GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Floridians’ consumer confidence rose three points to 79 in April — the second consecutive monthly increase, according to a new University of Florida survey.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — There is no evidence that pollutants from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill contributed to the “unprecedented” decline in recent Apalachicola Bay oyster populations, according to a report released this week by the University of Florida.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s consumer confidence rose in March, gaining three points from the revised February reading of 73, according to a monthly University of Florida survey. That puts the Sunshine State at odds with the economic mood of the rest of the nation.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Agbioscience boomed in Florida between 2000 and 2010, with related research and development expenditures in the Sunshine State growing 134 percent during that time, according to a new report.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The delayed effect of the expiring payroll tax cut prompted Florida’s consumer confidence to drop one point in February to 74, according to a monthly University of Florida survey.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Researchers with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences recently completed the state’s largest-ever study of landscape turfgrass and fertilizer use, and new online videos will help homeowners and lawn-care professionals understand the findings.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s consumer confidence dipped to 75, down one point from a revised reading of 76 in December, according to a monthly University of Florida survey.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumed by 3 billion people, rice is arguably the world’s most important food staple, and one reason for its popularity is that rice can be grown under flooded conditions that suppress weeds, making cultivation easier.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — An 80-year search for a tree killer has ended, says a University of Florida forest pathologist who helped identify the fungus that virtually wiped out the Florida Torreya and fears it may threaten other species.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s consumer confidence remained unchanged in December, according to a monthly University of Florida survey. December’s figure was 74, the same as the revised November reading. Overall confidence reached a post-recession peak in September and October at 80, but is down six points for the second month.