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Nudging acceptance of alternative proteins

A recent study by SMU Associate Professors Mark Chong and Angela Leung found that the ultimate form and presentation of alternative protein products significantly impact their acceptance by consumers. Focusing on the end product and framing alternative proteins as a positive highlight of an exciting food future may foster greater accep...

SourceSingapore Management University·DateFeb 25, 2022

More intense roasting of cocoa beans lessens bitterness, boosts chocolate liking

Researchers found that longer and hotter roasting conditions can reduce bitterness in unsweetened chocolate, making it more palatable for health-conscious consumers. The study involved 145 participants who evaluated 27 different chocolate samples, with the most acceptable being made from beans roasted at 340°F.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Research in Food Science·DateFeb 24, 2022

Local communities around the globe claim the disappearance of wild edible plants

Local communities worldwide report a significant decrease in wild edible plant and mushroom abundance, impacting their nutrition and food security. The study highlights the importance of considering local geographic and socio-cultural contexts to develop strategies for counteracting these changes.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 22, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Positive parenting can reduce the risk that children develop obesity

A study by Brandi Rollins and Lori Francis found that early positive interactions with caregivers can reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 mother-child pairs and discovered that children's early exposures to family psychosocial assets protect against obesity.

SourcePenn State·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Middle-aged men see weight gain as inevitable

A new study reveals that middle-aged men perceive weight gain as an inevitable consequence of family and career commitments. The research found that these men experience low self-worth and despondency, despite awareness of health risks, due to a lack of education on nutrition and lifestyle factors.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2022

Reframing the controversial bushmeat trade

Researchers examine the complex relationship between bushmeat consumption and global health, finding that Western definitions of progress may overlook local cultures. By reframing conservation perspectives, they aim to create a more balanced narrative around this contentious trade.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 2022
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.

Climate drove 7,000 years of dietary changes in the Central Andes

A new study reveals that climate had a significant influence on diet in the Central Andes between 400 and 7,000 years ago. The researchers found that population size had little impact on dietary variation, except during the Late Horizon (~480-418 yBP), when diets became more similar due to the Inca Empire's centralized power.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

Changing your diet could add up to a decade to life expectancy, study finds

A new model estimates the impact of dietary changes on life expectancy, suggesting that adopting an optimized diet rich in legumes, whole grains, and nuts can increase lifespan by over a decade. For young adults, this could add up to 10-13 years, while older individuals may still experience significant gains.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2022

Unique FAU seagrass nursery aims to help Florida's starving manatees

A new FAU seagrass nursery aims to restore the Indian River Lagoon's seagrass beds, which have declined by 58% since 2011 due to reduced light and intense phytoplankton blooms. The nursery uses optimized conditions to boost seagrass productivity and promote genetic diversity for future restoration efforts.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2022
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.

Culinary medicine education program shows positive outcomes for low-income patients with diabetes

A culinary medicine curriculum significantly improved biometric and diet-related behavioral outcomes among low-income patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants showed reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, suggesting a positive impact on diabetes management.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 7, 2022

Unique strengths and facilitators in American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that unique strengths and facilitators within American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity. The study found that cultural values such as sharing and supporting one another can improve healthy food access for older adults.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

More spice could help seniors avoid salt

Researchers found that adding chipotle seasoning to white sauce formulations made it difficult for older adults to differentiate between low and high levels of salt. Conversely, herbs like basil leaves and garlic powder were not as effective at masking salty flavors.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

23,000 years ago, humans in Israel enjoyed a new bounty of food options

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that changing climate conditions 23,000 years ago expanded food options for humans in Israel's Sea of Galilee region. The research analyzed animal remains at the submerged archaeological site of Ohalo II, revealing a diverse diet with multiple prey sources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

How to ruin the taste of a cookie with just 2 words

A recent study from Ohio State University found that labeling identical products as 'new and improved' resulted in higher overall liking ratings compared to those labeled as 'consumer complaint.' The researchers suggest that this negative bias has a bigger impact on consumer perception than positive labels.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJan 26, 2022

Urinary metabolic ‘signatures’ predict diet quality and metabolic health in European children

Researchers identified four metabolites that indicate adherence to a Mediterranean diet, while ultra-processed foods consumption was associated with lower levels of these metabolites. The study's findings support public health efforts to recommend increased Mediterranean diet adoption and limiting ultra-processed food intake in childhood.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022
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.

Flavonoids may reduce mortality risk for people with Parkinson’s Disease

A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

NIH awards $170 million for precision nutrition study

The NIH is awarding $170 million to clinics and centers for a precision nutrition study that will develop algorithms to predict individual responses to food and dietary routines. The Nutrition for Precision Health study will recruit 10,000 participants from the All of Us Research Program.

SourceNIH/All of Us Research Program·DateJan 20, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

HNRCA launches national center for precision health

The HNRCA will collect data from a cohort of 2,000 people to develop algorithms predicting individual responses to diet and nutrition. The goal is to create personalized nutrition recommendations based on factors like genetics, metabolism, and environment.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·DateJan 20, 2022

UW and Stanford researchers reveal findings of nationwide study of the relationship between food environment and healthy eating

A nationwide study reveals that higher access to grocery stores is associated with increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, lower consumption of fast food and soda. Food deserts and high income were found to be negatively correlated with dietary health, particularly among subpopulations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2022

Green-Med Diet Seems to Slow Age-Related Neurodegeneration

A green Mediterranean diet rich in polyphenols and low in red and processed meat may slow age-related brain atrophy. The DIRECT PLUS 18-month trial found significant attenuation of brain atrophy among participants who adhered to both diets.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2022
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.

Chewing to stay slim: how to savor your food better and dodge weight gain, too!

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that chewing food thoroughly increases energy expenditure through diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), which helps prevent obesity. The study involved participants who chewed liquid food for varying durations, revealing that prolonged chewing and tasting increased DIT, gas exchange, pro...

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Study finds reduced microbial diversity in guts of wild bears that eat human food

A recent study by North Carolina State University and Northern Michigan University found that eating human food reduces microbial diversity in black bears' guts. The researchers analyzed gut samples from 35 bears and found lower biodiversity in those with a diet rich in processed foods.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2022

Healthy diet in early pregnancy reduces risk of gestational diabetes

A study conducted at the University of Turku found that following a healthy diet in early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes. The research revealed that a diet high in saturated fats and low in essential nutrients increases inflammation and raises the risk of gestational diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateDec 29, 2021

High-fiber diet associated with improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma patients

Patients with sufficient fiber intake had improved progression-free survival and response to immunotherapy in melanoma. A high-fiber diet was associated with slower tumor growth and increased CD4+ T cells in pre-clinical models, supporting the potential benefits of dietary interventions on cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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.

For IBS, specific diets are less important than expected

A new study found that a specific type of carbohydrate called ‘fodmaps’ can aggravate intestinal problems, but its impact is not as significant as previously believed. IBS symptoms were found to be influenced more by psychological factors and individual differences in metabolism and intestinal flora.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

No longer just ‘famine food’ and the ‘fish of death’

Limpets played a significant role in global culture, medicine, and innovation, with uses dating back tens of thousands of years. They have contributed to the evolution of human brain development and feature in many place names and traditions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalInternational Review of Environmental History·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 16, 2021

Online menus should put healthy food first

A Flinders University study found that online menus placed with healthy food items at the top increase the likelihood of choosing them by 30-40%. The researchers investigated menu placement on both physical and digital menus to encourage healthier eating habits.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAppetite·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Adults with positive facial expressions while eating vegetables help kids consume more than double the amount of vegetables – research

Research by Aston University psychologists found that children who watched adults eat green vegetables with positive facial expressions consumed more than double the amount of those vegetables. The study suggests that smiling while eating can encourage children to try and eat more, especially less popular vegetables like broccoli.

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

How diet influences taste sensitivity and preference

A University of California, Riverside study found that diet impacts taste sensitivity and food choice in fruit flies, using macronutrients like sugars and amino acids for survival. Flies adjusted their taste preferences based on dietary imbalances, influencing food choices to regain a balanced diet.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Live-streaming ads for alcohol, junk food increased during pandemic

A Penn State study found that live-streaming ads for alcohol, energy drinks, and junk food significantly increased during the pandemic, targeting young viewers. The researchers discovered that energy drinks made up nearly 80% of marketing, while ads for restaurants and soda were also prevalent.

SourcePenn State·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021
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.

Keto diet may not work for women

Researchers at University of California - Riverside are studying the keto and intermittent fasting diets on a molecular level, finding that women may metabolize fat differently than men. The study aims to understand why keto diet may not be effective for women and how it affects their overall health.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateDec 8, 2021

We prefer farmed salmon – as long as we don't know what we're eating

A blind taste test by University of Copenhagen researchers shows Danes prefer conventional and organic farmed smoked salmon over wild-caught. The study reveals that people's expectations about a product affect their overall taste experience.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateDec 3, 2021

Giving ugly food a chance

Researchers found that consumers are willing to pay a small discount for imperfect carrots, maxing out at 40% of misshapen carrots. Marketing messages promoting the nutritional quality and societal benefits of ugly produce were more effective in convincing consumers to buy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·DateDec 2, 2021

Reduced meat diet has many advantages

A recent study found that adopting a reduced meat diet can significantly improve human health, animal welfare, and the environment. The researchers compared different diets, including a Mediterranean diet with more fish and seafood, and a vegan diet, to a reference diet based on German Nutrition Society recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateNov 30, 2021
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.

Just in time: Prunes may help rein in holiday cravings, according to new research

A new study found that consuming prunes can help regulate appetite and lead to greater weight loss compared to other snack choices. Prune consumption was also associated with improved satiety and reduced hunger levels, making them a potential strategy for managing holiday cravings.

SourceFleishman-Hillard, Sacramento·JournalNutrition Bulletin·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2021

Study proposes a two-step plan to combat China’s waning agricultural exports

A recent study proposes a two-step plan to improve China's export competitiveness of its agricultural products. The study suggests focusing on traditional products with distinctive regional characteristics and taking comprehensive measures to enhance the international competitiveness of disadvantaged products.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRegional Sustainability·DateNov 23, 2021

How eating less in early life could help with reproduction later on

Researchers found that females who consumed less food for their entire lives lived longer but didn't reproduce as well as better-fed counterparts. However, those who switched to unlimited food after early life restriction started mating and reproducing more, producing three times more offspring than restricted diet flies.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Soft food diet increases risks for captive animals released in wild

Research reveals that captive animals on soft food diets may experience weaker skulls and reduced bite effectiveness when released back into the wild. The study found that rats fed softer diets had weaker skulls, but those switched from hard to soft food as juveniles also showed signs of weakened bone growth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 22, 2021

Healthier UK diets linked to lower greenhouse gas emissions

A new analysis found that non-vegetarian diets result in higher greenhouse gas emissions than vegetarian diets, while a diet rich in nutrients and low in saturated fats can significantly reduce emissions. The study suggests small changes, such as cutting out sweets or switching brands, can make big environmental gains.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2021
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.

A puppy’s diet seems to be a sig­ni­fic­ant factor in the de­vel­op­ment of al­lergy and atopy re­lated skin symp­toms in adult dogs

Researchers studied 4022 dogs fed different diets as puppies to see if it affected allergy and atopy related skin symptoms in adulthood. They found that puppies fed raw tripe, organ meats, and human meal leftovers had fewer allergies and skin issues.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 18, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

COVID-19 forced a shift from healthy feeding practices by parents of young children

Parents of preschoolers used lower levels of structure and autonomy support during the COVID-19 pandemic, associated with negative parent mood and higher coercive control. The study suggests a need for public health advocates to support families in re-establishing healthy eating routines after the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalAppetite·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2021

Younger generation eat climate-consciously

The study found that 29% of younger Germans eat a flexitarian diet and 17% follow a meat-free diet, demonstrating high levels of climate awareness. The results highlight the need for effective communication to promote climate-conscious eating habits among the undecided group.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCleaner and Responsible Consumption·TypeSurvey·DateNov 8, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Adding herbs and spices to meals may help lower blood pressure

A study found that consuming high amounts of herbs and spices daily can lead to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The researchers discovered that adding just 1.3 teaspoons of herbs and spices a day to an average American diet resulted in lower blood pressure after four weeks.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2021

Four years after release of guidelines, parents still not informed about early peanut introduction

A new study reveals that only 40% of parents received a recommendation to introduce peanut products by 11 months of age, despite the 2017 guidelines. The survey also found that most infants are at moderate- or low-risk for developing peanut allergies and can safely have peanut-containing foods introduced.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 5, 2021