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Detecting trace amounts of multiple classes of antibiotics in foods

Researchers have developed a method to simultaneously measure 77 antibiotics in various foods, including meat, eggs, milk, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. The new approach allows for the detection of multiple classes of antibiotics at trace amounts, which can contribute to increased antibiotic resistance and gut microbiome imbalance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2021

Putting bugs on the menu, safely

Researchers have identified 20 proteins found in cricket food products that could cause serious allergic reactions in individuals with shellfish allergies. The study aims to provide a framework for detecting and labelling insect-derived allergens in food products, ensuring safe consumption by those with allergies.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2021

Gluten in wheat: What has changed during 120 years of breeding?

A study by the Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology found that modern wheat varieties contain slightly less protein than older varieties, while maintaining a consistent gluten content. The researchers also discovered that environmental conditions, such as precipitation, played a significant role in shaping protein composition.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 11, 2020

Scientists studied the growth rate effect of gut bacteria on degradation of dietary fibers

Researchers investigated how gut bacteria grow at different rates and their effect on dietary fibers, finding that faster growth rates alter the composition and metabolism of fecal microbiota. The study suggests that a person's diet can influence their gut microbiota by adjusting fiber intake to support healthy digestion.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateApr 28, 2020

Scientists discover new clue behind age-related diseases and food spoilage

Researchers found that hydroxyl radicals have a surprising partner in crime - Criegee intermediate. This new pathway could help explain age-related diseases and cancer, as well as how food decomposes over time. The study points to an unexpected link between atmospheric chemistry and our bodies' ability to ward off disease.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 26, 2020

Comparing heirloom and modern wheat effects on gut health

Researchers found that a popular modern variety of wheat does not impair gastrointestinal health in mice compared to heirloom wheat. Heirloom wheat slightly reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 and improved gut barrier function, suggesting that modern wheat varieties may be healthier for healthy individuals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 18, 2019

Placenta transit of an environmental estrogen

A team of researchers from the University of Vienna has shown that the widespread food estrogen zearalenone migrates through the placenta and is partially converted to other harmful substances. The study found that even small concentrations could have a greater impact on the embryo than previously assumed.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 10, 2019

Designing a better low-fat potato chip

A new technique developed by researchers allows for the creation of tastier low-fat potato chips by analyzing physical characteristics. The method, called in vitro oral processing, measures chip properties from first bite to swallow, enabling food scientists to link physical measurements with sensory perceptions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 7, 2019

Food quality control made faster and easier

Scientists at TUM and Leibniz-Institute developed a new methodology for simultaneous analysis of odorants and tastants using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. This approach enables fast and precise food analysis, which is crucial for manufacturers to guarantee consistent sensory quality.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 30, 2019

Verifying 'organic' foods

Scientists have developed a strategy to determine organic food authenticity by analyzing the metabolites generated within plants when pesticides break down. The technique involves identifying and screening the metabolites of seven common pesticides using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 5, 2019

The smell of dark chocolate, demystified

Researchers identified volatile compounds contributing to dark chocolate's distinctive aroma, including β-ionone and other essential components. By quantifying these substances using stable isotope dilution analysis, the team successfully reconstructed the scents of two dark chocolates with remarkable accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 8, 2019

Bitter rapeseed

Researchers at TUM identified kaempferol 3-O-(2'''-O-sinapoyl-β-sophoroside) as the bitter compound causing rapeseed protein's unpleasant taste. This discovery paves the way for developing tasty, protein-rich foods from rapeseed.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 31, 2019

Hard cider, with a shot of sugar

Researchers analyzed 23 popular hard ciders and found that 60% of domestic brands contained added sugars from cane or corn syrup. The study's findings suggest that labels are not a reliable way to determine whether a cider has added sugar, due to discrepancies between expected and observed isotopic ratios.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 31, 2018

Sniffing out real truffles

Researchers developed a technique to distinguish between natural and synthetic truffle compounds using carbon isotope ratios. The method can reliably detect foods containing synthetic truffle aroma or a mixture of synthetic and natural aromas, helping to fight food fraud.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMay 30, 2018

Beef peptides block bitter tastes

Researchers have discovered that beef peptides can block bitter taste receptors on the tongue, potentially leading to improved flavors in food and medicine. The most effective peptides were produced through enzymatic hydrolysis using trypsin and pepsin enzymes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2018

Pepper plant sops up personal care product antibiotic

Researchers found that pepper plants metabolize triclocarban, an antibiotic commonly used in personal care products, into other molecules. The study suggests that these metabolites may have negative health effects, highlighting the need for further research on the impact of environmental triclocarban exposure on human health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 18, 2018

Gluten-free beer from Witkop teff grains

Researchers have successfully developed gluten-free beer using Witkop teff grains, which could provide an alternative to traditional barley beers. The study found that custom malting equipment would be required to produce the beer on an industrial scale.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 14, 2017

Corralling stink bugs could lead to better wine

A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that stink bugs can contaminate wine with stress compounds, affecting its quality. The researchers discovered that pressing is a key step in releasing these compounds, and that limiting stink bugs to three per grape cluster could improve wine quality.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2017

What's behind the durian fruit's notorious stench

Scientists analyzed 20 durian chemical ingredients to find that two compounds can re-create the overall smell. The strongest odor compounds were fruity ethyl and oniony 1-(ethylsulfanyl)ethanethiol, which combined effectively resembled the fruit's entire set of odoriferous and fragrant compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 18, 2017