News: Engagement and Industry
Slowing the sugar rush to yield better grapes
![Researcher Pietro Previtali collecting sample Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for the study.](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-07/pietro-wine-california.jpg?h=ceabf505&itok=_wNifmZV)
Scientists have found a solution to manage the accelerated rate at which grapes ripen in warmer climates, which can result in poor colour and aroma development.
[Read more about Slowing the sugar rush to yield better grapes]
Scientists seek Pomeranian dogs to participate in new gene study
![Pomeranian dog](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-08/pomeranian.jpg?h=66b6f79f&itok=ZIlYKEKQ)
Researchers are seeking Pomeranian and PomX dogs for a free and simple mouth swab to identify how widespread a defective gene is in the breed's Australian population.
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New standards to assist conservation and decision-making
![TERN fieldwork](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-06/tern-fieldwork-10.jpg?h=c4dd2c7b&itok=na5OroCD)
University of Adelaide and TERN researchers have partnered with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) to standardise both environmental monitoring and data systems for improved decision-making.
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DNA tracking of timber to increase forest sustainability and integrity
![A teak tree is sampling in Laos - Photo by Double Helix Tracking Technologies](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-06/teak-sampling-laos.jpg?h=a1123756&itok=5apjhoUH)
University of Adelaide scientists have created a DNA fingerprint map to link teak timber back to its plantation of origin and help reduce the $40 billion illicit trade of timber in the Asia Pacific region.
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Lab report: COVID detector dogs start trials at Adelaide Airport
![COVID dogs Adelaide Airport](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-06/covid-dogs-adelaide-airport.jpg?h=08b866d1&itok=1KM96WJf)
Six dogs have commenced research trials at Adelaide Airport to determine the feasibility of deploying dogs to detect COVID-19.
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The Federated States of Degradia
![Carbon Neutral, a Perth-based carbon offset provider, has planted 30 million native trees and shrubs since 2008. Their ambition is to plant a 200km highway of trees across Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, as shown in this image taken using a carbon neutral drone by photographer Russell Ord.](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-06/Federated-States-of-Degradia-Article.jpg?h=f7c3c15a&itok=GI5tfHE5)
With almost a third of arable land classified as degraded, what can we do to reverse the rapid pace of degradation and can we do it in a way that benefits us?
COVID testing: Use a Labrador instead of a laboratory
![Detector Dog Quake](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-03/detector-dog-Quake.jpg?h=08b866d1&itok=1I_Zv-ye)
Dogs are being trained to detect COVID-19. And it turns out they’re pretty good at it.
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On a mission to discover unknown Australian species
![Insect collections Braggs labs](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-06/news-braggs-insects-31.jpg?h=c4dd2c7b&itok=_bGtn4OD)
New technologies to play vital role in discovering and documenting all unknown Australian species by 2050.
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Wine Industry Mentor Program announces new participants
![Wine computer](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-06/wine-computer.jpeg?h=2f83cd36&itok=gc53IBUI)
Sixty-two early career professionals have been announced as the latest recruits to the Wine Industry Mentor Program.
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Scientists use DNA testing to help reduce the illegal export of endangered medicine tree
![Cameroon forest aerial photo](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2021-06/news-cameroon-forests.jpg?h=c4dd2c7b&itok=Gbbla_R2)
The Advanced DNA Identification and Forensics Facility is helping reduce the illegal export of timber, by testing for genetic variation between populations of the endangered African Cherry tree.