A study from West Virginia University suggests that pollutant exposure can lead to increased free-radical damage, which speeds up aging. This occurs when pollutants break down into highly reactive molecules that damage biomolecules, leading to premature aging.
The fast-food industry's annual ad spending increased by over $400 million since 2012, with children viewing an average of two fast food TV ads per day. The advertisements disproportionately targeted Black and Hispanic youth, groups who already face greater risk for obesity.
Researchers at RMIT University have discovered a bacteria-killing compound in Nem Chua that can destroy more dangerous bacteria, potentially leading to a safe and all-natural food preservative. The compound is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that cause life-threatening diseases like Listeria.
Researchers at Aarhus University are developing a new method for preserving food using naturally occurring compounds to reduce waste and improve sustainability. The project, BioFunc, will explore the fundamental mechanisms behind organic acid preservation and develop a proof-of-concept for a bio-preservative system.
A new study found that artificial food colorants like Red 40 and Yellow 6 can cause disease in mice with dysregulated immune systems, specifically colitis. Researchers are now investigating the potential impact on humans, given that similar cytokine IL-23 dysregulation is a factor in human inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers used genetic engineering tools to create a virus that can enter specific neurons and insert new genetic code, inducing modified protein production. In mice tests, the alteration was sufficient to modify brain activity, indicating potential biomarker for psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
Researchers developed a rapid-testing method to check cleaning protocols in commercial food processing plants. The ATP swab test detected microorganisms on surfaces, improving environmental hygiene and product quality. The study showed that targeted cleaning can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Researchers have successfully genetically modified grass to detoxify residues of the military explosive RDX, contaminating groundwater and posing a threat to drinking water supplies. The genetically modified switchgrass plants removed 27 kg of RDX per hectare, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for environmental cleanup.
The Future Ready Food Safety Hub (FRESH) is a tripartite collaboration between NTU, SFA, and A*STAR to address food safety challenges. The hub aims to close the gap in scientific capabilities for food safety risk assessment and validation, strengthening Singapore's food safety ecosystem.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center and economists at the University of Dallas found that consistent use of food pantries can improve food security, health, and well-being. The researchers calculated a 10 percentage-point increase in pantry visits led to a 5.7% reduced likelihood of food insecurity.
A comprehensive statistical analysis of 65 countries found that household income is a more significant predictor of food insecurity than agricultural land resources or production. Increasing citizens' capacity for consumption through measures like job creation can improve food security.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new approach to training immune cells to fight cancer, which has shown promising results in overcoming the hostile conditions found inside solid tumours. The modified natural killer cells were able to destroy advanced ovarian and lung cancer with high effectiveness.
Researchers suggest reducing food waste in various settings, including schools, homes, and restaurants, while promoting healthy nutrition. Strategies include implementing behavioral cues, reusing leftovers, and developing cooking education curricula for low-income households.
The ACMG Foundation has awarded the 2021 Carolyn Mills Lovell Genetic Counselor Award to Adrienne Bailey and Renee S. Jones, acknowledging their exceptional work in genetic counseling. The award recognizes their platform presentations on innovative approaches to patient education and genetic testing.
Researchers genetically modified mosquitoes to express antimalarial genes, which were then passed on to their offspring. The approach shows promise in reducing mosquito populations and combating malaria.
A new study found COVID-19 restrictions significantly impacted bean production, threatening to reverse gains made in achieving no poverty and zero hunger. The pandemic exacerbated existing insecurities in food systems, with poor communities particularly affected by border closures, lockdowns, and reduced access to inputs and finance.
A new RNA-sequencing method, PANDORA-seq, can detect modified small RNAs that were previously undetectable. The method employs a stepwise enzymatic treatment to remove key RNA modifications, uncovering a surprising small-RNA landscape dominated by tsRNAs and rRNA-derived small RNAs.
Researchers found that students who were satisfied with their meals wasted less food. Diners who visited the dining commons frequently and were familiar with the menu options also tended to waste less food. The study's results suggest that posting signs encouraging healthier choices could help reduce food waste.
A new approach is needed to tackle diet-related diseases and disparities in nutrition quality, experts argue. The US should prioritize 'nutrition security' over 'food security', emphasizing access to healthy, nourishing food for all, to effectively address modern health challenges.
The Global Harmonization Initiative aims to establish a legislative framework for recognized food safety professionals, promoting formal requirements for education, registration, and professional bodies. This move seeks to enhance food safety practices globally by setting standards for roles in managing food safety.
Researchers found that participants with obesity and food insecurity lost less weight than their food-secure counterparts over a 24-month period, despite following an intensive lifestyle-based intervention. The study highlights the need for weight loss approaches that address both obesity and food insecurity.
Researchers found that actively preparing or watching others prepare food increases hunger and eating. Those who watched someone else prepare food or prepared their own nutritious food consumed more than those in the distraction group.
Research reveals that low-income families in the UK are aware of healthy diets, yet face significant barriers in accessing nutritious food due to financial constraints. The study highlights the need for policies addressing poverty and geographical access to address food insecurity.
A new method using smartphones offers precise means to gauge food consumption over time, capturing seasonal shifts in diet patterns. The approach has the potential to predict physical well-being and tackle food insecurity affecting two billion people worldwide.
Hospital admissions in the UK due to food-induced anaphylaxis have more than tripled over the past 20 years. Despite this increase, the death rate from food-induced anaphylaxis has halved, according to research published in The BMJ.
A team of researchers from NTU Singapore and SUTD has created a new way to create 'food inks' from fresh and frozen vegetables, preserving their nutrition and flavor. The method is expected to improve the eating experience for patients with swallowing difficulties, such as dysphagia.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a new role for fibrinogen in reducing inflammation and protecting against disease. Fibrinogen's ability to neutralize harmful chemicals like hypochlorite could lead to new biomarkers and therapies for kidney, heart, and other diseases.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside discovered fermented food waste can boost beneficial bacteria in plants, increasing crop growth and resistance to pathogens. The treatment reduces carbon emissions from farming and has potential for sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers have created a powerful therapeutic platform using a modified virus to treat pancreatic cancer. The treatment, which combines the virus with other drugs, remodels the tumour microenvironment and sensitizes tumours to immunotherapy, significantly extending survival in preclinical models.
Researchers analyzed fast-food exposure near schools and found no association with childhood weight gain. Despite concerns about the role of fast food in obesity, the study suggests that simple exposure is not a primary driver of excess weight gain.
Researchers suggest that an exaggerated activation of the food quality control system, triggered by environmental changes such as processed food and hygiene products, contributes to food allergies. The study's findings could lay the groundwork for future treatment or prevention strategies.
A new study published in Nature Food investigated how to ensure the food supply chain functions under environmental disruptions, highlighting key areas for future research. The researchers identified the need to understand the shape of a supply chain, evaluate simultaneous shocks, and quantify substitutions within supply chains.
A new analysis of 2018 studies found that 13.4% of publications disclosed food industry involvement, leading to research findings nearly six times more favorable to industry interests. This study highlights the potential for industry bias in nutrition research and calls for exploring mechanisms to prevent such compromises.
A team of international scientists detected an external field effect in over 150 galaxies, challenging the dark matter hypothesis and supporting modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). The findings suggest that MOND's gravity at low accelerations is stronger than predicted by Newtonian understanding.
Researchers have produced genetically modified tomatoes enriched in L-DOPA, a natural source for the essential medicine. The development offers benefits for people who suffer from adverse effects of chemically synthesized L-DOPA.
A team of Brazilian and French researchers has developed hydrogels based on modified starch for use as 'ink' in 3D printing of foods. The gels have optimal printability, allowing for the creation of customized food products with desired shapes, textures and flavors.
Researchers at the University of York have created a new modified wheat variety that produces grains up to 12% bigger than conventional varieties without decreasing grain numbers. This breakthrough could help meet the increasing global food demand, especially considering the need for a 50% increase in production by 2030.
Researchers at North Carolina State University recommend a coalition, CLEAR-GOV, to provide basic information about gene-edited crops for greater transparency. The proposed model would include details on plant species, trait modifications, and downstream uses.
A new study reveals nearly one in five parents of children with food allergies are targeted by bullies, including parents and teachers. Parents found it helpful to intervene, with almost 50% reporting a positive outcome.
A recent USC study published in the Journal of Marketing found that people perceive pretty food as healthier and more natural, despite a lack of actual difference. The researchers suggested that advertisers' use of classical aesthetics in food presentation can skew perception and lead consumers to make unhealthy choices.
A study published in the Journal of Marketing found that consumers rate healthy foods as more natural and nutritious when they are presented in a visually appealing way, according to classical aesthetics principles. This effect can influence consumer behavior, leading to increased willingness to pay for pretty food.
The global food system accounts for nearly a third of total greenhouse gas emissions, with land clearing and deforestation, fertilizer use, and fossil fuel combustion major contributors. Reducing food system-related emissions is crucial to meeting the 1.5°C warming target
Dr. Zoellner received the Frozen Food Foundation Freezing Research Award for her work on agent-based computer models to control foodborne pathogens in frozen food facilities. Her research helps assure the microbial safety of frozen foods through the identification and tracing of Listeria monocytogenes.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that grafted plants with epigenetically modified rootstock exhibit increased vigor, productivity, and resilience compared to parental plants. The technique uses gene expression manipulation rather than genetic modification, sidestepping controversy surrounding GMOs.
Researchers found that a modified bentonite complex can remove 17α-ethinylestradiol and other pharmaceutical organic micropollutants from wastewater environments. The study demonstrates an effective and cost-efficient method for removing synthetic estrogen from bodies of water.
Cities are crucial actors in tackling food waste, launching effective policies and initiatives to address it. A new framework for assessing urban food waste policies and initiatives has been presented, highlighting the importance of integrated management and multi-actorial collaboration.
Despite expansion of NYC food assistance programs, high rates of food insecurity remain among low-income and minority communities. The latest survey found that 38% of New Yorkers worry about running out of food before they can buy more.
Researchers developed CAR NKT cells to target neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. The modified cells showed safety, localization to tumors, and induced an objective response with regression of bone metastatic lesions in one patient.
A study found that humans more accurately recall the locations of high-calorie foods than low-calorie foods. Participants presented with food samples were 27% more accurate at mapping high-calorie foods to the correct location, while those presented with food-scented cotton pads showed a 28% accuracy boost.
A new algorithm developed by Cornell researchers improves the efficient distribution of food resources among patrons, boosting nutrition levels. The Food Bank of the Southern Tier saw a 7.73% increase in efficiency from 2018 to 2019 using the optimized allocation system.
Scientists analyzed six dog foods and found that certain aroma compounds, including (E)-2-hexenal, 2-furfurylthiol, and 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol, were correlated with increased canine intake. These findings could help dog food manufacturers create more appealing kibble.
A new study has quantified the extent of human development in oceans for the first time, mapping an area of approximately 30,000 square kilometers modified by human construction. This footprint is comparable to urbanized land and greater than some natural habitats like mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
Sustainably managing the ocean could increase food production by an outsize proportion relative to land-based food, nourishing the growing human population. Researchers estimate a roughly 16% increase in wild-caught seafood by 2050 if fisheries are sustainably managed.
A recent survey of pediatricians found significant variability in recommendations for solid food introduction, leading experts to question the relevance of current guidelines. The long waiting period may delay peanut introduction and limit food diversity, which can decrease the development of allergic diseases in infants.
The study found that the Pacific Island Countries (PICTs) are vulnerable to food insecurity due to their reliance on global supply chains. However, researchers suggest that bolstering local production and intraregional trade can strengthen the food system and protect against malnutrition. The PICTs have the potential to rely on traditi...
A survey of 95 Central American migrants found that 74% experienced food insecurity, with factors including days in transit and travel companion illness. The researchers offer potential remedies for strengthening migrants' access to food, including information on procuring nutrition and prioritizing inexpensive food.
A new study by Flinders University researchers highlights the importance of sustainable food choices, which not only benefit individuals but also the environment. The study found that people who participate in community gardening or local food swaps experience improved mental health and social connections.
The COVID-19 pandemic's economic fallout has caused widespread income loss, particularly among the world's most poverty-stricken populations. Disruptions to agricultural supply chains have placed further strain on the global food system.
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all four pillars of food security, including availability, access, utilization, and stability, according to a new article. Income declines are putting food access at risk, particularly for the extreme poor, who spend 70% of their income on food.
Researchers have developed modified mRNAs with sulfur atoms that accelerate protein synthesis by at least 20 times, paving the way for efficient protein production and mRNA therapeutics. This breakthrough has significant implications for medical treatments, including vaccine therapy and protein replacement therapy.