Welcome to the Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California.
The Center held its 75th anniversary celebration on September 4, 2015.
Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention research unit scientists have found that witch hazel extracts can promote growth of probiotic bacteria, although they are known inhibitors of pathogenic bacteria. More
Scientists in the Produce Safety and Microbiology and Crop Improvement and Protection (Salinas, CA) research units have begun to unravel details that may underly a pattern of fall E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks linked to bagged romaine lettuce. More
Invasive Species and Pollinator Health research unit scientists at Davis, CA have found four nutritional compounds that improve honey bee microbiome diversity and health. These nutrients naturally occur in nectar and pollen of various flowers favored by bees. More
Read about WRRC's efforts to develop guayule, a desert shrub native to the southwestern US and northern Mexico, as a viable source of non-allergenic domestic latex. Bioproducts Research Unit scientists are improving guayule's latex production and partnering with industry for field evaluation of test plants.
Scientists in the Healthy Processed Foods research unit tested freeze-dried berry powders for their stabilizing properties in frozen dairy desserts. They found that strawberries were best at improving stability and texture. More
Crop Improvement and Genetics research unit scientists have streamlined the process to insert multiple genes into a crop plant, and developed a reliable method that will make it easier to breed a variety of crops, such as potatoes, rice and citrus, with vastly improved traits.
Product example: Lilac Limes
WRRC received its second ACS National Historic Chemical Landmark on August 29, 2013. Photo: Ron Buttery, shown here adjusting a gas chromatography apparatus, was the first to identify the compound primarily responsible for the flavor of aromatic rice. More
Inspired by the USDA's People's Garden Initiative, the Agricultural Research Service (WRRC and PGEC) and Forest Service in Albany, CA, maintain an educational community outreach garden, with help from Ocean View Elementary School students. Click image to visit our garden's homepage.
Recent News More...
- Saving the Earth One Container at a Time
- Fall Seasonal Effects Connected to E. coli Outbreaks in Bagged Romaine
- Black Beans Help Fix Insulin Resistance and Gut Bacteria Balance
- New Food Freezing Concept Improves Quality, Increases Safety and Cuts Energy Use
- Greener Grilling May Be on Its Way with an Environmentally Friendly Charcoal
- Four Nutrients in Flower Pollens Improve Honey Bee Gut Health
- WRRC Research Chemist is Finalist for Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal
- ARS Facebook Event on Food Waste
- Science in Your Shopping Cart: Biomass podcast
- Micronutrient-Packed Bar Improving Metabolic Health Goes Commercial
- Drink Your Peas, Please!
- ARS First Biocontrol Galling to Cape-Ivy
- Get Popping with Oats!
- Brewing up Nutritious Ingredients
- ARS 20 for 20: Keeping Almonds Safe and Dry
- ARS 20 for 20: Waste Not, Want Not
- Oat Genome Available on GrainGenes
- ARS Featured Photo: Turning Food Waste into Healthful Delights
- Women Making a Difference in the World of Agricultural Research
- New Test Identifies Poisonous Mushrooms
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries and Ice Cream Make for a Very Stable Relationship
- Lilac Limes: More Than Just a Pretty Fruit
As of August 30, 2021, our location has established visitor guidance to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers. Please see the Albany Location COVID-19 Guidance for Visitors and Contractors webpage for requirements.
Please contact our Center Director, Tara McHugh at 510-559-5864 or tara.mchugh@usda.gov for any inquiries and assistance.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.
