UF/IFAS News: Sloth fever unlikely to spread by mosquitoes, Peanut Butter Challenge collects 32,000 jars for food banks, and more

For the week beginning Dec. 8, 2025

TIMELY NEWS 'Tis the season for picking out a Christmas tree! Have you considered a planted, live tree? Choosing a "living Christmas tree" (potter and all) can help create precious holiday memories. Florida is well-suited for several varieties, such as red cedar, Arizona cypress, Leyland cypress, Torulosa juniper, sand pine and, in South Florida, Norfolk Island pine. After the holidays, you can plant it in your landscaping! Need an expert? Contact us.

Recent research, programs, events and more. We can help you cover and localize news to your area; just use the contact links below or reply to this email.

New MREC faculty member will focus on greenhouse management and education Horticultural scientist Uttara Samarakoon has joined the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Mid-Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) to focus on researching protected agriculture practices.  Contact >

Through A Land Remembered, state’s fourth graders discover harsh conditions of pioneer life in Florida About 15,000 fourth graders, statewide, read A Land Remembered, a best-selling historical novel by Patrick Smith. The book focuses on three generations of the MacIvey family, from the frontier days of the 1800s to the era of modern Florida development. Contact >

Florida rises to the challenge: 32,773 jars of peanut butter spreads hope to the state’s hungry From creamy to crunchy, thousands of jars of peanut butter are making their way into Florida homes, thanks to the generosity of residents statewide, who rallied behind this year’s Peanut Butter Challenge – feeding families one jar at a time. Contact >

EN ESPAÑOL: Florida responde al desafío: 32 773 frascos de mantequilla de maní llevan esperanza a los hogares que más la necesitan. Contacto >

Sloth fever unlikely to spread via mosquitoes in Southeastern U.S. In 2024, “sloth fever” hit the news cycle as a new public health threat: The virus was found in people who’d recently traveled to Cuba, and the serious health risks associated with the disease prompted concern about whether it could spread and become established in the U.S. Contact >

EN ESPAÑOL: Es improbable que el virus del Oropuche se propague a través de mosquitos en el sureste de los Estados Unidos. Contacto >

From Around IFAS News from across the UF/IFAS network.

UF Forest Entomology Lab Launches World’s Largest Bark Beetle Database The University of Florida’s Forest Entomology Lab has launched the world’s largest database of bark and ambrosia beetles.

Don’t let good food go to waste this holiday season With food costs increasing upwards, it is best to prioritize handling your leftovers wisely, to prevent food waste this holiday season.

Ask IFAS Top 100 Publications for 2025 Drumroll, please! Announcing the top 100 Ask IFAS publications for 2025 and the top 20 Spanish publications. Ask IFAS is a very popular website that helps millions of people find helpful information on hundreds of topics every year.

Best of the rest. Alternative story formats created or supported by UF/IFAS Communications.

Our blogs share knowledge: Rattlesnakes on Our Barrier Islands It is understood that rattlesnakes are carnivores and will select some form of meat for their food.  The general principle is to select something that is easy to kill and requires less energy to do so.  Most rattlesnakes will select rodents but depending on the species and the part of the world they are in, some will select lizards or other prey.

Video stories: Urban wildlife found in the UF sewers Discover the secret lives of the urban wildlife traveling beneath the University of Florida's campus. SFFGS Ph.D. student Alan Ivory takes us underground to explore a hidden world captured by cameras installed inside stormwater sewer systems. From raccoons raising their young to alligators and otters on the move, this video offers a rare glimpse at how animals navigate the sewers of UF's campus.

Visual learning: Savvy holiday spending tips As you look forward to celebrations with family and friends this holiday season, you don't have to break the bank or drive yourself into debt for the new year. Download >  |  More infographics >  |  Contact >

EN ESPAÑOL: Seis consejos para administrar sus gastos durante las festividades > Contacto>

Visit the UF/IFAS Newsroom Find B-roll, photos and more for your coverage needs at ifas.ufl.edu/newsroom.

UF/IFAS Communications News and Media Relations Team

http://live.oysterradio.com/