ARA Library

Dr. Scott Lafontaine, assistant professor of food chemistry at the University of Arkansas, is leading a project to improve the brewing performance of Arkansas-grown rice through advanced phenotyping, data science, and machine learning. In partnership with Anheuser-Busch InBev, the research seeks to identify rice characteristics that enhance brewing efficiency and product quality, creating new opportunities for Arkansas rice producers while supporting innovation in food production, precision agriculture, and value-added agricultural products.

Dr. Zhao and his team aims to improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of modern power systems by developing a new silicon carbide-based solid state circuit breaker for renewable energy and DC power applications. Unlike conventional breakers, the technology can detect and stop electrical faults more than 100 times faster, reducing equipment damage while operating without electrical arcing and requiring less maintenance. By addressing longstanding challenges related to energy losses, cooling requirements, and cost, the project could help accelerate the adoption of smarter electric grids and support the growing integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

Arkansas has long been synonymous with catfish production, but researchers at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff believe the state’s aquaculture future may be much broader and potentially much more profitable.

At the center of that effort is Dr. Yathish Ramena, director of the Center of Excellence within UAPB’s Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, who is leading research aimed at adapting a commercially valuable saltwater shrimp species for freshwater production. The project could provide farmers with new revenue opportunities, reduce dependence on imported seafood and position Arkansas as an unexpected player in one of the world’s fastest-growing food sectors.

Dr. Chase Rainwater’s featured research project “Smart Robotics Arm for Packaging,” aims to advance innovation in robotics, advanced packaging, supply chain optimization, and retail operations. The project designs and implements a smart robotic arm capable of autonomously performing packaging tasks.  By leveraging this advanced technology, the project seeks to address critical challenges in supply chain and retail packaging efficiency, enhancing both productivity and adaptability.

In Arkansas, where poultry is a multi-billion-dollar industry supporting over 140,000 jobs, researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are using advanced genomics and machine learning to combat disease threats that can disrupt production and economic stability.

Led by Dr. Aranyak Goswami, the team analyzes the full DNA of pathogens like Enterococcus cecorum to identify clusters of genes responsible for infection, dramatically reducing the time and effort required compared to traditional methods. By narrowing thousands of potential genes down to a targeted set, this approach enables faster responses, more efficient research, and the potential development of new treatments or vaccines.

Chemotherapy is a proven and effective cancer treatment, but it can also cause serious side effects, including damage to vital organs, suppression of bone marrow, and, in rare cases, death. Dr. Noureen Siraj and her team at UA Little Rock have developed a novel approach using nano-technology to better target chemotherapy drugs, resulting in a lower dosage and fewer side effects.

Biofilm infections result in billions of dollars in health care costs, and current treatments are contributing to antibiotic resistance. But what if instead of killing the bacteria responsible, we disarm it?

At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Dr. Gyan Sahukhal and his team are working to solve a problem that’s responsible for two million serious infections every year.