Eating More Soy Could Reduce Risk For Prostate Cancer
Researchers from the University of Illinois found the more soy-based foods a person eats, the less likely they are to get prostate cancer. This could be one reason soyfood-consuming countries in Asia have such low rates of the cancer compared with the U.S., for example.
This theory has been studied for nearly 30 years, first by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. In the Illinois study, researchers examined the results of 30 previous observational or epidemiologic studies to understand the relationship between soy consumption and cancer.
Analysis showed men who consumed the most soyfood were 29% less likely to develop cancer than those who infrequently consume the product. Unfermented soyfoods (such as tofu or soymilk) increased men’s protection while consuming fermented soyfood (such as miso) did not result in much benefit.
Men did not show decreased levels of testosterone from soy consumption; instead they showed naturally occurring isoflavones in soy reduced cancer risk. Soy has two main isoflavones, genistein and daidzein.
Those at the lowest risk of prostate cancer consumed about two servings of soyfood daily—which would be one cup of soymilk, a half-cup of tofu and 1 oz. of soynuts, according to the Soy Research Council. The group recommends men who want to increase soy consumption consider using soymilk in cereals, adding soy-based snacks into their routine and trying tofu in stir fry or salads.
More Delays for Bayer/Monsanto Deal
The European Union (EU) is continuing its probe into the possible merger of Bayer and Monsanto. Reuters reports EU antitrust investigators extended their investigation until March 12—five business days later than planned.
The more than $60 billion deal had been pushed back before and Bayer says it has provided more than four million pages of documents to investigators.
“This was a known activity that could take place due to the size and scope of the proposed deal,” Bayer says in a statement provided to Farm Journal. “Bayer and Monsanto will continue to cooperate with authorities to complete the transaction in early 2018.”
The companies have received approvals from many countries and are making divestments, including the LibertyLink platform to BASF. If Bayer and Monsanto merge, they say chemical, data science and seed research will be streamlined for simultaneous innovation.
Valent Launches In-Furrow Corn Treatment
MycoApply EndoPrime is an in-furrow corn treatment that includes four species of mycorrhizal fungi to enhance the soil and ultimately yield. According to Valent, MycoApply EndoPrime has a 75% win rate that produces a 4.6-bu.-per-acre advantage compared with an untreated check based on research in 24 trials during a two-year period.
The company says the new tool will improve plants’ nutrient efficiency, drought tolerance and yield potential. MycoApply EndoPrime colonizes the root system in the corn plant. It creates hyphae that attach to root hairs to extend roots farther into the soil. Those same hyphae produce enzymes that release nutrients in the soil and create vesicles to store resources until needed.
In testing this past year, the company says 57% of farmers saw fuller root masses compared with untreated corn. A retailer in Iowa said drought conditions lead to a 15-bu. advantage. Valent is offering a version of the product it says will pre-slurry easier than the pre-launch testing formulations.
For more details, visit www.valent.com.
