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Why doesn’t coffee taste like caffeine?

A team of researchers discovered that coffee molecules, such as melanoidins, significantly reduce the bitterness of caffeine. When combined with chlorogenic acid, these compounds halve the bitter taste of caffeine, suggesting a complex formation prevents interaction with bitter taste receptors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 3, 2026

Coffee doesn’t just wake you up — it may help protect your body from aging

New research from Texas A&M University identifies a key biological pathway that could explain how coffee helps protect against aging and chronic disease. Coffee compounds activate the NR4A1 receptor, which plays a role in stress response and disease, potentially leading to reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2026

Adenosine is the metabolic common pathway of rapid antidepressant action: The coffee paradox

A recent landmark study identifies adenosine as the critical mediator of rapid antidepressant action, connecting ketamine, ECT, and hypoxia. The discovery raises questions about the potential interference of caffeine with these treatments, highlighting the need for further research on adenosinergic modulation in depression.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 11, 2025

Chemistry: The key to civet coffee is in the chemistry

Researchers analyzed faecal matter samples from civets eating ripe coffee berries, finding significantly higher levels of fats and key flavour-enhancing compounds in the resulting civet coffee beans. These chemical differences are believed to affect the coffee's final flavour profile.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2025

Your morning coffee really does make you happier

A new study by Bielefeld University and the University of Warwick found that morning coffee significantly improves mood and enthusiasm in young adults. The researchers also discovered that caffeine's effects on mood are consistent across individuals with varying levels of anxiety or depressive symptoms.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2025

Fermentation method transforms unripe fruits into specialty coffees

Researchers developed a fermentation method using unripe fruit beans, producing high-quality beverages comparable to those made from ripe fruits. The process, known as self-induced anaerobic fermentation, adds value to the product while minimizing its defects, making it attractive to domestic and foreign markets.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFood and Bioprocess Technology·DateAug 13, 2025

For a better cup of coffee, look to physics

A team of physicists at the University of Pennsylvania has discovered that pouring water from a height creates a stronger mixing effect, increasing extraction efficiency in pour-over coffee. By optimizing flow rates and pour heights, they found that more coffee grounds can be used without diminishing overall quality.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2025

Coffee too weak? Try this!

Researchers optimized pour-over coffee brewing by maximizing pour height and laminar flow, resulting in stronger coffee with fewer beans. The study suggests using thick water jets, like those from standard gooseneck kettles, to achieve optimal mixing between water and grounds.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 8, 2025

Cholesterol-elevating substances in coffee from machines at work

A new study by Uppsala University found that coffee machines in workplaces frequently produce coffee with high levels of cholesterol-elevating substances, which can affect LDL cholesterol levels and future cardiovascular disease risk. Regular drip-filter coffee makers filter out most of these substances.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 21, 2025

Tree crops crucial for sustainable development

Researchers emphasize global importance of tree crops for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, while promoting biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change. Tree crops provide stable habitats, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateJan 14, 2025

Does coffee prevent head and neck cancer?

A new analysis of 14 studies found that coffee and tea drinkers have a lower risk of developing head and neck cancers, including mouth and throat cancers. Decaf coffee was also associated with reduced risks of oral cavity and hypopharyngeal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCancer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 30, 2024

Scientists ‘turn up the heat’ on understanding coffee wilt disease which threatens our favourite daily brew

Repeated outbreaks of coffee wilt disease have decimated coffee production in east and central Africa, with scientists identifying a fungal pathogen as the primary cause. The study found that horizontal gene transfers contributed to the repeated emergence of the disease, which affects arabica and robusta varieties.

SourceCABI·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Caffeine is a heart-healthy habit

Researchers found that patients who consumed caffeine had better vascular health, as measured through endothelial cells. The study suggests that caffeine may play a role in controlling disease progression and improving cardiovascular health.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2024

Upcycling spent coffee grounds by isolating Mannan-rich Holocellulose nanofibers

Scientists at Yokohama National University successfully isolated Mannan-rich Holocellulose nanofibers (HCNFs) from spent coffee grounds using TEMPO-mediated oxidation. The resulting HCNFs exhibit desirable properties, including preservative-free long-term storage, volume reduction during transportation, and easy handling without solven...

SourceYokohama National University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications·DateAug 9, 2024

Is coffee good for you or bad for you?

A genome-wide association study found consistent positive genetic associations between coffee consumption and harmful health outcomes in two large datasets. However, the relationship with psychiatric conditions was more complicated, showing both positive and negative correlations across different cohorts. The study highlights the compl...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJun 18, 2024

More sustainability in global agricultural trade

Researchers analyzed EU agricultural imports to identify areas of high environmental impact. Trade with MERCOSUR countries, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea contributes significantly to deforestation and land degradation. The EU can reduce its relevance by regulating demand for sustainable livestock farming or promoting low-me...

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalOne Earth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2024

Dietary treatment more effective than medicines in IBS

A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that dietary adjustments, such as a low FODMAP diet and low-carbohydrate diets, resulted in significantly reduced IBS symptoms for over seven out of ten patients. In contrast, medication-based treatment showed fewer symptom improvements.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 18, 2024

Consortium including Brazilians sequences the reference genome of Arabica coffee

A consortium of scientists, including Brazilians, has successfully sequenced the reference genome of Arabica coffee. The study identified genes responsible for resistance to rust and other diseases, as well as those related to the aroma of Arabica coffee. By comparing a dihaploid-derived genome with a common tetraploid variety, researc...

New review offers first recommendations on accurately assessing the carbon footprint of coffee farming

A new scientific review published in Sustainable Production and Consumption explores how to accurately assess the carbon footprint of coffee farming. The study provides guidance on measuring green coffee's environmental impact, including identifying representative measurements and applying land use change modeling.

SourceKaizo·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 16, 2024

Natural molecule found in coffee and human body increases NAD+ levels, improves muscle function during ageing

A recent discovery reveals that the natural molecule trigonelline can increase NAD+ levels and improve muscle function during ageing. Lower levels of trigonelline were found in older people with sarcopenia, a condition where muscles weaken and mass is lost.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 21, 2024

Can used coffee grounds help clean up environmental toxins?

New research reveals spent coffee grounds can act as an efficient adsorbent of bentazone, a highly neurotoxic herbicide. Activated carbon from spent coffee grounds showed a 70% efficiency in bentazone removal and high sensitivity to pollutants.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology·DateMar 18, 2024

Espresso yourself: Wearable tech measures emotional responses to coffee

Researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of using wearable technology to measure the emotional responses of coffee experts during tastings. The study found significant correlations between biomedical signals and data from conventional questionnaires, confirming the viability of this approach for enhancing coffee quality assessment.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 6, 2024

Hospital coffee machines get a clean bill of health

A recent study suggests that hospital coffee machines are not a breeding ground for bacteria and do not pose a risk to patients. Despite being touched by multiple people, the machines were found to harbor only a few medically relevant pathogens, with most being harmless commensals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 18, 2023

Grinding coffee with a splash of water reduces static electricity and makes more consistent and intense espresso

Researchers found that adding water to coffee beans before grinding reduces static electricity, resulting in less wasted coffee and cleaner grinders. Grinding with water also produces more consistent and intense espresso. The study's findings have significant economic implications for the $343.2 billion coffee industry.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Coffee offers performance boost for concrete

Engineers at RMIT University have developed a technique to make concrete 30% stronger using biochar made from roasted used-coffee grounds. This innovation reduces waste going to landfills and emits fewer greenhouse gases, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023