USDA Science

Education used to be about the “Three Rs” – reading, (w)riting, and (a)rithmetic. It still is, but more letters have worked their way in: S, T, E, and M. Since 2001 educators have begun to focus more of their attention on the teaching of STEM – an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and...

October is Health Literacy Month! Health literacy is a crucial component of maintaining our health. It is your ability to access and understand health information and services. Being able to find and use the best available resources can help us live healthier lives, prevent certain health outcomes...

National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 to October 15, is a time to celebrate the rich history, traditions and cultural diversity of the Hispanic and Latino/a community. As this recognition month comes to a close, USDA’s Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area is spotlighting...

From mid-September through mid-October, USDA is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, an observance that recognizes contributions made by Hispanic and Latino Americans. In 2021, the Census Bureau reported more than 62 million Hispanics and Latinos living on the U.S. mainland and 3.3 million...

As we observe September as National Preparedness Month, it is important to remember that being prepared is the most important thing you can do to assist in dealing with any disaster or emergency. Unfortunately, no amount of preparation will stop a natural disaster or emergency from occurring, but...

Renewable fuels – ethanol, biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and more – are filling gas tanks more than ever, mitigating the effects of petroleum-based fuel on the environment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a major contributor to that shift.

August is National Breastfeeding Month. Did you know that USDA conducts research to define dietary needs to ensure optimal maternal and child health? A researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is heading international studies to establish nutritional...

Imagine this. You are a new farmer who bought a plot of land in your hometown. You’re making important decisions for your operation like what to plant and where. If only you had a tool to identify historical information for what’s been grown on your land and in your area that would allow you to make...

Treating and recycling used municipal water for irrigation is not a new concept, but there may be an unforeseen consequence with that practice: Microplastics.

After suffering severe winter losses beginning in 2007, the honey bee population is making a comeback. Still, losses are high, which means beekeepers have to spend a lot of time and money replacing their bees.