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Climate change a buzzkill for coffee lovers

A new study finds climate change will reduce coffee-growing areas in Latin America by up to 88% by 2050, mainly due to declining bee populations. However, the research also identifies regions where bee diversity is likely to increase, potentially boosting coffee productivity.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2017

Coffee and bees: New model of climate change effects

A new model of climate change effects suggests that diversity in bee species may save the day for coffee production in Latin America. The study, which considers both plants and animals, predicts that at least five bee species will be left in future coffee-suitable areas, with 10 species remaining in about half of the regions.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2017

Two large studies link higher coffee consumption to reduced risk for death

Two large studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggest that higher coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk for death, particularly among whites and non-white populations. The studies found that moderate to high coffee intake was linked to reduced mortality rates for diseases such as digestive tract disorders and ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

Take a coffee or tea break to protect your liver

A new study found that frequent coffee consumption was significantly associated with lower odds of high liver stiffness values, independent of lifestyle traits. Herbal tea consumption also showed a significant association with lower liver stiffness values, even in small amounts.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJun 6, 2017

From fish to forests, conflicts to coffee: Humans affected by species on the move

A new international study highlights how climate-driven changes in species distribution are affecting human health, culture, and economies worldwide. As species move towards the poles, they impact resources like fish and coffee, industries like tourism and fishing, conflict over land use, and even indigenous cultures.

Unforeseen impacts of the fair trade movement

Research by Lindsay Naylor reveals fair trade certification has both positive and negative effects on coffee producers in Mexico. The program has assisted families but also limited their mobility, with many farmers making only $500-1,000 annually. Additionally, the power of coffee production is often used as a political weapon.

Arabica coffee genome sequenced

The release of the Arabica coffee genome sequence by UC Davis holds promise for developing disease-resistant varieties and understanding flavor profiles. The sequencing was conducted through a collaboration between researchers and farmer Jay Ruskey, who is growing commercial coffee plants in California's Central Coast region.

Matchmaking for coffee?

Researchers found that intercropping Arabica coffee with macadamia tree HAES 816 improves environmental conditions and increases coffee production. The partnership reduces competition between crops and provides a source of income for farmers, making it a promising strategy for Brazilian coffee producers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 16, 2016

Trash that pop can, trash yourself

A study by the University of Alberta and Boston University found that people are more likely to recycle items bearing their name or a national flag. This association helps individuals link the item to their sense of identity, making them feel more connected and reducing negative feelings associated with discarding it.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 14, 2016

Fear of retaliation

A study conducted by Bettina Rockenbach and colleagues found that people tend not to enforce social norms, especially for larger violations. Despite negative emotions towards more severe offenses, individuals admitted reluctance to confront or punish them due to fear of retaliation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2016

Orientation without a master plan

Studies show that when learning objects in an open space, spatial memory is accessed step-by-step, while environmental spaces require more time to recall objects from neighboring corridors. This research has implications for understanding navigation and the neuronal basis of wayfinding.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCognition·DateSep 6, 2016

Paper or plastic?

A recent study by Avni Shah at the University of Toronto found that paying with cash increases feelings of connection and attachment to purchases, while credit cards may lead to a decrease in emotional attachment. This phenomenon is attributed to the 'pain of payment', which varies depending on the type of payment method used.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 7, 2016

At the droplet of a hat: Capturing mixable liquid interaction

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have successfully captured the spreading of a droplet as it interacts with another mixable liquid for the first time. The study reveals that the droplets spread in a way resembling a 'hat' shape, with the brim continuing to expand over time until fully integrated into the second liquid.

New insights into the evaporation patterns of coffee stains

Researchers have elucidated new factors influencing particle deposition via solvent evaporation, crucial for microchip production. The study found that interplay between solvent convection and nanoparticle collective diffusion governs particle recede at contact lines.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 9, 2016

High daily coffee consumption may lower MS risk

Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that high daily coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of multiple sclerosis. The study, based on data from two population studies, suggests that caffeine's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties may play a role in this link.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateMar 3, 2016