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Illinois scientists learn startling new truth about sugar

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that sugar decomposes rather than melts, offering new insights into food science and technology. This breakthrough enables food scientists to manipulate sugars for improved flavors and textures, as well as pharmaceutical companies to enhance excipients.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2011
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Seaweed as a rich new source of heart-healthy food ingredients

Researchers found that seaweed proteins can reduce blood pressure like ACE inhibitor drugs, and the macroalgae have potential to be used in functional foods. The variety of species and ease of cultivation make them a relatively untapped source of new bioactive compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 20, 2011

Poplar tree leaf bud extract could fight skin aging

Researchers found that poplar bud extract has moderate antioxidant activity and demonstrates anti-aging effects on cells in laboratory tests. The study suggests potential use of poplar bud compounds in cosmetic and nutraceutical formulations for skin care.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 8, 2011

Safety of nanoparticles in food crops is still unclear

A recent literature review analyzed nearly 100 scientific articles on the effects of nanoparticles on edible plants. The study found that nanoparticle uptake and build-up vary depending on plant type, nanoparticle size, and chemical composition, highlighting a need for further research in nanoecotoxicology.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 1, 2011

'Sweet wheat' for tastier and more healthful baking

Researchers developed a mutant form of wheat called 'sweet wheat', which contains more sugars and healthful carbohydrates than regular wheat. The new flour may provide health benefits when used in foods like breads and cakes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 25, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Tropical blueberries are extreme super fruits

Researchers analyzed wild Mexican, Central, and South American blueberries finding two types to be extreme super fruits with significantly more antioxidants than commercial varieties, potentially offering enhanced protection against heart disease and cancer.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2011

Keeping beer fresh longer

Researchers discovered 56 substances contributing to beer's bitterness and identified five major contributors to harsh aftertaste. Controlling initial pH value and storing at low temperatures can help delay bitter flavors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 13, 2011

New 'dissolvable tobacco' products may increase risk of mouth disease

The study found that dissolvable tobacco products contain mainly nicotine, which is linked to oral cancers and gum disease. The products also include flavoring ingredients, sweeteners, and binders that can increase the risk of tooth decay and liver damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 16, 2011
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Shoo fly: Catnip oil repels bloodsucking flies

A report published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that catnip oil is 99% effective in repelling bloodsucking stable flies. The repellent action lasts for about three hours and has the potential to reduce cattle industry loses by $2 billion annually.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 2, 2011

Cilantro ingredient can remove foul odor of holiday chitlins

Scientists have discovered that cilantro's (E,E)-2,4-Undecadienal compound effectively eliminates the strong smell of chitlins. The ingredient can suppress odor at very low concentrations, equivalent to about 10 drops in an Olympic-size pool.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 15, 2010

Shoo, fly! Catnip oil repels bloodsucking flies

Catnip oil has proven 99% effective in repelling stable flies that cause $2 billion in annual losses. The repellent action lasts for about three hours and is being improved upon.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 8, 2010

Cilantro ingredient can remove foul odor of 'chitlins'

Scientists have identified an ingredient in cilantro that can effectively remove the foul odor of chitlins. The compound (E,E)-2,4-Undecadienal was found to suppress the unpleasant smell at concentrations as low as 10 parts per billion.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 13, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Dangerous chemicals in food wrappers likely migrating to humans: U of T study

Researchers found that polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) used in food packaging are breaking down into perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), including PFOA, and being ingested by people. This study provides valuable evidence to inform policy on the use of PAPs in food contact applications.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 8, 2010

Black rice bran may help fight disease-related inflammation

A new study suggests that black rice bran extract can reduce skin inflammation by 32% compared to control animals. Feeding mice a diet with black rice bran also showed a significant reduction in swelling associated with allergic contact dermatitis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 20, 2010

Analyzing food and beverages with magnetic levitation

A new maglev sensor has been developed to analyze food, water, and beverages for density and chemical composition. The device can quickly estimate salt content in water samples and fat content in milk, cheese, and peanut butter with high accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Rye and barley products facilitate blood glucose and appetite regulation

Research suggests that whole grain barley products and rye foods can facilitate glycaemic regulation through gut fermentation, leading to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood glucose levels. Additionally, these products may promote feelings of satiety and lower voluntary energy intake.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·DateMay 5, 2010

Little melamine appears in eggs from chickens on highly contaminated feed

A study by Liying Zhang and colleagues found that eggs from chickens on highly contaminated melamine feed contained levels of the contaminant below US FDA limits. The researchers suggested that exposure levels below 100 ppm in feed would not pose potential hazards for food safety.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 14, 2010
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Carnegie Mellon's kitchen chemistry makes science palatable

The university's course, 'Kitchen Chemistry Sessions,' uses molecular gastronomy techniques to teach students about chemical and biochemical concepts in food. Students learn to apply these concepts to prepare meals, demonstrating their understanding of chemical processes and scientific principles.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMar 25, 2010

Supermarket lighting enhances nutrient level of fresh spinach

Fresh spinach leaves stored under continuous light exposure show significantly higher levels of vitamins C, K, E, and folate, as well as healthful carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Continuous light exposure after nine days increases folate levels by up to 100% and vitamin K levels by 50-100%

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 3, 2010

Food aromas could become new weapon in battle of the bulge

Scientists have discovered that certain food aromas can contribute to feelings of fullness, potentially helping to combat obesity. By analyzing the effects of aroma release during chewing, researchers found that these scents can signal areas of the brain responsible for satiety, leading to reduced food intake.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 16, 2009

Soy peptide lunasin has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that soy peptide lunasin may help fight leukemia by activating a protein called caspase-3. Lunasin also showed anti-inflammatory properties by blocking the activation of NF-kappa-B and reducing interleukin-1 and interleukin-6 levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateDec 2, 2009
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

A scientific basis the 'golden rule' of pairing wines and foods

Researchers found that iron naturally occurring in red wine causes the unpleasant fishy aftertaste when paired with fish. Low-iron red wines might be a suitable match for seafood, contrary to the traditional rule of thumb.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 21, 2009
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Heat forms potentially harmful substance in high-fructose corn syrup

Researchers discovered that high-fructose corn syrup can form a potentially harmful substance called hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) when heated. HMF levels increase steadily with rising temperatures, posing a threat to honey bee health and human consumption of HFCS products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 14, 2009

Getting plants to rid themselves of pesticide residues

Scientists in China have discovered that a natural plant hormone can help plants eliminate residues of certain pesticides, including chloropyrifos. The substance significantly reduces toxicity and residues in the plants, making it a promising, environmentally friendly solution.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 30, 2009

Getting plants to rid themselves of pesticide residues

Researchers found that applying a natural plant hormone can help eliminate pesticide residues from crops, reducing environmental exposure to pesticides. The study suggests using brassinosteroids as an environmentally friendly alternative to minimize pesticide risks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 9, 2009

Nuisance or nutrient? Kudzu shows promise as a dietary supplement

A study found that kudzu root extracts improved lab rats with metabolic syndrome by lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and insulin levels. Kudzu has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a health food, containing isoflavones with potential health benefits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2009
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Freshly crushed garlic better for the heart than processed

A new study by Dipak K. Das and colleagues reveals that freshly crushed garlic generates hydrogen sulfide, a chemical signaling substance that relaxes blood vessels and promotes heart health. Processed and cooked garlic loses this ability, resulting in reduced effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 29, 2009

First evidence that weed killers improve nutritional value of a key food crop

The use of weed killers in farmers' fields significantly increases the amount of key nutrients termed carotenoids in sweet corn kernels. Herbicide applications boosted levels by up to 15 percent, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, linked to reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and other diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 8, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Honey adds health benefits, is natural preservative and sweetener in salad dressings

A University of Illinois study found that honey, rich in antioxidants, protects the quality of salad dressings for up to nine months while naturally sweetening them. The study substituted honey for chemical additives and high-fructose corn syrup, resulting in a healthier alternative.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 9, 2008

Research shows Brazilian acai berry antioxidants absorbed by human body

A study led by Texas AgriLife Research scientists has shown that the Brazilian acai berry's antioxidants are absorbed by the human body when consumed as juice or pulp. The finding is significant as it provides evidence for the berry's purported health benefits, which have been heavily marketed in the US.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 6, 2008

Food, health get top billing at national chemistry meeting

The American Chemical Society meeting focuses on the health benefits of phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables, with studies showing a significant reduction in cancer and cardiovascular disease risk. Recent research indicates that adding one serving of fruits and vegetables to diet can reduce cardiovascular diseases by up to 7 percent.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateAug 18, 2008
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Food writer wins prestigious ACS journalism award

Harold McGee has been awarded the Grady-Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public for his work in explaining complex scientific concepts to a general audience. His writing has appeared in numerous publications and has received several professional honors, including food writer of the year and pioneer in culinology.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 2, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

'Heroes of Chemistry' honored for medical, energy, environmental breakthroughs

Twenty-two researchers honored for developing new antipsychotic medication, cost-effective polyester production process, iron-overload treatment, corn-based products, and innovative packaging solutions. The ACS awards recognize industrial chemists whose work has led to significant improvements in human welfare and progress.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 9, 2007

Lean for life

A baby formula supplemented with leptin, a hunger hormone, has been found to promote permanent weight loss and prevent diabetes in rats. The researchers believe that early introduction of leptin can 'hard-wire' the body's energy balance, leading to more efficient energy expenditure.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalChemistry & Industry·DateApr 23, 2007
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Edible food wrap kills deadly E. coli bacteria

A new edible coating composed of apple puree and oregano oil has shown promise in killing deadly E. coli bacteria while providing flavor enhancement to food. The coating's effectiveness was demonstrated through laboratory studies, which found it to be more concentrated and longer-lasting than conventional produce washes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 16, 2006

Tequila! Chemists help assure quality of popular Mexican beverage

Researchers analyze 31 pure agave tequilas and 25 mixed-tequila samples using ion and gas chromatography, identifying distinct chemical profiles. A new screening test using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy may be used to identify fake tequilas.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 3, 2006
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Sunflower seeds, pistachios among top nuts for lowering cholesterol

Sesame seed and wheat germ topped the list as effective in lowering cholesterol levels, while Brazil nuts and walnuts ranked lowest in phytosterols. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining good health, the researchers stress.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 7, 2005

Food for thought for winter, holidays

Researchers highlight the importance of antioxidants in fighting off winter ailments. Apples contain more disease-fighting compounds than other varieties, while hot cocoa, chamomile tea, and cranberries may also have health benefits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 1, 2005

Baseball food and drink: Healthy chemistry scores a surprise hit

Researchers found that sunflower seeds release a compound that may lower blood pressure, while moderate beer drinking reduces heart attack risk. Sauerkraut contains anti-cancer compounds, and onions help prevent bone loss. Meanwhile, regular hot dogs taste better than low-fat ones due to slower-releasing aroma compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJul 7, 2005

Red delicious, Northern Spy apples have most antioxidants, chemists find

Researchers analyzed eight apple varieties and found Red Delicious and Northern Spy apples to have the highest antioxidant levels. Polyphenols in the skin and flesh of these apples were responsible for the highest antioxidant activity, with epicatechin and procyanidin B2 being key contributors.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 20, 2005
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

McGill researchers shed light on formation of carcinogen in food

McGill researchers identified a link between heat-induced breakdown of amino acids and sugars in food, producing the potential carcinogen furan. Traces of furan have been found in processed and cooked products, particularly canned and bottled foods, but quantities are below considered dangerous thresholds.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 2, 2005

Acrylamide in food: Unraveling exposure and risk

New studies examine acrylamide levels in foods such as potato chips, breads and cereals. Researchers have found that cooking conditions influence acrylamide levels, with some foods showing low levels despite popular assumption.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 29, 2004
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Thanksgiving: A time for healthful eating?

Recent research findings highlight the health benefits of traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as cranberries, which can aid recovery from stroke, and may protect brain cells. Antioxidant-rich foods like hot cocoa tops both red wine and tea in cancer-fighting compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 11, 2003