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Making cheese & co. taste better

Researchers developed a new approach to identify flavor-giving protein fragments in fermented foods. The 'sensoproteomics' method efficiently and quickly identified the decisive fragments responsible for bitter flavors in cheese, reducing possibilities from 1,600 to 17. This innovation aims to optimize the taste of various products.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 6, 2018

Late night snacker? Make it cottage cheese

Researchers found that consuming 30 grams of protein about 30 minutes before bed supports muscle quality, metabolism, and overall health. The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, provides evidence that whole foods can be as effective as protein supplements for presleep nutrition.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateOct 25, 2018

Is your sandwich bad for the environment?

Researchers at the University of Manchester found that sandwiches with pork, cheese, or prawns have the highest carbon emissions, while homemade sandwiches can reduce emissions by a half. The study suggests extending sell-by dates and reducing ingredients like cheese and meat to minimize waste.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateJan 24, 2018

Food is not just the sum of its nutrients

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen argue that the health effects of a food product cannot be determined solely on the basis of its nutrient content. The findings suggest that interactions between nutrients and bioactive substances can alter the nutritional and health properties of a particular food. This challenges current n...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 23, 2017

Science shows cheese can make wine taste better

A scientific study published in the Journal of Food Science found that consuming cheese while drinking wine increased how much someone liked the wine. The study used a new sensory evaluation method and found that four cheeses improved the description and preference of different wines, with no negative impact on preference.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateOct 19, 2016

Invited review: Artisanal Mexican cheeses

Experts warn of disappearing artisanal Mexican cheese varieties due to lack of documentation and standardized production processes. Standardization and preservation efforts aim to protect these unique cheeses and secure protected designation of origin (PDO) status.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateApr 1, 2016

Cheesy products

Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna tested over 100 raw milk cheeses purchased online and found that pathogenic bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes were present in two samples. Furthermore, more than half of the products lacked proper cooling, leading to increased bacterial growth during transport.

Ravens cooperate -- but not with just anyone

A recent study by University of Vienna researchers found that ravens can cooperate to achieve common goals, such as sliding a platform with cheese into reach. However, they also exhibit a sophisticated way of keeping their partners honest, detecting and excluding cheaters from future cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2015

The life and times of domesticated cheese-making fungi

Researchers have identified crucial metabolic genes that enable cheese-making fungi to thrive on cheese, while also raising concerns about food safety. The study provides insights into the evolutionary history of these fungi and their ability to adapt to domesticated environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2015

Eating away at cognitive decline

A recent study found that older adults who followed the MIND diet more rigorously showed equivalent cognitive abilities to those 7.5 years younger, suggesting a potential delay of dementia's onset. The MIND diet emphasizes brain-healthy food groups and limits unhealthy foods, with berries being a key component.

Choosing cheese

Researchers at Harvard University studied 137 varieties of cheese from 10 countries to identify three general types of microbial communities. These findings provide a model for studying microbial communities and their interactions, with potential applications in understanding various biological processes. The study also reveals the imp...

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateJul 17, 2014

Life on cheese

Scientists investigate Vorarlberger Bergkäse, a regional Austrian cheese, to understand its unique microbiome. The study reveals the presence of halophilic microbe Halomonas on young rinds, which plays an unknown role in cheese-making.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateMay 9, 2014

Salad at concession stands!?

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that offering 5-10 healthy food options and modifying popular items to reduce saturated fats increased revenue and sales. The healthier items accounted for 9.2% of total sales and parental satisfaction also increased.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 14, 2014

Healthy food is good for you -- and can sell, too

A University of Iowa-led study found that adding healthy foods to concession stands can increase sales and profits while maintaining customer satisfaction. The study, which involved a school booster club in Muscatine, Iowa, showed that introducing healthier options led to stable sales and revenue increases.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 11, 2014

New research shows cheese may prevent cavities

A new study found that consuming cheese and other dairy products can help protect teeth against cavities. The study showed that subjects who ate cheese experienced an increase in pH levels, which could be caused by increased saliva production and compounds in cheese adhering to tooth enamel.

SourceAcademy of General Dentistry·JournalEuropean Journal of General Dentistry·DateJun 5, 2013

Some people do not taste salt like others

Research suggests that genetics play a role in salt taste preference, with some individuals preferring salty foods over others. The study found that supertasters, who experience tastes more intensely, consume more salt due to their sensitivity to bitter tastes.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJun 16, 2010

Cheese found to improve the immune response of the elderly

Daily probiotic cheese consumption boosts natural and acquired immunity in older adults by activating NK blood cells and increasing phagocytic activity. The study aims to thwart immunosenescence, an age-related deterioration of the immune system that increases susceptibility to infections and cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalFEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology·DateMay 13, 2010

Keeping queso fresco fresh

Researchers found that queso fresco can retain its characteristic texture for two months when stored at 39 degrees Fahrenheit, but breaks down at 50 degrees F. The study suggests lowering the supermarket display case temperature to improve shelf life and quality of this popular Mexican cheese.

Wonderful cheese is all in the culture

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new line of bacteria responsible for the ripening process and flavor of French cheese Reblochon. The reblochoni microbes, part of the Actinomycetes group, outcompete traditional starter cultures to provide flavor.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateJan 6, 2009

Are animals stuck in time?

A recent study by William Roberts and his team found that rats can keep track of how much time has passed since a discovery, but not when it occurred. The researchers used an experiment with varying cues to test the rats' ability to remember episodic-like memories.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalScience·DateApr 3, 2008