Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel method for preparing ribonucleic acid (RNA) containing modified bases using engineered DNA polymerases. This opens the door to applications in chemical biology and therapeutic applications, including mRNA drugs.
A recent study at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that women with restrained eating habits who practiced flexible responses to food cues showed increased positivity towards high-calorie foods. This suggests that a balanced approach to responding and inhibiting food cues can foster more positive emotional reactions to food.
A study explores multi-objective nitrogen management in the food system, focusing on Quzhou County in China. The researchers found significant N losses to the environment, mainly from crop and animal production, and developed a framework for reducing these losses while promoting food security and economic sustainability. The study sugg...
Researchers developed a framework to ensure food safety by retaining vitamins and minerals. The study used bootstrapping to estimate kill ratios in low-moisture foods, allowing for more accurate risk assessments and potentially relaxed standards, while maintaining high levels of food safety.
Researchers propose a direction of research on 'microbial food production from sustainable raw materials' to produce nutritious and eco-friendly foods. Microbial biomass is rich in protein, emits minimal carbon dioxide, and requires less water and space.
Researchers are exploring the potential of using naturally occurring polyphenols and proteins from pigmented waxy rice as a natural starch strengthener. This approach aims to improve food texture without chemical modification, addressing consumer concerns over chemically modified ingredients.
A new therapy combines gene-modified dendritic cells with immunotherapy to promote a stronger immune response against lung cancer. The treatment slows down tumor growth and activates T cells to attack cancer cells systemically.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that changes in home food availability between 2 to 4 years old are associated with changes in nutrient intake. The researchers used the Home Food Inventory (HFI) to measure food availability and found significant changes in several food categories over time.
Researchers found that AI-generated food visuals excel at enhancing the appeal of depicted foods by leveraging symmetry, shape, and lighting. However, this may lead to 'visual hunger' and influence unhealthy eating behaviors among consumers.
A study using AI to analyze almost 180,000 food outlets found that restaurants tend to have the healthiest menus, followed by cafes and snack bars. The research reveals a 'double burden' on people living in deprived areas due to high concentrations of unhealthy fast-food outlets.
A recent study analyzing 85,000 kilograms of donated food to Foodbank WA found that 96% met food safety standards, while four per cent were not safe for human consumption. The research highlights the need for improved regulation and guidelines in Australia's food relief sector.
A new study found that living close to pubs, bars, and fast-food restaurants is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study, which analyzed data from over 500,000 adults in the UK, also found that proximity and density of ready-to-eat food outlets were linked to an elevated risk of heart failure.
Researchers found that individuals who engaged in home and wild food production (HWFP) activities exhibited improved food security 9-12 months later. Those who were newly food insecure during the pandemic seemed to be the best at recovering from food insecurity with HWFP.
A new study found that a four-week family-based food literacy program reduced fruit and vegetable-avoidable waste in families with school-aged children. The program included online cooking classes, text messages, and toolkits to promote meal preparation and reduce food waste.
A new study has shown promising results for the use of enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ) as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetics. EMIQ was found to reduce facial trans-epidermal water loss and skin roughness, while improving skin elasticity in a 28-day clinical trial.
A new study suggests that kids who participate in school-based gardening and food programs show lasting healthy food attitudes and behaviors. Current and former program participants reported improved dietary habits and increased confidence in making informed food choices.
The research team led by Michal Hocek successfully pushes the boundaries of DNA structure and function. They demonstrate that heavily modified double helices are stable enough to be used in medicine, mimicking natural molecules with therapeutic potential.
A new study presents evidence that children with private insurance are more likely to outgrow food allergies compared to those with public insurance. Milk and egg allergy were the most frequently outgrown allergies in the cohort of 188 children studied, with a mean age at which food was outgrown being 5 years.
A new study presents a nationwide survey of children and adults with food allergies, revealing common themes around when their allergy developed and coinciding events. The research suggests that eating too much of an allergenic food or genetics may be contributing factors to adult-onset food allergies.
A study found that teens experiencing food insecurity, who rely on low-cost ultra-processed foods, are developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) at a higher rate. Participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) seems to protect young people against liver disease.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that approximately one in eight military families with children used a food bank or pantry to make ends meet. The odds of using these resources increased by 35% for each dependent child, highlighting the need for targeted support to alleviate financial stress among military families.
Researchers estimate that halving Europe's food loss and waste can save 51 million tonnes CO2 equivalents, 6% agricultural land use, and 7% water consumption. Monitoring and reporting of food loss and waste is crucial for policy intervention to prevent food loss and waste.
Researchers developed a novel method for extracting DNA from trace evidence samples, outperforming commercial reagent kits. The technique used modified lysis buffer and chitosan coated magnetic beads, achieving a detection limit of 10 cells.
Researchers developed a method to produce highly strong and tough silk by feeding silkworms with rare earth ion-modified diets. The incorporated ions enhance mechanical performance through chemical interactions.
A new method, probability of food security (PFS), measures food insecurity likelihood and finds that a third of US households experienced at least temporary food insecurity. PFS identifies chronic and transitory food insecurity groups for more refined policy addressing.
Researchers have discovered that high-quality lignin can be extracted from cocoa pod husks and modified to have flame-retardant properties. The team's modified lignin biopolymer charred when heated but did not burn, suggesting its potential as a fire suppressant.
A recent University of Florida study found that nine out of ten dogs chose food over toys in a simulated training experience. Dogs responded more strongly to the food reward and gave up earlier when offered a preferred toy reward.
The SNEB position paper highlights the critical issue of food insecurity among college students, emphasizing the importance of systemic approaches and student advocacy. Research shows that food insecurity is associated with unhealthy dietary habits, less sleep, and higher odds of mental health issues.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 9, 2023
Researchers find evidence supporting Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) as an alternative to Planet Nine hypothesis. MOND predicts precise orbital clustering in the outer solar system, which could be indicative of a modified law of gravity at play.
Researchers developed a new base modification, Z-mRNA, that demonstrates low immunogenicity and reduced cytotoxicity compared to unmodified mRNAs. The modified mRNA can induce a substantial immune response and has potential therapeutic applications beyond COVID-19 vaccines.
The American Heart Association calls for building on existing research and implementing cross-sector approaches to Food Is Medicine. FIM programs aim to improve health outcomes by providing healthy food resources to treat, manage, and prevent specific chronic conditions.
A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...
Researchers successfully produce full-length spider silk proteins using genetically modified silkworms, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic commercial fibers. The production of spider silk fibers is six times tougher than Kevlar used in bulletproof vests.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found a genetic biomarker that correlates with increased prevalence of anaphylaxis or severe reaction to food in patients with food allergies. The presence of α-tryptase, encoded by the TPSAB1 gene, is associated with more severe symptoms.
New research shows that food is the primary driver of the EU-27's outsized Ecological Footprint, exceeding regional biocapacity from 2004 to 2014. The study highlights the need for holistic policies across the food supply chain to advance towards the EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy.
A study involving wolves and dogs found that both species can remember where people hid food if they observed the hiding process. However, wolves outperformed dogs in finding caches, suggesting differences in traits like persistency and food-related motivation.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a modified messenger RNA that can temporarily induce cardiomyocyte cell division, leading to reduced infarct size and improved heart function. The treatment has shown promise in mouse and pig models without increasing the risk of deadly arrhythmias.
A new study by Penn Medicine found that the discontinuation of pandemic-related SNAP benefits led to a significant increase in food insufficiency in the US. The study found that households affected by the benefit cuts experienced a 21% relative increase in both food insufficiency and food insufficiency among children, affecting over 2 ...
A new study found that babies with food allergies are more likely to develop asthma and have reduced lung function by six years of age. Early life food allergy was associated with an increased risk of both conditions, even if the allergy resolved or persisted.
Researchers at UC Irvine and CU Boulder found that curbing food spoilage increases the amount of produce in markets, leading to lower costs. This results in cheaper food that encourages consumers to buy and eat more, offsetting some environmental benefits.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children and adolescents living in food-insecure households had a 55% higher frequency of physician visits for mental health reasons. The research also revealed a 74% higher prevalence of past-year acute care visits for mental or substance use disorders.
Researchers identified structural chokepoints in US agri-food supply chains to enhance resilience and security, critical for global food systems. The study's findings may inform policies aimed at bolstering the nation's ability to respond to threats.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study finds that reducing food loss and waste could lead to increased access to affordable food worldwide, but at the cost of reduced environmental benefits. The study suggests that more food availability would result in lower prices, leading to changes in consumer behavior.
A new packaging tray can signal the presence of Salmonella or other pathogens in raw or cooked food without opening it, preventing exposure to contamination. This technology simplifies lab-based detection processes, saving time and cost in food production.
A new study found that food allergy affects all racial and ethnic groups, but is most prevalent among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and Asian individuals. Food allergy rates are also lower in households with higher incomes.
The grant aims to develop accurate household food waste measurement methodologies and metrics. Innovative technologies will help create impactful interventions to minimize and eliminate food waste in the United States and globally.
A new analysis of three decades of US food policies defines junk food based on a combination of product categories, processing, nutrients, and place. The study identifies common criteria used in existing policies, including exemptions for staple foods and favoring products with lower levels of processing and additives.
The concept of nature's chefs offers a new perspective on species interactions, highlighting the diversity of food-making and preparing species across the tree of life. This interdisciplinary approach aims to inform how people think about food across various disciplines.
Researchers from Lund University have designed a cocktail of modified antibodies that tag the virus to be eliminated by the immune system. The study found that combining different combinations of these antibodies can improve their function, suggesting a potent clinical effect against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
A recent study found that a modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease by modifying biological pathways linked to the disease. The diet showed robust changes in gut microbiome and reduced levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter associated with Alzheimer's.
Scientists from CSIC and UPV create modified ABA receptor activated by iSB09 molecule, increasing drought tolerance in plants. The combination efficiently activates the ABA pathway, triggering adaptive mechanisms and reducing water loss.
A recent study found that polymeric PFAS used in food packaging break down into toxic smaller molecules, contaminating food and the environment. The research contradicts claims that polymeric PFAS are harmless and poses a risk to human health.
A new study found that a Food FARMacia program, which provided free and healthy foods to families in need, was associated with reduced childhood obesity outcomes and improved household food security. The program, which operated mobile pantries twice a month, showed a clinically significant decline in childhood obesity risk factors afte...
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that both more persistent and severe food insecurity were linked to lower test scores and fewer years of education completed. Even mild forms of food insecurity can be detrimental to children's educational outcomes.
A new tool can accurately forecast the prevalence of individuals with insufficient access to food, allowing for timely responses. The tool was developed using data from six countries and achieved high accuracy rates, particularly in Yemen and Syria.
Scientists create modified E. coli bacteria that cannot be infected by viruses while minimizing gene escape into the wild. This breakthrough technology has implications for reducing viral contamination in biotechnology production, such as insulin production and biofuel manufacturing.
Sarah Jurgensmeyer, MS, CGC, received the 2023 ACMG Foundation Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award for her platform presentation on increasing access to pediatric genetic services. The award recognizes the increasingly important role of genetic counselors in clinical genetics and genomic medicine.
A new assessment tool helps food banks evaluate their initiatives to provide healthy and nutritious food to those in need. The tool aims to identify areas of success and potential strategies for improvement.
Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed a novel method to detect food adulteration using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The technique can identify vegetable oil adulterants in hard cheese products with high accuracy, leading to improved consumer safety and product authenticity.
Adults living in neighborhoods with dense fast food and unhealthy food environments, known as