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Ancient dental calculus reveals diverse diets of commoners in premodern Osaka, Japan, the 'Kitchen of the Realm'

Research reveals surprisingly diverse diets of premodern commoners in Osaka, including luxury fish and products from distant regions. Dental calculus proteomics analysis identified 38 dietary proteins from 17 taxa, showing that urban commoners had access to a wide range of foods beyond traditional stable isotope analysis.

SourceThe Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI·JournalAnthropological Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2026

Nanobiochar could help crops withstand drought, pollution, and nutrient loss

A comprehensive review of nanobiochar reveals its potential to address multiple agricultural challenges simultaneously, including nutrient retention, water holding capacity, and stress tolerance. The study highlights the need for careful risk assessment and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe deployment in sustainable farming systems.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalBiochar X·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 11, 2026

Multicenter study provides new insight to guide future rehabilitation and nutrition strategies for ICU patients

A multicenter study has provided new evidence on the effectiveness of combined exercise and nutrition interventions in critically ill patients. Researchers found that such interventions did not improve outcomes compared to usual ICU care, but generated valuable insights for refining future rehabilitation and nutrition strategies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 13, 2026

New peer-reviewed paper by more than 20 protein experts calls for rethinking dietary protein guidance beyond "eat more protein": National Pork Board reports

A new paper by over 20 protein experts examines widely held propositions about dietary protein, concluding that some science is insufficient or not robust enough to support certain claims. Key findings include the importance of protein quality, individual essential amino acids, and nuance in high-protein intake during weight loss.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2026

Clarifying the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism

Researchers investigated the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism, finding that gut microbiota transform selenium into metabolites influencing utilization, detoxification, and excretion. The study also revealed that Se intake affects bacterial diversity and that gut microbes produce unique selenometabolites.

SourceChiba University·JournalFood Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

The weight of wheat

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that mice preferred carbohydrates over standard chow, leading to increased body weight and fat mass. The researchers also discovered a decrease in energy expenditure and an accumulation of fat in the liver, which improved when wheat flour intake was discontinued.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2026

Seabirds as architects of the landscape

Seabirds have a significant impact on plant growth and dune formation on uninhabited islands, with guano providing essential nutrients. The research highlights the importance of protecting seabird habitats to maintain ecosystem balance.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalBiogeosciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2026

Study confirms food fortification is highly cost-effective in fighting hidden hunger across 63 countries

A comprehensive systematic review found that large-scale food fortification is a highly cost-effective intervention for reducing global malnutrition, with benefits far outweighing costs. The study analyzed 56 studies from 63 countries and found that fortification programs deliver substantial health benefits relative to costs.

SourceCochrane·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 5, 2026

Study shows 20-year decline in nitrate pollution across portions of the Mississippi River Basin

A new study found a significant decline in nitrogen pollution in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin over the past two decades. The decline is attributed to cleaner air and more efficient nitrogen uptake by modern corn hybrids, as well as reduced fertilizer application.

Evidence behind intermittent fasting for weight loss fails to match hype

A new Cochrane review suggests that intermittent fasting may not be an effective strategy for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. The study found no meaningful difference in weight loss between intermittent fasting and traditional dietary advice or doing nothing, highlighting the need for more research into this area.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 15, 2026

Root microbes could help oak trees adapt to drought

Research found that oak tree microbiomes are resilient to environmental stressors like drought and disease, with subtle changes in root microbiota after prolonged drought. The study suggests a potential role for beneficial bacteria in supporting tree resilience and stability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Natto your average food

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that natto bacteria convert soybean proteins and other substances into supersulfide molecules. Heat-treated soybeans also showed an increase in supersulfides before fermentation, indicating a complex mechanism behind natto's health benefits.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNitric Oxide·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

Largest study of its kind highlights benefits – and risks – of plant-based diets in children

A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2025

How you eat may be connected to how you sleep

A study by Raedeh Basiri found associations between dietary patterns, glycemic status, diabetes control, and sleep outcomes. Individuals with diabetes or prediabetes were more likely to have trouble sleeping and experience abnormal sleep duration compared to those without these conditions.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateDec 11, 2025

Metabolic roots of memory loss

Researchers identified biological markers of inflammation, liver stress, and early damage to brain cells in young adults with obesity. Low blood levels of choline, essential for liver health and long-term brain function, were also found. These findings suggest that metabolic stress and inflammation may begin far earlier than expected.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAging and Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2025

Metabolism, not just weight, improved when older adults reduced ultra-processed food intake

A controlled feeding study out of South Dakota State University shows that older adults who reduced ultra-processed foods naturally consumed fewer calories, lost weight and abdominal fat, and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and inflammation. This study provides evidence that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can deliver s...

SourceSouth Dakota State University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 24, 2025

New study reveals how China can cut nitrogen pollution while safeguarding national food security

A new study reveals that China's nationwide nitrogen management could reduce fertilizer use by over one third, improving air and water quality without compromising crop yields. Implementing a three-step strategy to increase manure recycling, balance fertilizer applications with environmental sources, and adopt integrated soil and crop ...

Study: Arrival of boll weevils in U.S. South in early 20th century brought long-term benefits for Black sons born after the agricultural shock

A new study found that the arrival of boll weevils in the US South in the early 20th century led to improved economic outcomes for Black sons born after the agricultural shock. The researchers examined changes in earnings, occupations, and residences for Black males before and after the boll weevil's appearance.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateNov 6, 2025