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Toward consistently good pinot noir

Scientists have identified 49 main odor compounds in young and ripe Pinot Noir grapes, finding four consistently present in mature grapes. This breakthrough could help growers determine the optimal harvest time for improved wine quality.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 20, 2016

Blueberry extract could help fight gum disease and reduce antibiotic use

A recent study by American Chemical Society found that wild blueberry extract has antibacterial properties against Fusobacterium nucleatum, a key bacteria associated with periodontitis. The extract successfully inhibited the growth of F. nucleatum and its ability to form biofilms, blocking a molecular pathway involved in inflammation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 2, 2015

A multi-faceted poison

Researchers have developed a mass spectrometry-based process to detect the toxic bacteria's emetic toxin, cereulide. The new method identified 18 variants of cereulide and is being evaluated for its reliability in detecting contaminated products.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 1, 2015

How to prevent organic food fraud

Researchers from the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority and Wuerzburg University devised a new way to authenticate organic produce. Their report uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to differentiate between conventional and organic tomatoes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 27, 2014

Decoding characteristic food odors

Researchers identify 230 key odorants responsible for encoding the typical smell of individual foodstuffs, with each foodstuff having its own unique odor code. The mapping of odor codes opens up new possibilities for biotechnology applications in crop breeding and industrial-scale production of high-quality food odorants.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 26, 2014

Nanoparticles from dietary supplement drinks likely to reach environment, say scientists

Researchers tested the effects of commercial drinks containing nanoparticles on human intestinal cells, finding that they can interfere with digestion and potentially lead to poor digestion or diarrhea. The study suggests that nanomaterials from these products may be making their way into surface water, where they could harm aquatic life.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 18, 2014

White bread helps boost some of the gut's 'good' microbes

A study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that white bread promotes the growth of Lactobacillus, a group of beneficial gut bacteria. The researchers also discovered that considering the whole diet, not just individual ingredients, is critical for maintaining a good balance of gut microbes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 11, 2014

A water test for the world

A team of McMaster researchers has developed a simple pill that can test water safety using a dissolving breath strip technology. The new method reduces the need for expensive lab equipment and shipping water to the lab, making it potentially life-saving for people in remote areas.

Chemophobia shouldn't be on the menu

A new Dartmouth study finds that many people fear low amounts of chemicals in their food, despite being inherently harmless and often beneficial. The study argues that regulators should focus on pathogens and bacteria rather than pesticides and synthetic chemicals.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalFood Security·DateAug 14, 2013

Reducing acrylamide levels in french fries

A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has identified potential methods to minimize acrylamide formation in french fries. Researchers used computer models to link changes in natural potato components with acrylamide formation, providing a rigorous approach to product development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2012