Airable Research Lab has synthesized a soy-based wax that can replace carnauba wax in formulations. Carnauba has useful properties that make it popular across multiple industries: a high melting point, UV ray protection, water resistance and extreme density. However, this material is sourced from the carnauba palm tree, which grows only in Brazil, presenting supply chain challenges (as well as a history of environmental and social implications within Brazil). Furthermore, the very density that makes… Read More

At the urging of the Ohio Soybean Association and other state and national organizations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reviewed and approved the use of Enlist One and Enlist Duo in 134 additional counties, including several counties in Ohio, providing growers with additional weed management options for the 2022 growing season. Enlist One and Enlist Duo, two herbicides used to control weeds in conventional and genetically-modified corn, cotton, and soybean crops, can now… Read More

By Amy Gorin, MS, RDN It’s April, which means it’s National Soyfoods Month. The best way to celebrate? Embracing all things soy! Soy foods are wonderful meal and snack additions for so many reasons. For one, they’re complete plant proteins–meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that your body isn’t able to produce on its own. Also, regularly eating soy protein may be beneficial for cholesterol levels because it is a heart-healthy food, per… Read More

This week in the lab, Dylan Karis has been investigating the synthesis of soy-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs). DESs are a class of ionic liquid defined by the unique morphology applied to their assembly. Whereas ionic liquids are discrete 1:1 blends of positively and negatively charged ions, DESs may be more complex mixtures. To make DESs, Dr. Karis utilizes soy fatty acid, which is easily obtainable from soybean oil, and a quaternary amine. The goal… Read More

By Kayla Weaver As the news shows ships full of cargo containers waiting in port, most Americans are anxious about being able to get the products inside. However, in agriculture, the questions are more about who gets those containers once emptied and if they can be loaded with soybeans before their return voyage. According to Will McNair, oil and soyfood director at the U.S. Soybean Export Council, containerized soybean exports continue to be a small,… Read More