Research Report South Dakota State University

Microscope images of primary cell cultures on journal cover

New tool uses swine respiratory cells to study influenza viruses

Studying how influenza viruses cause disease just got a little easier, thanks to a new tool developed at South Dakota State University.

Scientists have been using cells from chickens, dogs, monkeys and hamsters to study influenza viruses that infect pigs and humans. Now they can use cell cultures from the tissues of swine nasal passages, tracheas and lungs to study any of the four influenza viruses—A, B, C or D.

“The outcomes of these primary cells relate closely to what’s happening inside the animal,” said postdoctoral research associate Chithra Sreenivasan, who developed the cell cultures as part of her dissertation research. The study results were published in the February 2019 Virology journal. Article images are featured on the cover.

Learn more about primary cell cultures and influenza

Eight species of fungus cause root rot in South Dakota corn

Research associate Paul Okello of the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science identified eight Fusarium species that cause root rot in South Dakota cornfields as part of his doctoral research. Furthermore, seven Fusarium species isolated from corn also cause disease in soybeans.

This is the first time South Dakota researchers have identified the pathogens causing root rot of corn in the state, according to Field Crops Pathologist Febina Mathew, an assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science.

Read more about Fusarium species causing corn root rot

Candy DuBray, left, and Charles Bush work in Madhav Nepal's lab

Oglala Lakota College students explore agricultural research

Learning laboratory as well as professional skills at South Dakota State University this summer helped two Oglala Lakota College students explore careers in science and agriculture.

OLC senior Charles Bush of Porcupine and junior Candy DuBray of Rapid City participated in the Future Agriculture and Science Taskforce Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates fellowship program this summer. In addition, they attended the Botanical Society of America Conference July 27-31 in Tucson, Arizona.

The fellowship program provides qualifying students a 10-week university laboratory experience the first summer, followed by an industry internship the second summer. Students receive a $6,000 summer stipend through the program, which is in its second year.

Learn more about DuBray's and Bush's research

Mechanical engineering student receives SMART scholarship

When Ryan Fouts stepped onto the South Dakota State University campus four years ago, he knew he was in the right place.

“It felt like everyone here had my best interests in mind. Their goal was to help me achieve my goals,” recalled the senior mechanical engineering major from Moville, Iowa. What he did not know then was just how much he would accomplish.

This summer, Fouts received the prestigious SMART scholarship, which covers not only his education and living expenses, but also provides an internship next summer and an engineering position at a Department of Defense facility after he graduates.