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                    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 Western Regional Research Center: Albany, CA
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Welcome to the Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California. The Center held its 75th anniversary celebration on September 4, 2015.
 Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention research unit scientists have found that witch hazel extracts can promote growth of probiotic bacteria, although they are known inhibitors of pathogenic bacteria. More
 Scientists in the Produce Safety and Microbiology and Crop Improvement and Protection (Salinas, CA) research units have begun to unravel details that may underly a pattern of fall*E. coli*O157:H7 outbreaks linked to bagged romaine lettuce. More
 Invasive Species and Pollinator Health research unit scientists at Davis, CA have found four nutritional compounds that improve honey bee microbiome diversity and health. These nutrients naturally occur in nectar and pollen of various flowers favored by bees. More
 Read about WRRC's efforts to develop guayule, a desert shrub native to the southwestern US and northern Mexico, as a viable source of non-allergenic domestic latex. Bioproducts Research Unit scientists are improving guayule's latex production and partnering with industry for field evaluation of test plants.
 Scientists in the Healthy Processed Foods research unit tested freeze-dried berry powders for their stabilizing properties in frozen dairy desserts. They found that strawberries were best at improving stability and texture. More
 Crop Improvement and Genetics research unit scientists have streamlined the process to insert multiple genes into a crop plant, and developed a reliable method that will make it easier to breed a variety of crops, such as potatoes, rice and citrus, with vastly improved traits. **Product example:** Lilac Limes
 WRRC received its second ACS National Historic Chemical Landmark on August 29, 2013. Photo: Ron Buttery, shown here adjusting a gas chromatography apparatus, was the first to identify the compound primarily responsible for the flavor of aromatic rice. More
 Inspired by the USDA's People's Garden Initiative, the Agricultural Research Service (WRRC and PGEC) and Forest Service in Albany, CA, maintain an educational community outreach garden, with help from Ocean View Elementary School students. Click image to visit our garden's homepage.


Recent News More... USDA-ARS Scientists Developing New Tests, New Ways to Track COVID In Wild and Domestic Animals
Saving the Earth One Container at a Time
Fall Seasonal Effects Connected to E. coli Outbreaks in Bagged Romaine
Black Beans Help Fix Insulin Resistance and Gut Bacteria Balance
New Food Freezing Concept Improves Quality, Increases Safety and Cuts Energy Use
Greener Grilling May Be on Its Way with an Environmentally Friendly Charcoal
Four Nutrients in Flower Pollens Improve Honey Bee Gut Health
WRRC Research Chemist is Finalist for Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal
ARS Facebook Event on Food Waste
Science in Your Shopping Cart: Biomass podcast
Micronutrient-Packed Bar Improving Metabolic Health Goes Commercial
Drink Your Peas, Please!
ARS First Biocontrol Galling to Cape-Ivy
Get Popping with Oats!
Brewing up Nutritious Ingredients
ARS 20 for 20: Keeping Almonds Safe and Dry
ARS 20 for 20: Waste Not, Want Not
Oat Genome Available on GrainGenes
ARS Featured Photo: Turning Food Waste into Healthful Delights
Women Making a Difference in the World of Agricultural Research
New Test Identifies Poisonous Mushrooms
Freeze-Dried Strawberries and Ice Cream Make for a Very Stable Relationship
Lilac Limes: More Than Just a Pretty Fruit


**Please contact our Acting Center Director, Bill Orts at 510-559-5730 or bill.orts@usda.gov for any inquiries and assistance.** We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.


Pacific West Area   bill.orts@ars.usda.gov


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