After nearly two years of construction, the POET Bioproducts Center has officially opened its doors to the region's leading bioprocessing scientists. The new laboratory, located in the Research Park at South Dakota State University, will bring researchers from SDSU and South Dakota Mines together with industry partners to scale up innovative biotechnologies to diversify South Dakota's economy.

South Dakota State University's Innovate SoDak—a product of the U.S. Economic Development Administration's University Center program—has received additional funding to continue serving industry clients and supporting economic growth in the state. Stephen Gent, a professor of mechanical engineering and director of the North Central Regional Sun Grant Center, and Rajesh Kavasseri, associate dean for research in the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, are the project leads. 

Since the late 1980s, precision agriculture has become increasingly prevalent on farms across the United States, particularly in America's heartland, where adoption of these practices and technologies is more widespread. Despite the advantages, some farmers are still hesitant to adopt these technologies.

Tong Wang, associate professor in South Dakota State University's Ness School of Management and Economics, has been conducting research on precision ag technologies and their adoption rates over the past few years to understand why a farmer adopts—or doesn’t adopt—these practices.

Since 1917, sulfur mustard has been used repeatedly in combat—with no known antidote available for treatment. Now, a new study from two South Dakota State University researchers has revealed an effective approach to treating sulfur mustard poisoning.

Research in the News

Joplin Globe - "Studies on possible Union Depot uses to be presented"

KTOO - "Mud pies and 'Molly of Denali' could strengthen STEM education in rural Alaska" 

Greater Dakota News Service - "National Parks, SDSU join the native plant party"

Sioux Falls Business - "First-of-its-kind bioproducts center brings public, private partners together to scale up, commercialize"

TriState Neighbor - "From petroleum to plant-based"

Dakota News Now - "POET Bioproducts Center officially opens with ribbon-cutting ceremony"

The Brookings Register - "SDSU begins first BIRTH-SD  program to improve perinatal health in South Dakota"

GlobalSpec - "Turning spent coffee grounds into packaging film"

Precision Farm Dealer - "New Study Reveals Farmers' Viewpoints on Precision Technology & Profitability" 

The Rapid City Journal - "SDSU researchers reveal possible treatment for sulfur mustard in new study"

Beef Magazine - "Nebraska & SDSU launch Great Plains Heifer Development Program"

Western Ag Reporter - "Nebraska & SDSU Launch Great Plains Heifer Development Program in the Heart of Cattle Country" 

American Ag Network - "Study Offers Farmer Viewpoint on Precision Tech"