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The complexity of artificial intelligence

Professor Sun's research focuses on deep learning and meta-learning for recognizing images and videos. Her team is working on a food app that uses AI to track nutrition and achieve a healthy diet, but faces challenges due to cultural diversity.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMar 5, 2021

Ultrasonic cleaning of salad could reduce instances of food poisoning

A new study finds that gentle streams of water carrying sound and microscopic air bubbles can effectively clean salad leaves, reducing bacterial contamination and the risk of food poisoning. The method has implications for combating anti-microbial resistance and extending food shelf life.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalUltrasound in Medicine & Biology·DateMar 2, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Changing the silkworm's diet to spin stronger silk

Tohoku University researchers created stronger silk by mixing cellulose nanofiber into the silkworms' diet, resulting in a 2.0 times increase in strength compared to non-CNF fed silkworms. This innovative approach uses environmentally friendly materials and shows promise for producing sustainable biomaterials.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMaterials & Design·DateFeb 26, 2021

Eating human food could mean trouble for urban coyotes, study shows

A new study by University of Alberta researchers reveals that urban coyotes consuming human food have more human-like gut bacteria, leading to poor health outcomes such as lower body fat and stressed immune systems. The study suggests limiting access to protein-poor human food could be an effective solution.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2021

Smaller plates help reduce food waste in campus dining halls

A University of Illinois study found that shifting from round to oval plates with smaller surface areas can significantly reduce food waste in dining halls. The researchers observed significant reductions in food selection, consumption, and waste when diners used the oval plates, resulting in nearly 20 grams less food waste per plate.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2021

Plant-based diets improve cardiac function, cognitive health

A plant-based diet, such as the Mediterranean Diet (MIND), was found to slow down heart failure and lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. The study of 2,512 participants showed that a diet rich in berries and green leafy vegetables can positively impact cardiac function.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateFeb 25, 2021
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.

Mushrooms add important nutrients when included in the typical diet

The study found that adding a serving of mushrooms to the diet increased several micronutrients, including potassium, copper, selenium, and B vitamins. The addition of oyster mushrooms also increased vitamin D levels. Mushrooms exposed to UV-light significantly boosted vitamin D intake.

SourceFLM Harvest·JournalFood & Nutrition Research·DateFeb 24, 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.

Smartphone study points to new ways to measure food consumption

A new method using smartphones offers precise means to gauge food consumption over time, capturing seasonal shifts in diet patterns. The approach has the potential to predict physical well-being and tackle food insecurity affecting two billion people worldwide.

SourceNew York University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 18, 2021

Grasshoppers and roadblocks: Coping with COVID-19 in rural Mexico

In rural Mexico, Indigenous people are coping with the pandemic by setting roadblocks to limit outsider access and promoting social distancing and mask use. They are also turning to traditional food sources like wild honey and chapulines, or grasshoppers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGlobal Public Health·DateFeb 12, 2021

Why portraying humans as healthy machines can backfire

Researchers found that human-as-machine representations can lead to unhealthy food choices among consumers with low confidence in their ability to make rational decisions. Adding reassuring messages can increase healthy food choice by 22%. The study highlights the need for a nuanced approach to public health strategies.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateFeb 11, 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.

A study analyses breakfast-related advertising in Mediterranean countries

A study found that breakfast products targeted at children contain significantly more sugar than those advertised for adults. This can lead to unhealthy eating habits and contribute to rising childhood obesity rates. The experts recommend restricting advertising for certain unhealthy foods aimed at young children.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalChildren·DateFeb 11, 2021

Infant and toddler food product names may not accurately reflect ingredient amounts

Researchers found that vegetables in U.S. Department of Agriculture's 'dark green' category were often included in product names, but their average order in the ingredient list was close to fourth. Fruits, particularly juice and juice concentrates, were less likely to appear in product names despite being more prominent in the ingredie...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateFeb 10, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Food waste researcher: We must learn that brown fruit isn't bad fruit

A new study reveals that emotions play a significant role in food choices, leading to over $716,000 tonnes of wasted food in Denmark each year. Researchers suggest communicating the benefits of imperfect fruit and exploring effective platforms to promote sustainable eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateFeb 8, 2021

Front-of-package product names and ingredient lists of infant and toddler food can be hard to navigate

A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior has found that inconsistent information exists on commercial infant and toddler food packages, making it difficult for parents to understand what they are buying. This confusion can lead to early exposure to nutritious foods not helping children develop healthy eating habits.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateFeb 8, 2021

Feed Fido fresh human-grade dog food to scoop less poop

A new University of Illinois study shows human-grade dog food is more digestible and produces less waste. Dogs fed human-grade diets had significantly less poop than those on traditional kibble, with some producing as little as 1.5 times less poop.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateFeb 3, 2021

Dishing up 3D printed food, one tasty printout at a time

A team of researchers from NTU Singapore and SUTD has created a new way to create 'food inks' from fresh and frozen vegetables, preserving their nutrition and flavor. The method is expected to improve the eating experience for patients with swallowing difficulties, such as dysphagia.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateFeb 3, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Successful pilot study of time restricted eating weight loss plan

A pilot study of time restricted eating found that participants lost an average of 3.5kg over 12 weeks with almost 60% adhering to the plan at three months. The researchers suggest this weight loss approach could be a viable option for those struggling with obesity.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 28, 2021

Is there a link between cashless payments and unhealthy consumption?

Research finds cashless payments increase spending on unhealthy food as lower arousal directs attention away from decision risks. Participants with higher education were more willing to pay for desserts under cashless payment conditions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 27, 2021

New research: Monitoring online posts by consumers could help improve food safety

Researchers propose a Food Safety Monitoring System that uses text mining to analyze consumer comments on websites, flagging products associated with food-related illnesses. The system was tested on Amazon reviews and IWasPoisoned.com data, identifying specific brands of protein bars and herbal teas as high-risk products.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJan 26, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NIH study compares low-fat, plant-based diet to low-carb, animal-based diet

A small, highly controlled study at the National Institutes of Health compared the effects of a low-fat, plant-based diet to a low-carb, animal-based diet on calorie intake, hormone levels, body weight, and more. Participants lost weight on both diets, but only the low-fat diet led to a significant loss of body fat.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 21, 2021

Fishing out the bad apples: Novel quantitative method to assess the safety of food

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have created a novel quantitative method to assess the safety of food, particularly for fish samples. By using fluorescent carbon nanoparticles and a protein that binds strongly to histamine, the team can accurately quantify histamine levels in fish samples with high sensitivity and specificity.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJan 19, 2021

Eating habits partly down to your genetics, finds new study

Researchers analyzed dietary habits of 2,590 twins using nine dietary indices and found identical twins were more similar than non-identical twins, suggesting a genetic component to food choices. The study highlights the complex relationship between genetics and environment in shaping eating behavior.

SourceKing's College London·JournalTwin Research and Human Genetics·DateJan 19, 2021

Climate change is hurting children's diets, global study finds

A global study of 107,000 children found that higher temperatures are an equal or greater contributor to child malnutrition and low quality diets than poverty, sanitation, and education. Climate change is also associated with increased diet diversity in some regions, but this effect depends on the intensity and distribution of rainfall.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 14, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

KU studies show breakfast can improve basketball shooting performance

A new study published in Physical Education and Sport found that eating breakfast can significantly improve a basketball player's shooting performance, particularly in free throws. The research involved 18 young players who took part in two weeks of drills with or without breakfast, resulting in improved performances in most categories.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPhysical Education and Sport·DateJan 13, 2021

Healthcare Nutrition Council leads the way on medical food discussions

A recent publication in Current Developments in Nutrition shares the historical and regulatory context of medical foods and perspectives on their role in the future. The Healthcare Nutrition Council's Medical Foods Workshop highlighted key considerations for patient access and product innovation, driving consensus on terms and definiti...

SourceKellen Communications - NY·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateJan 12, 2021
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.

The health risk raised by ultra-processed foods

A large-scale Italian study found that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with a 26% increased risk of death and a 58% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that industrial processing itself may be the main culprit, rather than added sugars.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 17, 2020
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.

Augmented reality visor makes cake taste moister, more delicious

Researchers developed an augmented reality (AR) visor system that manipulates light distribution to alter food appearance. This technique altered perceptions of moistness, wateriness, and deliciousness in people consuming the food, with the most notable effects on cake and ketchup.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 15, 2020

An avocado a day keeps your gut microbes happy

A new study from the University of Illinois found that consuming avocados as part of a daily meal increased beneficial bacteria and improved gut health in adults with overweight or obesity. The research also showed that avocado consumption reduced bile acids and increased short-chain fatty acids, leading to positive health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateDec 15, 2020

Roadmap offers solutions for future of food, global ag innovation

A Cornell University-led team has created a roadmap for global agricultural and food systems innovation, reform, and sustainability to address food crises and climate change. The report outlines seven major recommendations to make the world's agri-food systems healthy, equitable, resilient, and sustainable.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 10, 2020

Differences in ancient Peruvian diets

A study reveals distinct dietary patterns in ancient Huaca Prieta and Paredones communities in north coastal Peru, with Paredones adults consuming high amounts of maize and terrestrial meat. The findings suggest diet differences may have facilitated resource exchange and economic specialization between nearby communities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020
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.

Nutritional quality of foods, beverages in movies

A study analyzed 250 top-grossing US movies from 1994-2018, comparing the nutritional quality of food and beverage depictions to dietary guidelines. The findings indicate that movie foods often exceed recommended levels of calories, added sugars, and saturated fats.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2020

Healthy food labels that work and don't work

Researchers found that displaying PAE labels alongside the Healthier Choice Symbol reduced its effectiveness in encouraging consumers to buy healthier options. The Healthier Choice Symbol alone led to a 5% increase in purchasing healthier products, but combining it with PAE labels had little impact.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalAppetite·DateNov 17, 2020

National supplies of protein, carbs and fats can predict your lifespan

A new global study from the University of Sydney found evidence of undernutrition in countries worldwide, with optimal supplies changing with age. For early life, high fat and protein supplies minimize mortality, while later life reduces fat and increases carbohydrate intake leads to lowest mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2020

Sugar work: U-M study finds sugar remodels molecular memory in fruit flies

A high-sugar diet reprograms taste cells in fruit flies, leaving a lasting molecular memory that affects future eating behavior. The researchers found that the molecular memory is persistent even after switching to healthy diets, leading to changes in gene expression that impact sweet taste perception.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 11, 2020

In flies, consuming high-sugar diet reduces sensitivity to sweetness

A high-sugar diet in fruit flies reprograms sweet taste receptors, reducing sensitivity to sweetness and promoting unhealthy eating habits. The study suggests that this epigenetic change may contribute to obesity and chronic diseases.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 11, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Better health - for people and the planet - grows on trees

Researchers outline the benefits of tropical fruits in terms of nutrition and discuss barriers to scaling up supply. Smallholder farmers and marginalized groups can benefit from tree-sourced food sources, which can also provide ecosystem services like carbon sequestration.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalPeople and Nature·DateNov 5, 2020

Reducing global food system emissions key to meeting climate goals

A new study published in Science finds that greenhouse gas emissions from the global food system could lead to a 1.5°C temperature increase by mid-century and 2°C by the end of the century. Transforming farming practices, eating habits, and reducing food waste are crucial to achieving climate goals.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2020
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.

Avoiding inflammatory foods can lower heart disease, stroke risk

Diets high in proinflammatory foods increase heart disease and stroke risk, while anti-inflammatory diets like the Mediterranean diet lower inflammation levels. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods and limiting processed meats can help combat inflammation.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 2, 2020
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.

High flavanol diet may lead to lower blood pressure

Researchers found that consuming flavanol-rich foods and drinks, such as tea and apples, can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure. The study used objective measures of thousands of UK residents' diet and found a comparable effect to Mediterranean and DASH diets.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 2020