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Corn Stalk Residue Could Take Us to the Stars

By Lori Walsh and Ellen Koester et.al

A new NASA EPSCoR grant will help South Dakota Mines researchers explore the next generation of lithium sulfur batteries. Those batteries could be powered by the waste produced from processing plants.

The research was a team effort that spanned disciplines at South Dakota Mines. A few of the experts who worked on this project joined In the Moment to explain their work and unexpected discovery.

Rajesh Shende, Ph.D., is a professor of chemical and biological engineering. He specializes in finding uses for agricultural byproducts.

And Edward Duke, Ph.D., is a professor of geology and geological engineering and the director of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium and the South Dakota NASA EPSCoR Program.

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FCG Parvi Webinar 2: Getting to Know Thrips parvispinus to Better Control This Pest

Video: FCG Parvi Webinar 2: Getting to Know Thrips parvispinus to Better Control This Pest

This is the 2nd webinar in a 3-part series hosted by Flowers Canada Growers on Thrips parvispinus IPM. Biocontrol programs developed for western flower thrips do not appear to be effective against Thrips parvispinus. This webinar will examine what makes T. parvispinus different and how insights into its biology and behaviour—including chemical ecology, host plant preferences, and defensive responses—can help improve monitoring and management strategies. This webinar was recorded July 16, 2026. Guest speakers include: Jessie deHaan (Vineland Research), Dan Bath (Vineland Research), Laxmi Khadka (Vineland Research), Ashley Summerfield (Vineland Research), Sarah Jandricic (OMAFA), Avery Johnson (AAFC / University of Guelph).