This week on Spotlight, innovators at the BioSTL Global AgriFood Innovation Summit pitch cutting-edge technologies designed to help farmers tackle modern agricultural challenges as St. Louis continues to lead the global agrifood industry. We also explore how scientists are recreating powerful flood events in laboratory flumes to better understand erosion, shifting rivers, and the growing impacts of climate change. Plus, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis uncover dangerous climate-warming particles while chasing wildfire smoke, and a major new study reveals the 14 health and lifestyle risk factors that could help prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases worldwide.

Innovators pitch new technology many farmers need at the BioSTL Global AgriFood Innovation Summit
“St. Louis is a huge agrifood powerhouse,” said Vijay Chauhan. “In St. Louis are some of the largest global companies across the entire agriculture chain.”

Flooding and Erosion from Climate Change, Shifting Rivers and Changing Landscapes
Scientists and students don’t need to go to a river during a major flood event for research. They can create the force of floods through a laboratory flume!

Hot off the press: Wildfire chasers at WashU discover potent climate-warming organic particles
During the sampling of ground and airborne smoke, the WashU research team encountered a strong light absorbing particle, or climate heater.

The top 14 health and lifestyle risk factors for dementia
Researchers calculate that if society and individuals address 14 health and lifestyle factors, nearly half (45%) of dementia cases can be prevented or delayed.