News: School of Agriculture Food and Wine
Plant discovery opens frontiers
![biochemical mechanism fundamental to plant life](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-05/biochemical-mechanism-plant-life.png?h=18ef190d&itok=c4bH4-d6)
Scientists discover biochemical mechanism fundamental to plant life that could have huge implications for biomedical, pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnology industries.
Pollen allergens: Are plants trying to kill us?
![Rice flowers](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-05/news-rice-flowers.jpg?h=6ebc7a1b&itok=P0fXbS_1)
Pollen allergies have long been a major pandemic health problem for humans. Plant molecular geneticist Deborah Devis is learning that pollen proteins play a vital role in a plant's reproductive process.
[Read more about Pollen allergens: Are plants trying to kill us?]
What you missed from 'Tasting Australia - the chemistry of wine'
![Here's what you missed from 'Tasting Australia - the chemistry of wine'](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-05/news-lieke-chemistryofwine.jpg?h=3b3fe4ab&itok=zGDjRK2q)
There's exciting science you can find in your glass, writes viticulture and oenology graduate Lieke van der Hulst.
[Read more about What you missed from 'Tasting Australia - the chemistry of wine']
The Fungus Olympics
![Microscopic image of the common environmental mould Aspergillus fumigatus – harmless to most people but can be deadly if you have a weakened immune system. Dr David Ellis, University of Adelaide](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-05/news-fungus-olympics.jpg?h=7754673f&itok=QUwvhpLv)
The race is on to find new ways to tackle disease. That’s why we’re competing in this year’s Fungus Olympics.
New director of world-leading plant research facility
![Susie Robinson Australian Plant Phenomics Facility](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-05/susie-robinson-plant-facility.jpg?h=fce899a3&itok=55D9qw7Q)
The University of Adelaide-led world-leading facility that underpins innovative plant research in Australia has appointed its first Executive Director to drive future success.
[Read more about New director of world-leading plant research facility]
New leadership for food sciences research
![SARDI - Waite campus](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-05/SARDI-waite-campus.jpg?h=6dee807d&itok=xVqWi7RF)
South Australia’s multi-billion-dollar food industries will benefit from new scientific leadership in the state.
Wild barley reveals drought tolerant traits that could improve elite cultivars
![barley](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-03/barley.jpg?h=790be497&itok=pLT8w_ov)
Scientists discover wild barley genes that could be used to improve drought tolerance in barley, the second most important cereal crop in Australia.
[Read more about Wild barley reveals drought tolerant traits that could improve elite cultivars]
Lifting spirits: How you can get involved in the South Australian gin spike
![Adelaide Gin - Michael Hickinbotham and Associate Professor Graham Jones](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-04/news-adelaide-gin-hickinbotham-jones-ft.jpg?h=020beb15&itok=MdTMLRVH)
The craft spirit scene in South Australia is booming. Here's how you can get involved in the art of spirit production and winemaking.
[Read more about Lifting spirits: How you can get involved in the South Australian gin spike]
On top of the world: Sciences research ranks high in ERA results
![Institute for Photonics & Advanced Sensing (IPAS) research using 3D printing for the Austofix wrist plate.](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-03/physics-research-19541.jpg?h=2f83cd36&itok=mANTGQQj)
Science research at the University of Adelaide has reached new heights according to the 2018 Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) results released this week.
[Read more about On top of the world: Sciences research ranks high in ERA results]
Australia’s drought could be increasing Q fever risk, but there are ways we can protect ourselves
![Sheep are among the most common carriers of Q fever.](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_landscape/public/media/images/2019-03/sheep-in-paddock.jpg?h=2f83cd36&itok=d3614NMK)
With several hundred cases diagnosed each year, Australia has one of the highest rates of Q fever worldwide.