| Scientists Looking for Partners |
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Beltsville Area scientists occasionally develop technologies that have commercial potential. Often, these technologies are developed with a partner, under various Cooperative Agreements.
As a scientist progresses with a research project, he or she will analyze the potential for commercialization and determine what types of expertise will be needed to effectively commercialize visualized technology. Often, locating a suitable partner for further development of the technology can be a difficult process.
Below is a list of scientists who are currently trying to identify a suitable partner, and a description of their estimate of what might be needed. If you have the expertise required and an interest in participation in the technology development process, please contact the scientist for further information.
- Integrated Organic System Technologies for Environmental Protection and Remediation
Environmental Microbial Safety Laboratory (EMSL), Animal and Natural Resources Institute- Sustainable landfill EcoCaps reduces methane by use of methanotrophic bacteria.
- This technology increases carbon sequestration: selected woody and herbaceous vegetative cover species sequester carbon above- and below-ground.
- Improves habitat for wildlife: mixed species vegetation for all season cover and diversity.
- CropSoxx-V is an economical solution for applying compost in fruit/vegetable crop systems.
- This technology reduces ozone depletion and replaces chemically-based soil fumigants.
- Increases plant protection by inhibiting plant root diseases and nematodes.
- Compatible with certified organic and sustainable agriculture systems.
- For more information, contact:
- Dr. Patricia Millner
- 301-504-8387
- MillnerP@ba.ars.usda.gov
- 301-504-8387
- Chromium Histidine Complexes as Nutrient Supplements
Nutrient Requirements and Functions Laboratory (NRFL), Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center- Chromium is an essential nutrient involved in sugar and fat metabolism.
- Chromium supplements have been shown to improvements in risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
- Chromium histidine is absorbed better than any of the currently available chromium supplements.
- Chromium histidine supplements offer a convenient, safe means to improve blood sugars, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides.
- For more information, contact:
- Dr. Richard A. Anderson, Noella A. Bryden or Marilyn M. Polansky
- 301-504-8091
- andersoR@ba.ars.usda.gov.
- Phytoremediation - Use of Cadmium-accumulator types of Thlaspi caerulescens to clean contaminated soil
Animal and Manure By-Products Laboratory (AMBL), Animal and Natural Resources Institute- Cadmium (Cd) contamination of rice paddy soils has caused adverse health effects in Japan, China, and Korea.
- Other sources of Cd contamination from P-fertilizer production may comprise human or ecosystem risks requiring remediation in the US and Europe.
- This technology uses a selected Thlspi caerulescens plant species for Cd phytoextraction from contaminated soils.
- The technology is ready to deploy at Cd contaminated sites, and can be further improved by continuing efforts to breed improved cultivars with maximum yield and Cd accumulation.
- For more information, contact:
- Dr. Rufus L Chaney
- 301-504-8324
- ChaneyR@ba.ars.usda.gov
- Development of New Polymer Blends Using Keratin Derived from Pountry Feather Biomass
Environmental Quality Laboratory (EQL), Animal and Natural Resources Institute- Poultry feather waste or biomass is a bountiful source of structural protein keratin.
- Protein keratin is a tough, strong polymeric material with properties that match or exceed currently utilized commodity polymers derived from petroleum.
- Keratin is inherently bio-compatible and therefore an ideal material for use in biomaterials or biomedical applications.
- Feather ketatin, by virtue of its unique amino acid sequence, can be thermally processed so blends are easy to make and can have tailored properties.
- Utilization of this biomass from poultry processing plants in technoogically innovative ways aids rural development.
- For more information, contact:
- Dr. Justin Barone/Dr. Walter Schmidt
- 301-504-5905/301-504-6767
- baronej@ba.ars.usda.gov/schmidtw@ba.ars.usda.gov
- SS220: A candidate Insect-Repellent Compound to dethrone Deet
Chemicals Affecting Insect Behavior Laboratory (CAIBL), Plant Sciences Institute- SS220 evaporates less rapidly than Deet, making for effective and longer-lasting repellent protection against mosquitoes, sand flies, and ticks.
- Unlike Deet, SS220 does not dissolve plastics.
- Extensive toxicological testing shows SS220 is safe and user friendly.
- The U.S. Military has selected SS220 for testing against Deet as new standard repellent for use by warfighters.
- For more information, contact:
- Dr. Jerome A. Klun
- 301-504-6085
- KlunJ@ba.ars.usda.gov.
- Moon Cake, A New Six-Foot-Tall, High-Value Vegetable Soybean
Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory (SASL), Animal and Natural Resources Institute- Moon Cake grows to a height of six feet.
- The cultivar is adapted to grow in the Chesapeake region.
- It is adapted to growth in organic production systems for human consumption.
- Moon Cake is under Plant Variety Protection and available for licensing.
- Six bushels of seed are available for spring planting in 2004.
- For more information, contact:
- Dr. Thomas E. Devine
- 301-504-6375
- DevineT@ba.ars.usda.gov.
