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That essential morning coffee may be a placebo

Scientists found that drinking coffee increases connectivity in higher visual networks and executive control regions of the brain, leading to improved alertness and cognitive performance. In contrast, taking only caffeine did not replicate these effects, suggesting that the experience of drinking coffee plays a crucial role.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

Strategic habitat restoration can generate a win-win for forests and farmers

Carefully planned restoration of agricultural coffee landscapes can increase crop yield by promoting pollinators' habitat, leading to long-term conservation and economic benefits. Over a 40-year period, strategically allocating land to agriculture and forest can double profits for landholders while increasing forest cover by 20%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2023

Extracting the best flavor from coffee

A study published in Physics of Fluids reveals that uneven extraction in coffee brewing can result in weaker espresso and affect its taste. The researchers found that a positive feedback loop between flow and extraction leads to more bitter flavors, making it essential to understand the origin of uneven extraction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 9, 2023

Sugar-sweetened beverages linked with increased risk of premature death for people with type 2 diabetes

A new study found that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an elevated risk of premature death and incidence of cardiovascular disease among people with type 2 diabetes. Drinking healthier beverages like coffee, tea, and plain water was linked to lower risk of dying prematurely.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Coffee plantations limit birds’ diets

A study by University of Utah researchers found that birds eat fewer invertebrates in coffee plantations than in forests, threatening their survival. The disturbance of ecosystems significantly impacts dietary options, leading to reduced survival and population declines.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil

A study in Brazil found that agricultural certification can encourage compliance with environmental laws, but doesn't necessarily reduce deforestation or increase natural regeneration. Certified coffee farms showed a general tendency for increased compliance, particularly in protected areas like the Atlantic Rainforest.

Anthropogenic climate change poses systemic risk to coffee cultivation

A study published in PLOS Climate suggests that climate change is significantly affecting land where coffee is cultivated, particularly due to synchronous climate hazards occurring in multiple areas. The researchers found an increase in climate hazards and compound events threatening coffee crops globally between 1980 and 2020.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 8, 2023

Drinking coffee helps maintain low blood pressure

A study published in the journal Nutrients found that regular coffee consumption is associated with lower blood pressure levels, both peripheral and central. The researchers analyzed data from a sample of Italian adults and discovered that moderate coffee drinkers had significantly lower systolic and pulse pressures.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 7, 2023

Coffee with milk may have an anti-inflammatory effect

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that combining proteins and antioxidants in foods like coffee with milk may have an anti-inflammatory effect in humans. The researchers found that immune cells treated with this combination were twice as effective at fighting inflammation as those with only polyphenols.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 30, 2023

Chicory, surrogate and roasted coffee provide new insights into mechanisms of taste perception

Researchers investigated how the order of eating affects bitter taste perception using chicory and coffee substitutes. They found that consuming chicory or coffee substitute after roasted coffee reduces bitterness, while consuming roasted coffee before chicory has no effect.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Drinking 2 or more cups of coffee daily may double risk of heart death in people with severe hypertension

A new study found that drinking two or more cups of coffee daily may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among people with severe hypertension. In contrast, moderate green tea consumption did not show a significant association with increased risk, suggesting potential benefits of polyphenols in reducing mortality.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 21, 2022

Researchers analyze performance of bacterium in combating coffee rust

A study analyzed the potential of a bacterium to combat coffee rust, a major challenge for Brazilian coffee growers. The researchers found that the bacterium produces antibacterial and antifungal compounds, as well as proteins associated with protection against water stress, making it a promising candidate for biological control.

How many free hot drinks and biscuits are excessive?

Healthcare workers surveyed found they would take an average of 3.32 free hot drinks before considering it excessive. Doctors consumed more free hot drinks than emergency department staff. Researchers estimate providing three hot drinks daily would cost £32,692,935 per year.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateDec 19, 2022

Drinking coffee regularly after pregnancy may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes for women who had diabetes during pregnancy

A study found that drinking caffeinated coffee daily can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 10-53% in women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Replacing sugary drinks with coffee also shows a 10-17% reduced risk.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2022

How women can reduce the risk of hip fracture

A new study found that increasing protein intake by 25g a day and drinking regular cups of tea or coffee can reduce the risk of hip fracture in women by up to 14% and 4%, respectively. The study, which analyzed data from over 26,000 middle-aged women, also discovered that underweight women may experience greater reductions in risk.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2022

Research at Jacobs University: Coffee could offer protection from catching COVID-19

Researchers at Jacobs University have found that a compound in coffee, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, can inhibit the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE-2 receptor, potentially providing protection against COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that regular coffee drinkers may be less likely to contract the virus.

SourceJacobs University Bremen gGmbH·JournalFood & Function·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022

Aston University researchers ‘feed’ leftover coffee grounds to microalgae to produce low emission biodiesel

Researchers at Aston University have developed a method to produce high-quality biodiesel from spent coffee grounds by growing microalgae on the grounds. This innovative approach reduces competition with food crops and decreases greenhouse gas emissions from palm tree cultivation.

SourceAston University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Specialty and standard coffee beans can be sorted using multispectral imaging and artificial intelligence

A Brazilian research team has developed a novel method to sort specialty and standard coffee beans using multispectral imaging and machine learning. The technique, which does not require roasting or human intervention, uses images of the beans at different wavelengths to distinguish between quality levels.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateAug 30, 2022

Waking up to an interactive coffee cup of data

A team of researchers has made a large collection of coffee samples' NMR data freely available to assess the variety under which coffee is sold. The dataset can be interactively explored using software called NMRium-browser, allowing users to visualize the molecular structure of coffee beans from different origins.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigabyte·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

New study reveals that healthy plant-based diets are associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes

A new study published in Diabetologia found that healthy plant-based diets, including fruits, vegetables, and legumes, are linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed metabolite profiles and diet indices from over 10,684 participants, revealing unique multi-metabolite profiles associated with healthy plant-...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 8, 2022

New review suggests coffee consumption can stimulate digestion

A new review suggests that moderate coffee consumption can stimulate digestive processes and help movement through the colon. The study also found a possible association between coffee consumption and reduced risk of gallstones and certain liver diseases. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceKaizo·JournalNutrients·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2022

Latte lovers rejoice! Study reveals drinking coffee could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A long-term study has revealed that drinking higher amounts of coffee may make you less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study found an association between coffee and several important markers related to Alzheimer’s disease, including executive function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeSurvey·DateNov 23, 2021

Can sustainability standards effectively mitigate food system challenges?

A new study reviews sustainability standards for crop and livestock production, finding moderate positive effects on the environment through reduced agrichemical use. However, economic benefits vary by region and standard, and assessments are complicated. The study also raises concerns about labor practices and inequalities in the rura...

Coffee and heart beats

A study by Gregory M. Marcus and colleagues found that daily coffee consumption may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The researchers analyzed data from a large population, suggesting that moderate coffee drinking may be associated with an increased risk of irregular heartbeats.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 19, 2021