During the most recent outbreak of salmonella poisoning, which was connected to peanut butter and other peanut products, the food-borne bacteria has sickened nearly 700 people and may have contributed to the death of nine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports. That came on the heels of an outbreak last summer, finally traced back to jalapeño peppers imported from Mexico, that was responsible for more than 1,400 infections, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports.
And when deadly pathogens enter the food supply, the financial costs can add up, too. The peanut butter salmonella outbreak caused the recall of thousands of peanut-related products, and Georgia Peanut Commission executive director Don Koehler says the total loss could be more than $1 billion.
So what are researchers doing to protect our food?
This blog is written by me, a 26 year old plant biology and genetics student at Cornell University (who happens to be looking for a job: click for info). It is (among other things) an attempt to make science both interesting and accessible, as well as to convey the relevance of science in an everyday context - i.e. the direct affect it could have on you, today and in the future. I must warn that I consider myself many things, including competent to comprehend most research and convey basic meaning, but I am certainly not an expert in any field, and can therefore make no promises regarding the sagacity or acumen of the content. However, I think you will find this blog not only informative, but interesting - and maybe even a little humorous. I hope you enjoy.
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From SciAm.com:
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