K-State in the news — Dec. 2024
Some of the top stories mentioning Kansas State University are posted below. Download an Excel file (xls) with all of this month's news stories.
Monday, Dec. 23, 2024
National/International
Is ‘People Pleasing’ Giving You Money Problems? Here’s How to Fix Things.
12/21/24 The New York Times
While the origins of people pleasing vary, there is one common thread: People pleasers tend to have a lot of anxiety, said Megan McCoy, a financial therapist at Kansas State University, who considers herself a member of the tribe. “In times of stress, people pleasing tendencies can become very unhealthy really quickly,” she said.
State/Regional
K-State researcher touts benefits of winter wheat in crop rotation
12/20/24 AgUpdate
Kansas State University wheat specialist Romulo Lollato says farmers should consider what they might be missing when choosing to leave winter wheat out of their usual crop rotations.
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024
National/International
China’s Top Crop Trader Blunts Impact of US Trade War With Brazil Bet
12/19/24 Bloomberg
“Cofco has a unique position,” said Jay O’Neil, senior agricultural economist at Kansas State University. None of the ABCD traders has as direct a political advantage anywhere they operate, he added — but Cofco is China’s domestic champion. “We can’t ignore that China is the biggest importer of many commodities, whether it is soybeans or corn.”
The 8 best dog beds of 2024, tested by pups of all sizes and ages
12/19/24 Business Insider
Dr. Oscar Chavez Zamora, assistant clinical professor of small animal orthopedic and soft tissue surgery at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, says that especially hard surfaces can put too much pressure on tissues and compress blood vessels, thereby causing or increasing inflammation. He says an orthopedic bed can lessen this inflammation by molding to the body's shape rather than forcing the body to mold to the bed.
State/Regional
K-State Geography and Agronomy Researchers to Build Climate Resilience in Agriculture-Based Communities
12/19/24 farms.com
Kansas State University scientists are collaborating with colleagues in Iowa, Nebraska and Arkansas to advance weather intelligence, strengthen climate resilience and address the impacts of environmental change in agriculture-based communities.
Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024
National/International
She Blew Her Life Savings. How Tech Is Turning Casual Spenders Into Binge Shoppers
12/19/24 MarketWatch
Other research shows that it’s a reasonably gender-neutral problem, can run in families, and can be linked to intergenerational trauma. “Compulsive buying happens when shopping becomes your only coping strategy when you’re hurting; it becomes your drug of choice,” Kansas State’s McCoy says. “And compulsive shopping can happen when we see addiction switching. People start shopping after they stop drinking.”
Holiday Parties Can Stress Out Some Pets
12/18/24 KOH via USDA Radio
Kansas State University veterinarian Dr Susan Nelson says foods that contain the sugar-free sweetener xylitol causes low blood sugar and liver failure it can be in baked goods it can be in our sugar free candy and it doesn't take much to do irreparable harm.
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024
State/Regional
Trump’s proposed tariffs target big U.S. trading partners. What that could mean for Midwest farmers
12/17/24 KCUR
Glynn Tonsor is an agricultural economist at Kansas State University who focuses on the livestock and meat industry. Products go to countries where they’re most valuable in an open trade environment, he said.
Local
Tips For Mailing Holiday Food Gifts
12/17/24 KSAL
If you’re thinking about mailing food gifts for the holidays this year, there are some extra precautions you should plan for beforehand, according to Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee.
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024
State/Regional
K-State researcher touts benefits of winter wheat in crop rotation
12/16/24 High Plains Journal
Kansas State University wheat specialist Romulo Lollato says farmers should consider what they might be missing when choosing to leave winter wheat out of their usual crop rotations. Lollato notes that wheat acres in Kansas have been decreasing at a rate of approximately 2% every year since 2005. Nationally, that decline remains at about 1.5%. Often, he said, management decisions are based solely on the crop’s profitability.
Local
Farmers’ Market and Local Food Producer Workshop Series
12/16/24 KSAL-AM
The Kansas Department of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) will offer six regional Local Food Producer Workshops to assist farmers’ market vendors and managers, and for those wanting to sell food products directly to consumers. According to the state agriculture department, Kansas farmers’ markets not only provide a fresh food source, but also stimulate the local economy. In 2024, more than 100 farmers’ markets were registered with KDA’s Central Registration of Farmers’ Markets.
Monday, Dec. 16, 2024
National/International
K-State Researchers Pioneer Surface Testing for African Swine Fever Detection
12/13/2024 SwineWeb
Kansas State University researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to enhance biosecurity in the swine industry by detecting African Swine Fever (ASF) virus on surfaces. This innovation could significantly bolster efforts to prevent the spread of this devastating disease, which has yet to appear in the United States but has caused substantial losses across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Dr. Jordan Gebhardt, a swine production specialist and veterinarian at K-State, explains that the study used everyday household items to collect samples for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. The materials included cotton gauze, polyester swabs, sponge sticks, and dry sweep cloths, demonstrating a practical and accessible approach to environmental sampling.
Controlling mustard in wheat pays dividends
12/11/2024
If you wait to inspect wheat for weeds until you see blue mustard already flowering, you likely have sacrificed yield. In fact, if it is a heavy infestation, yield losses could be severe. "To minimize yield losses, mustards should be controlled by late winter or very early spring, before the stems begin to elongate or bolt," says Sarah Lancaster, a weed management specialist with Kansas State University Extension. "If mustards are present in the fall, they can be controlled by various active ingredients." Lancaster co-authored Control of mustards in wheat: Timely treatment is important with Jeremie Kouame, weed scientist at the KSU Ag Research Center in Hays.
State/Regional
K-State, GCCC partner to offer bachelor's degrees in southwest Kansas
12/14/2024
K-State and Garden City Community College are joining forces to make bachelor’s degree programs available to students in southwest Kansas. This collaboration will allow students to complete their education locally, addressing a critical need in a region where only 17.9% of residents hold a four-year degree compared to the state average of 33.9%.
K-State veterinarian shares tips to keep your pets safe and less stressed this holiday season
12/13/2024 KAKE
The holiday season is full of cheer, but it can also bring hidden dangers for our beloved pets. From festive foods to holiday decorations, there's plenty to watch out for. Susan Nelson, clinical professor at Kansas State University's Veterinary Health Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine, has some tips to keep pets safe.
Local
KSU announces Johnson Cancer Research Center awards
12/14/2024 JC Post
Thanks to awards from the Johnson Cancer Research Center, 21 Kansas State University students will conduct hands-on cancer research in the spring 2025 semester. The center's Cancer Research Awards will provide the selected students with hands-on laboratory research experience that emphasizes the importance of ethical research practices and effectively communicating science to the public.
College of Health and Human Sciences recognizes outstanding seniors
12/14/2024
Kansas State University's College of Health and Human Sciences is recognizing its 2024 fall Outstanding Senior Award winners. This year's winners were nominated by faculty and staff within each of their respective programs.
Friday, Dec. 13, 2024
National/International
U.S. agriculture can be greenhouse gas negative
12/12/24 Farm Progress
Chuck Rice, a Kansas State University distinguished professor of agronomy, is one of the three lead authors in the study, “The Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative.” The study was initiated by U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action and published by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology.
State/Regional
Processing plant closures reflect tight margins
12/13/24 High Plains Journal
“Capacity utilization is a key part of both meat processing (and livestock processing) operations,” said Glynn Tonsor, professor in the department of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. When the aggregate industry has more physical capacity than available incoming animals or meat, that quickly slices into a profit opportunity.
Is China’s sorghum deal with Brazil cause for alarm?
12/13/24 High Plains Journal
How much should U.S. sorghum growers be concerned about this deal? Dan O’Brien, a professor at Kansas State University specializing in grain and bioenergy market analysis, said, “There’s a lot of signaling and competitive positioning going on even before the incoming Trump administration is in place.”
Local
Beach Museum of Art celebrates Christmas in Manhattan
12/11/24 WIBW
“One thing I like to say is that we are here to make others feel more at home here,” Kent Smith, the Director of the Beach Museum of Art told 13 News. “You can learn about the history of this area and the art that was created here.”
Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024
National/International
Engravings discovered on reverse of copper plates thought to be the earliest produced by William Blake
12/12/24 Art Daily
Mark Crosby, Associate Professor of Literature at Kansas State University and a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, worked with ARCHiOx’s Selene Photometric Stereo System to reveal compelling new evidence on the plates alongside consulting materials in the Bodleian’s archives.
State/Regional
K-State, Garden City Comm. College partner to offer bachelor's degrees in southwest Kansas
12/11/24 KAKE
Garden City Community College and Kansas State University are establishing a partnership to make bachelor’s degree programs available to students in southwest Kansas without requiring them to relocate.
K-State Olathe awarded $3.2 million to fund commercial motor vehicle safety in the Midwest
12/11/24 Olathe Reporter
The Kansas State Olathe campus is receiving two grants totaling more than $3.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for safety initiatives involving commercial motor vehicles and buses.
Salinian to sing national anthem at K-State Graduate School commencement
12/11/24 Salina Post
Amaya Dungan, a senior in music, Salina, will sing the national anthem at the commencement of graduate school.
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
National/International
Bird flu is spreading at PNW farms — among animals and workers
12/11/24 Cascade PBS
So far, human cases of avian flu have been mild. Dr. Jürgen Richt, a professor and director of the Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases at Kansas State University, told InvestigateWest that so far people who have tested positive for avian flu have had mild respiratory symptoms and conjunctivitis, or pink eye.
State/Regional
Salinian to sing national anthem at K-State Graduate School commencement
12/11/24 Salina Post
Kansas State University's commencement ceremonies will feature several students as musicians and speakers during the fall 2024 commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14.
Local
K-State commencements to recognize summer, fall 2024 degree candidates
12/10/24 The Mercury
K-State will see more than 1,200 candidates for graduation at commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday.
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024
National/International
Synthetic biology techniques significantly increase purity of specialized plant oils
12/09/24 MSN.com
Some of the more commonly known and grown oilseed crops in the U.S. have long been canola, soybeans and sunflowers, but a breakthrough by Kansas State University biochemists could lead to the cover crops pennycress and camelina also becoming a source for improved biodiesel. A research team led by Timothy Durrett, professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics, and doctoral conferee Linah Alkotami used synthetic biology techniques to significantly increase the amount of acetyl-triacylglycerols—a unique type of oil found and adapted from the burning bush plant—in pennycress and camelina to near-pure levels.
Weight-management pet food lessons from human food diversification
12/10/24 Petfood Industry
Human health foods have diversified into a wide range of products meeting a variety of demands, and pet foods may follow similar strategies. Pet food makers could leverage insights from human food industries to drive new product development and differentiation in health, wellness and weight management products for pets. “Lessons from the human food industry indicate that the weight management segment of the market tends to grow fast and is characterized by high product differentiation and premiumization,” scientists from Kansas State University wrote in the International Food and Agribusiness Management Review.
State/Regional
Double Up Food Bucks Top $1.1M in Kansas
12/02/24 The Times
Kansas officials are reporting that a program that helps low-income families purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmer’s markets and grocery stores topped more than $1.1 million in benefits in the past year. Erin Bishop, manager of the Double Up Food Bucks program coordinated through K-State Research and Extension, added that the number of vendors (mostly farmers markets) and the total number of sites (which includes grocery stores) in Kansas have doubled since the program’s inception in 2020.
Monday, Dec. 9, 2024
National/International
Researchers aim to develop soil sensors
12/6/2024 AGRI-VIEW
Kansas State University researchers recently received a $2 million award from the National Science Foundation's Global Centers program to develop sensors that can more accurately detect nutrients, chemical compounds, soil microbiomes and greenhouse gases in soil. Suprem Das, an associate professor in Kansas State University's department of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, said advancing soil sensors –and allowing farmers to collect soil information in real time – "is essential for advancing precision agriculture and promoting sustainable practices."
State/Regional
K-State Salina creates 3D printing course for beginners
12/6/2024 Salina Post
Those wanting to gain experience with 3D printing can now take a course through professional education and outreach at Kansas State University Salina to learn the fundamentals of using the technology.
K-State crowned national champion at meat judging contest
12/6/2024 High Plains Journal
The Kansas State University meat judging team captured its first national title in more than 30 years when it was crowned champion at the International Intercollegiate Meat Judging Contest in Dakota City, Nebraska.
Power out? Here's how to keep food safe
12/6/2024 The Pottawatomie County Times
Keeping food safe during a power outage begins well before winter storms hit, Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee said. Before the power goes out, Blakeslee advised keeping an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer. According to guidelines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the temperature inside the refrigerator should be 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and the freezer at 0 F or below. Blakeslee, who also is coordinator of K-State's Rapid Response Center for food safety, said having a thermometer in place before the power goes out helps to assure the appliance temperature does not stray outside the recommended range.
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024
National/International
K-State researchers explore early detection methods for African Swine Fever
12/4/24 RFD-TV
While the disease has yet to reach the United States, researchers at Kansas State University are working to ensure it can be easily detected.
Holiday Stress
11/24/24 Rural Radio Network
Extension specialist, Brad Dirks, gives advice on managing holiday stress.
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024
State/Regional
Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall to hold book signing at Red Fern Booksellers
12/03/24 Salina Post
Brimhall, a professor of creative writing and narrative medicine at Kansas State University, will sign copies of her latest poetry collection, Love Prodigal. Published in November by Copper Canyon Press, the collection explores themes of resilience and embracing second chances.
Live Christmas Tree Tips
12/03/24 KSAL
According to Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini, there are three characteristics to avoid when selecting a live Christmas tree.
Establishing a biosecurity plan
12/3/24 High Plains Journal
K-State beef cattle experts offer advice on how to keep from bringing diseases into the herd.
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024
State/Regional
K-State Salina creates courses in technical writing to advance the skills of writers
12/03/24 Salina Post
Kansas State University Salina's professional education and outreach is launching a technical writing program for those looking to advance their careers and professional knowledge. Technical writing courses equip learners with the comprehensive skills to convey complex information clearly and concisely. The program features six 4-week modules, most of which are asynchronous. The topics include Simplified Technical English, Standard Technical English, fundamentals of technical writing, advanced technical writing, document design, technical editing and writing for oral communication.
Strengthening Families Program Begins Tuesday in Russell
12/02/24 KRSL-FM
Russell County USD 407 is partnering with K-State Research and Extension to offer a Strengthening Families Program. This program is available to all Russell community families and is an evidence-based family skills training program. Parents and students attend weekly skills classes together, learning parenting skills and youth life skills.
K-State vet med launches biomedical core facilities
12/02/24 High Plains Journal
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 30 for the new Biomedical Core Facilities, which will provide low-threshold access to well-maintained, state-of-the-art instrumentation and expertise to foster multidisciplinary collaboration across K-State. The $3.4 million, 5,000 square-foot facility, located on the second floor of Mosier Hall in the College of Veterinary Medicine, was funded through a C06 construction grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Local
K-State food scientist shares tips for safe leftovers
12/02/24 The Times
When holiday foods are concerned, many people look forward to follow-up meals, says Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee. “Leftovers are a great option for a quick lunch or dinner,” said Blakeslee, who also is coordinator of the university’s Rapid Response Center for Food Science, “but how those leftovers are managed can make a difference in the safety of the food.” Blakeslee said hot leftovers need to be divided into small containers to allow faster cooling. She suggests containers that are about two inches in depth. Plan and use containers that can be stored in the freezer. Chill the food in the refrigerator, then freeze it for later use.
Monday, Dec. 2, 2024
National/International
Scientists warn of the increased dangers of a new bird flu strain
11/27/2024 NPR
The spread of bird flu continues to trouble scientists. They say there is no indication that the U.S. has the outbreak under control. And now, a more concerning version of the virus has cropped up. NPR sat down with Juergen Richt, K-State veterinary microbiologist, to discuss.
Here's why bird flu fears are intensifying
11/27/2024 Oregon Public Broadcasting
With reservoirs of virus persisting in dairy cattle, poultry and wild birds, there are ample opportunities for spillover into humans. Meanwhile, the virus is turning up in raw milk on store shelves. And flu season is raising the troubling prospect that bird flu could commingle with seasonal influenza. "This virus is not so easy to get rid of," says Dr. Jürgen Richt, a veterinary microbiologist at Kansas State University. "We will have to live with it for some years to come."
Dialing In Information: Researchers believe that virtual fencing can help revolutionize the cattle industry
11/29/2024 RFD TV
New research out of the Kansas State University Extension is highlighting what they are calling revolutionary technology in cattle production. According to Jaymelynn Farney, "Looking at virtual fences, you know, people will be able to put their fences in to keep their dogs in their backyard without actually building a physical fence. Well, the same concept has came about, started with goats and sheep, and now they make some collars for cattle. You know, until recently, we haven't had a company in the United States that has been actually in that virtual fence world, and one of the best things about our cattle ones versus the dog ones is we get to draw our fences based off of GPS geo-profiles of our pastures and don't physically have to bury a line for your barrier like with a bunch of the dog collar ones."
State/Regional
K-State selected for funding award for new Innovation Lab
11/27/2024 WIBW
A multimillion-dollar award from the U.S. Agency for International Development will fund K-State's project on climate resilience and sustainable intensification of agriculture. The project will materialize in a new innovations lab, which will support work by researchers on multiple continents to make agriculture more resilient to varying management practices, climates, and extreme weather. The funding comes as a part of USAID's Feed the Future program. K-State's work with the program began this fall and continues through the end of the year 2029.
KSU Salina's Virtual Reality Like "Learning the Spells" at Hogwarts
11/27/2024 KSAL
Imagine this: A student is immersed in cutting-edge technology, learning from industry experts who bring years of research and real-world experience into the classroom. They sit at a desk in a traditional setting, and they can see their fellow students sitting beside them, intently listening as an instructor writes on a board or discusses the lesson of the day. What unfolds next is anything but ordinary. At the end of class, the student slides off their virtual reality, or VR, headset, and opens their eyes not to a classroom, but to their living room, a work office or even a coffee shop. This isn't a vision for the future – it's a reality today for many students at Kansas State University Salina. Through the integration of virtual environments, K-State Salina is redefining the educational experience, connecting learners across the globe in real time.
Local
There's a new heart risk calculator coming, and K-State physiologists validated it
11/27/2024 JC Post
Cardiovascular disease has long been the leading cause of death around the world, but a new set of predictive scores — validated by physiologists in Kansas State University's College of Human Health and Sciences — will equip doctors and patients with the knowledge they need to make early interventions.
K-State Gardens will celebrate 150 years
11/30/2024 JC Post
In 2025, the Kansas State University Gardens will celebrate a milestone: 150 years. According to KSU the university will commemorate the anniversary with a yearlong celebration honoring the legacy of horticultural excellence. There will be opportunities to celebrate the gardens throughout 2025 with a variety of events across campus and the Manhattan community.
