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Effect of presymptomatic BMI, dietary intake, alcohol on ALS

Research suggests that ALS patients consume more daily calories but have a lower body-mass index (BMI) than those without the disease. Higher premorbid intake of total fat, saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, and cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of ALS, while higher alcohol intake is linked to a decreased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 17, 2015

Fresh from the tree

A new study found that depicting food in motion on packaging and marketing campaigns can make it seem fresher and more appealing to consumers. The researchers discovered that implied motion elevates the perceived quality of food, potentially encouraging healthier choices.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateAug 17, 2015

UK bottom of European avoidable food waste league

The UK is the worst offender in European avoidable food waste, with nearly 80% of all food waste being avoidable. The study found that vegetables, fruit and cereals contribute most to lost resources, while meat production uses more resources in the first place.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 11, 2015

Paleo diet: Big brains needed carbs

A new study suggests that dietary carbohydrate, particularly in the form of starch, was critical for the accelerated expansion of the human brain over the last million years. The research, led by Dr. Karen Hardy, highlights the importance of cooked starchy foods and higher salivary amylase genes in fueling brain growth.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateAug 6, 2015

How stress can tweak the brain to sabotage self-control

A study published in Neuron found that stress can alter brain connections to impair self-control, particularly when faced with tempting food choices. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced moderate stress were more likely to choose unhealthy options, and their brains showed altered patterns of connectivity.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 5, 2015

An orange a day keeps scurvy away

Astronauts' nutritional needs are crucial for long-duration space missions, as microgravity and radiation exposure impact health. NASA's Biochemical Profile project aims to understand the effects of spaceflight on nutrition and develop strategies to mitigate negative effects.

Overeating caused by a hormone deficiency in brain?

A new Rutgers University study found that a hormone deficiency in the brain can lead to overeating and a preference for high-fat food. Researchers discovered that reducing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the central nervous system caused mice to consume more calories and show an increased preference for high-fat foods.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 23, 2015

Eating habits matter most with overweight children

A recent study reveals that eating habits play a crucial role in the weight gain of overweight children. The researchers found that children who are triggered by food and eat when they are full tend to have a steeper BMI curve. In contrast, physical activity and TV viewing do not explain why some children's BMI increases more than others.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateJul 16, 2015

Is phosphate the next sodium?

A new Northwestern Medicine research center will investigate the potential heart damage caused by excess dietary phosphate, particularly in African Americans. The goal is to find new ways to prevent and treat heart failure and build evidence for regulating phosphate in the food supply.

Do you really think you're a foodie?

A nationwide survey of 502 women found that adventurous eaters rated themselves as healthier eaters and were more physically active. They also reported being more likely to have friends over for dinner and were less concerned with the healthfulness of their food.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalObesity·DateJul 2, 2015

The food-waste paradox

A study from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that buying too much food, preparing in abundance, and improper storage lead to significant household food waste. Implementing efficient meal planning strategies and proper food storage techniques can significantly reduce waste and save money.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Consumer Studies·DateJun 9, 2015

Is dietary supplementation appropriate for children with autism spectrum disorder?

A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often do not receive adequate nutrients from dietary supplements. Despite supplementation, many children with ASD still have deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitami...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 4, 2015

The less you sleep, the more you eat

A new study suggests that disrupted sleep can affect eating habits and behaviors, leading to increased food intake and long-term chronic health damage. The research highlights the importance of considering sleep patterns in efforts to modify dietary behavior and prevent conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Health Psychology·DateJun 1, 2015

Growing interest

A new Cornell study found that when school-grown salad greens were incorporated into cafeteria lunches, high school students increased their salad selection by 500% and consumed two-thirds of their salads. However, plate waste also rose, indicating a potential trade-off.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMay 14, 2015

Lousy sockeye are lousy competitors

Fraser River sockeye salmon infected with sea lice are less successful at consuming food than their lightly infected counterparts, according to a recent study. The research suggests that sea lice may indirectly affect the survival of juvenile sockeye through reduced foraging success.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateMay 1, 2015

Low-allergen soybean could have high impact

Researchers have developed a new variety of low-allergenic soybean that lacks key allergenic and anti-nutritional proteins, making it suitable for use in infant formulas, livestock feed, and aquaculture. The 'Triple Null' soybean has the potential to reduce processing costs and make animal feed production more efficient.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPlant Breeding·DateMay 1, 2015

How to short circuit hunger

Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered a long-sought component of the neural network that controls eating, finding that the melanoncortin 4 receptor-regulated circuit inhibits and controls hunger. Activating this circuit reduces feeding in mice and removes feelings of intense hunger.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 27, 2015