Dr. Gilbert Leveille, Wrigley Science Institute executive director, received the 2008 Nicholas Appert Award for his contributions to food science and technology. He has worked tirelessly to advance research on the benefits of chewing gum, exploring its potential to reduce stress, manage weight, improve focus, and enhance oral health.
Twelve investigators receive $5 million in grants to study food allergy causes, treatment, and prevention. The initiative aims to improve understanding of the condition and ultimately end its limitations on lives.
A commercially available fruit and vegetable wash has been found to be highly effective in killing disease-causing bacteria in produce-processing washwater. This could significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination in food plants.
A study by Bart Minten found that global supermarket chains charge significantly higher prices for food in poor countries, making affordable options inaccessible to the majority. In Madagascar, shoppers preferred locally sourced foods at lower margins over imported goods from multinational chains.
A new national study found that most Americans believe US-produced food is safe, but have concerns about imported food and the government inspection system. Many also worry about getting ill from food they eat, with certain groups, such as Hispanics and African-Americans, more likely to be concerned.
An obese population requires 18% more food energy to maintain daily living activities compared to a normal population, resulting in increased global food demand. Promoting walking and cycling through transport policies can reduce obesity and decrease food prices by reducing transportation fuel consumption.
Researchers found that black bears acquire behavior to conflict with humans through social learning and isolation, challenging the assumption that mother bears teach their cubs. The study indicates that 56% of mothers did not share behavioral habits with their offspring.
A new study reveals that ghrelin hormone enhances the brain's response to food-related cues, making food more attractive. The hormone targets regions involved in reward and motivation, similar to those affected by drug addiction.
Carnegie Mellon researchers argue that dietary choice, not food miles, determines a household's climate impact. Shifting to a local diet or reducing meat and dairy consumption can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Eating more plant-based meals can reduce emissions by up to 8,000 miles driven per year.
Research published in International Journal of Health Geographics found that supermarkets are building in newer suburbs, leaving smaller shops and food deserts in their wake. Residents living in food deserts face poor access to supermarkets, leading to higher prices for basic supplies and devastating health effects.
A new trial aims to develop a preventive treatment for food allergies using immunotherapy. Researchers will administer increasing doses of peanut or egg protein to desensitize participants' immune systems. The goal is to achieve long-term results and offer relief from the daily fear of food.
The US food import system is a complex network of policies and procedures that regulate the entry of foreign foods into the country. The Food Policy Institute report provides an overview of current issues, processes, and proposed changes to the system.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technology that can detect multiple food-borne pathogens and toxins in one to two hours using live mammalian cells. The technique estimates the amount of microbes present and whether they pose an active health risk, giving users a higher degree of confidence in the test results.
Research by the University of Exeter and Queen's University Belfast shows that providing extra food to garden birds in winter makes for a more successful breeding season in the spring. Birds that receive extra food, such as peanuts, lay eggs earlier and produce more fledglings.
Families in the US can eat healthily without breaking the bank, with USDA estimates suggesting they could spend less than $189/week on food. The Low-Cost Food Plan provides guidance on affordable meal options rich in fruits, vegetables and milk products.
Researchers found that children from food-insecure households are two-thirds more likely to experience developmental risks compared to those from food-secure households. The study suggests providing nutritional interventions to young children and their families can decrease the need for later interventions.
Researchers found that individual sea otters specialize in particular prey types when food is limited, while populations with abundant resources share similar diets. This specialization can help understand disease mortality and inform wildlife management.
A University of Missouri-Columbia study found that weight gain, not the type of diet, is a key factor in developing diabetes in cats. The researchers compared glucose-tolerance tests between cats fed dry food and those fed canned food, finding no significant difference.
Women in Botswana and Swaziland who lack food are more likely to sell sex or engage in other risky behaviors. Nearly one in three reported food insufficiency, which increased the likelihood of inconsistent condom use and intergenerational relationships.
Research finds that women in Botswana and Swaziland who experience food insufficiency are nearly twice as likely to have high-risk sex. Protecting access to food may decrease vulnerability to HIV infection, says a new study published in PLoS Medicine.
A Temple University analysis reveals that eating three to six fast-food meals per week is associated with a significant increase in body mass index. The study also found that Americans are less willing to pay more for healthy dishes, less knowledgeable about healthy menu items, and more likely to consider healthy items bland-tasting.
New research from Norwich BioScience Institutes and Medical University of Vienna found that only animal food proteins less than 54% identical to human equivalent can become allergenic. The study identified three protein families, including tropomyosins, EF-hand proteins, and caseins, which are responsible for most animal food allergies.
Researchers found that red wines, particularly Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Merlot, have anti-microbial properties that defend against food-borne pathogens. The study also showed that grape juice produces similar results, with reseveratrol being a key phytochemical responsible for the findings.
In the Wadden Sea, shore crabs use a takeaway meal strategy to avoid competition for food. They first attempt to catch prey at the richest food spot but then move it to a nearby poor spot with fewer competitors.
A new method using microwaves can determine the fat content of beef and other meat products, offering a fast and non-invasive alternative to current methods. The technology has potential to reduce waste, save energy, and improve food safety in the industry.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found that visible wavelengths of light cause taste and odor changes in food. The team is developing new packaging materials that can protect food from UV light damage, which can degrade nutrients and alter flavor profiles.
Food scientists and material scientists agree that communication is key to preserving the sensory quality of food. Researchers are working to bridge the gap between food scientists and material scientists to improve packaging materials.
Scientists have discovered that leptin controls our fondness for food by activating brain regions responsible for rewarding emotions and desires. The study found that individuals deficient in leptin show strong responses to food pictures, even after eating, whereas treatment with leptin normalizes these responses.
A NASA researcher has created a new method to anticipate food shortages brought on by drought using satellite remote sensing of crop growth and food prices. The model can help humanitarian aid organizations and decision makers predict how much food will be available and its cost, taking climate variables into account.
A NASA researcher has developed a new method to anticipate food shortages brought on by drought using satellite remote sensing of crop growth and food prices. The model can help government and humanitarian aid officials plan and respond to drought-induced food price increases, reducing the risk of famine.
Researchers suggest taking oral targeted cancer therapies like lapatinib with food to increase absorption and reduce dosage, resulting in significant cost savings. This approach could cut the needed dose of lapatinib by at least 60% and lower its monthly cost from $2,900 to $1,740.
The CARVER + Shock program provides interactive questions to help food-processing companies identify vulnerabilities in their supply chain. The tool, developed by Sandia National Laboratories and the FDA, enables companies to evaluate their risk and protect their products.
Scientists at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona developed a new electro-chemical biosensor that detects pesticides and antibiotics in food with high sensitivity and portability. The sensor can detect levels of atrazine and sulphanilamides below maximum allowed concentrations, making it easier to control food safety.
Health officials in the USA investigate melamine contamination of pet food, leading to animal deaths and human consumption. The incident highlights the difficulties in ensuring food safety across a worldwide network of producers and distributors.
Researchers found a unique pattern of gene expression in rats that may be linked to a conditioned desire for food and excessive food intake. Food-associated cues triggered dramatic changes in brain regions involved in adaptive behavior, such as the amygdala and nucleus accumbens.
A new study reveals that Western scrub-jays can anticipate their future needs independently of their current motivation. The birds store food in places where they will be hungry and recover it at a later date. This innovative behavior demonstrates the birds' ability to plan ahead, a feature previously thought to be uniquely human.
A study by the University of Liverpool found that obese and overweight children increased their food intake by over 100% after watching food adverts on TV. The obese group consistently chose high-fat products, while the overweight group opted for lower-fat options.
A recent study by Deakin University found that Australian teenagers eat fast food daily, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Only one-third of teens consume a variety of foods from the five food groups every day.
The study found that socio-economic status affects food choice, with lower-income individuals more likely to prioritize affordable options. It also revealed gender differences in dietary habits, with women being more concerned about meeting health guidelines.
Hormel was recognized for its outstanding achievements in food safety investments, including the development of high pressure processing technology, and pioneering efforts to ensure humane animal treatment. The award honors food companies that protect consumer health and improve satisfaction.
A University of Minnesota study found that families who frequently eat fast food for dinner have poorer access to healthy foods, drink more soda, and are at a higher risk of obesity. Limiting fast food intake at home can help improve eating habits and overall health.
Researchers discovered that food anticipation activates key hunger centers in the brain, while satiety circuits respond to the first bites of food. The study sheds light on the intricate processes governing appetite regulation and suggests a potential link between hormones like leptin and brain activity.
A study found that managers in the UK food industry prioritize consumer concerns about food safety and hygiene risks over rules and regulations. The survey of 204 individuals across various businesses revealed a high degree of confusion about state regulators and their roles, with locally-based environmental health officers perceived a...
A recent UK study found that one third of food packaging tested contained latex, with transferable amounts causing severe reactions. The lack of labelling poses a significant risk to individuals with natural rubber latex allergies, who can be exposed to deadly levels of the allergen.
A study by researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified CD23, a protein in the intestinal tract, as a receptor for IgE associated with allergic reactions. CD23 levels were found to correlate strongly with food-specific IgE in stool samples from patients with allergies.
Researchers found that parasites dominated the links between species in food webs, with a significant impact on ecosystem stability. The study also revealed new patterns, including increased vulnerability of mid-trophic level animals to parasites and predators.
A study by Cornell University and the US Army Research Labs found that as food approaches its 'Best if used by' date, people rate it as less tasty and less healthy. The research suggests that freshness dating may not be an effective way to influence consumer behavior.
A study by Ohio University researcher David Holben found that food-insecure Appalachians have a higher risk of obesity and diabetes compared to their food-secure counterparts. The research also highlighted the importance of nutrition education and managing food supply in addressing these health issues.
A study found that women in low-income food-insecure households are 50% more likely to be obese and gain at least 10 pounds in a year compared to those in fully secure households. Researchers propose modifying food assistance programs and nutrition education to address this issue.
The survey highlights a lack of awareness about food-borne illnesses, with only 10% of Americans reporting food poisoning in the past year despite statistics indicating a quarter of Americans suffer from food-borne illnesses annually. Americans tend to attribute their illnesses to other causes rather than food-borne illness.
This study aims to create a self-evolving scientific agenda to tackle future challenges in European food systems. The changes driven by technological advancements, environmental regulations, and consumer pressure will profoundly alter the landscape.
Researchers found that home availability of healthy foods has a limited impact on adolescents' eating habits, especially compared to restaurants. The American Dietetic Association emphasizes the need for improved food preparation skills and awareness of accessible healthy options in various settings.
Researchers found that the public underestimates certain bacteriological hazards while overestimating those with low prevalence, like mad cow disease. Experts believe early school intervention and media training can improve public understanding of food risk messages.
The percentage of US households classified as food insecure rose from 11.2 percent in 2003 to 11.9 percent in 2004, surpassing the official goal of six percent by 2010. Household food insecurity is influenced by unobserved hardships such as medical emergencies, which can divert income normally used for food.
A study of middle schools found that students' BMI increased by 10% for every additional food practice permitted. Schools with more restrictive food policies had lower average BMIs and fewer overweight students.
A recent study found that 37% of health service costs in the UK are attributable to food-related diseases, with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes accounting for most of this burden. The estimated annual cost is £6 billion, double that of road traffic accidents and significantly higher than the cost of smoking.
The Bush Administration proposed purchasing 25% of its food aid abroad to reduce transportation costs, but Senate leaders opposed the move, prioritizing domestic interests over international efforts to combat hunger. The World Food Programme emphasized the need for a concerted global response to address the issue.
A recent study published in Appetite found that preschool children aged 4-6 consume more food when served larger portions, regardless of their previous meal size. The researchers monitored the food intake of 16 children over five days and discovered that increased snack offerings also contributed to higher total daily calorie consumption.
Microbial contamination of food is a significant problem worldwide, causing millions of deaths and illnesses. Experts recommend new approaches to food control, including centralized policies and increased surveillance, to ensure safe food production and trade.
McGill researchers identified a link between heat-induced breakdown of amino acids and sugars in food, producing the potential carcinogen furan. Traces of furan have been found in processed and cooked products, particularly canned and bottled foods, but quantities are below considered dangerous thresholds.