for Healthcare Workers

Andy Fell — November 03, 2021 - 10:08am

A multidisciplinary team of researchers is working to improve the design, function and safety of personal protective equipment, or PPE, for health care workers.