2008 ARS Technology Transfer Award

Superior Efforts in Technology Transfer was awarded to Ulrich R. Bernier for development of bite protection criteria and procedures that the U.S. Marine Corps has implemented to qualify companies that treat Combat Utility Uniforms with repellent.

New Mosquito Repellents

Recent findings from a study by ARS Research Chemist Dr. Ulrich Bernier, in collaboration with Dr. Alan Katritzky of the University of Florida’s Center for Heterocyclic Compounds, highlight seven promising new repellents which outlasted the industry standard (DEET) in duration testing on cloth. Dr. Katritzky’s group examined the chemical structure of previously effective chemicals from the USDA database, and synthesized 34 novel compounds. Some of these novel compounds were successful in repelling mosquitoes for several weeks longer than DEET. The seven compounds that were the most repellent and cost effective to synthesize are being tested against other relevant mosquito species at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology in Gainesville, FL.
Read the press releases...

House Flies and Salmonella

ARS scientists explore the role of house flies in spreading Salmonella in poultry.
Click to read the article

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Jerry Hogsette was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for "outstanding contributions to animal health and productivity."