Add BrightSurf on Google Email

What Anglo Saxon teeth can tell us about modern health

Researchers from the University of Bradford analyzed Anglo Saxon children's milk teeth to identify modern children at risk for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The study found that teeth provide a more reliable indicator of diet and health than bones, revealing biomarkers for stress in early life.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 6, 2018

Consuming milk at breakfast lowers blood glucose throughout the day

A recent study found that consuming milk at breakfast with high-protein content reduces postprandial blood glucose concentration and increases feelings of satiety. This effect is more pronounced when whey protein is present, which can aid in slower digestion of carbohydrates and maintain lower blood sugar levels.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateAug 20, 2018

Techniques for reducing sugar content in dairy products show promise

Researchers review options to reduce sugar in ice cream, yogurt, and flavored milk without sacrificing flavor, finding sweetener blends and sugar reduction techniques promising. Techniques like sorbitol and sucralose, erythritol, and lactitol show potential for reducing sugar content, improving taste and texture.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateAug 20, 2018

Injectable trace minerals improve oxidative stress after aflatoxin challenge in dairy cows

A new study found that injectable trace minerals alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress in lactating Holstein cows exposed to aflatoxin. The researchers discovered that the minerals increased liver concentrations of selenium and iron and boosted serum glutathione peroxidase activity.

Non-dairy drinks can be dangerous for infants

A study published in Acta Paediatrica found that non-dairy drinks can lead to malnutrition, height and weight impairment, anaemia, and other health problems in infants. The alternative beverages, commonly based on almonds, chestnuts, rice, and soya, were consumed by 34 children who suffered medical complications between 2005 and 2015.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJun 20, 2018

Loving the sweet enemy

Research found that foods high in both fats and carbohydrates stimulate the brain's reward system more strongly than other calorie sources. This intensified effect is consistent with game results, suggesting that our brains prefer these types of foods due to evolutionary pressures.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2018

Did eating dark chocolate improve vision?

Researchers found slight improvements in vision after eating dark chocolate, particularly in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The effects of dark chocolate on vision remain unknown beyond the short-term, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 26, 2018

Is your Easter egg bad for the environment?

A recent study by the University of Manchester found that the UK chocolate industry has a significant environmental impact, with high greenhouse gas emissions and water usage. The study estimates that the industry produces around 2.1m tonnes of GHG annually, equivalent to the annual emissions of a city as large as Belfast.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 29, 2018

China's need to turn milk green

A study published in Global Change Biology warns that China's growing milk demand will strain global dairy resources, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and land use if left unchecked. Improving domestic milk production efficiencies and adopting more sustainable practices could mitigate these impacts.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 6, 2018

Toddler formulas and milks -- not recommended by health experts -- mislead with health claims

A new study by NYU College of Global Public Health researchers finds that misleading labeling on toddler drinks lacks oversight, leading to confusion among parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization do not recommend these products, but manufacturers make health claims that are not supported by evidence.

SourceNew York University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

When is the right time to start infants on solid foods?

A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that over half of US infants are introduced to complementary foods before six months, while 16.3% are introduced before four months. This deviation from current recommendations may lead to nutrient deficiencies, allergies, and poorer diets later in ...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJan 4, 2018

Coffee physics

Princeton researchers studied the formation of layers in cafe lattes, discovering that double-diffusive convection is the primary mechanism behind this phenomenon. The study's findings have implications for industrial flows and mixing procedures, as well as understanding heat- and salinity-dependent flows in oceans.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2017

Breast milk found to protect against food allergy

A new study from Boston Children's Hospital suggests that eating allergenic foods during pregnancy can protect children from food allergies when breastfed. The research found that antibodies in breast milk transferred to offspring helped induce food tolerance, and the findings support recent guidelines rejecting advice to avoid highly ...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 20, 2017

When vegetables are closer in price to chips, people eat healthier, Drexel study finds

A recent Drexel University study discovered that when vegetables and dairy products are pricier than unhealthy snacks like chips, people's dietary quality suffers significantly. The researchers found a strong link between the price gap and lower odds of having a healthy diet, particularly among middle-income groups.

SourceDrexel University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 16, 2017

Lactation hormone also helps a mother's brain

Researchers found that signalling by prolactin to its receptors is essential for mothers to show vital maternal nurturing behaviour towards their young. This discovery may explain why some animal species abandon their young and highlights the importance of prolactin in establishing a bond between mother and baby.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2017

Organic consumers mean business

Research from Aarhus University found that once consumers start buying organic products, they are likely to continue and increase the number of organic products on their shopping list. This is due to a phenomenon known as a behavioural spillover effect, where purchasing organic products strengthens consumers' moral identity.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 25, 2017