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Two new studies find positive health outcomes of mango consumption

Two new studies found that regular mango consumption is associated with better overall diet quality, higher intakes of essential nutrients like fiber and potassium, and improved glucose control. Mango snacking was also shown to reduce inflammation and improve antioxidant capacity compared to other sweet snacks.

SourceWild Hive·JournalNutrients·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 24, 2022

The secret of mycorrhizal fungi

Researchers found that forest trees with a mix of both ectomycorrhiza and arbuscular mycorrhiza had the greatest tree diversity, contradicting previous beliefs. This discovery highlights the importance of considering the coexistence of different mycorrhizal strategies in promoting plant biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 24, 2022

New species of marine plankton discovered, an overlooked source of nutrients in the oceans

Researchers have discovered two new and unusual species of diatoms that fix nitrogen, a critical process supporting productivity in nutrient-poor open ocean waters. These diatoms harbor symbiotic cyanobacteria that convert dissolved nitrogen gas into ammonia, enabling them to thrive in nutrient-poor conditions.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Cover crops help squash squash their pathogens

A recent study found that cover cropping can reduce the population of Pseudomonas syringae, a common bacterial pathogen affecting agricultural crops. The researchers also discovered an increase in beneficial microbes such as Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium, which have been used as biocontrol agents against pathogens.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Unveiling the secrets of biofilms at lightsource BESSY II

Researchers studied Bacillus subtilis biofilms using X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, finding that calcium ions accumulate in the matrix while zinc, manganese, and iron ions accumulate along wrinkles. These findings suggest a link between structure, nutrients, water, and bacterial behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Shrimp cocktails served in Japanese rivers

A study by Kyoto University found that migratory shrimp significantly enriched streams with nutrients, outperforming aquatic insects. The research highlights the crucial role of these small crustaceans in maintaining ecosystem balance and suggests integrating landscape management to support nutrient cycling.

SourceKyoto University·JournalOecologia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists invent a protein-rich product made from plants that could replace dairy and eggs in certain foods

A team of scientists from NTU Singapore has developed a plant-based emulsifier that is rich in protein and antioxidants, allowing it to replace eggs or dairy in food staples. The emulsifier is made by fermenting brewers' spent grain and can help cut down on food waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Rewilding the Arctic with mammals likely to be ineffective in slowing climate change impact

A new study published in PNAS found that large mammals died out at the end of the last ice age due to a warming climate and vegetation expansion. Rewilding efforts with animals like bison and horses are unlikely to reverse this trend, as climate change remains the primary driver of ecosystem changes.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

Ferocious fungus

Scientists at the University of Utah studied the defense mechanism of Armillaria ostoyae, a parasitic fungus that infects and kills over 600 types of woody plants. They found that the fungus's outer layer has a strong protective role, containing calcium to protect itself from chemicals and insects.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

What’s in the water?

Researchers created a fine-grain understanding of how human wastewater affects coastal waters worldwide, mapping global sources and destinations of nitrogen. The study highlights the impact of modern diets on marine ecology and provides insights for local solutions to tackle a complex global problem.

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

Sticking to low-fat dairy may not be the only heart healthy option, study shows

A new study has found that consuming more dairy fat may actually be beneficial for heart health, challenging traditional dietary guidelines. The research analyzed data from over 43,000 people and found that those with higher intakes of dairy fat had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with low intakes.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 21, 2021

Is your child a fussy eater?

A systematic review of 80 health industry studies found that pressuring children to eat negatively influences fussy eating, while a more relaxed parenting style and family meals reduce the likelihood. Researchers recommend positive parenting and involving kids in meal preparation to help them overcome picky eating habits.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2021

Scientific paper urges nutrition scientists to advocate for sustainable food systems

The scientific paper highlights challenges in global food systems, including climate change, production of unhealthy foods, and inadequate nutrition. The authors propose rebalancing agriculture research towards healthy crops, nutrient-rich foods, and nature-positive technologies to create a more sustainable future.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 17, 2021

NSF launches $25 million digital biology center

The Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS) aims to integrate plant sciences, engineering, and computer science to improve crop efficiency and sustainability. Researchers will engineer plants that can detect environmental changes and respond to digital signals, leading to more efficient water and nutrient delivery.

Bacteria could learn to predict the future

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that bacteria can adapt to changing environments by learning statistical regularities, enabling them to predict the future faster than traditional evolutionary methods. The study reveals a simple regulatory architecture that allows bacteria to process information and mak...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournaleLife·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2021

Smartphone cameras offer smallholder farmers promising new access to soil health knowledge

A recent study published in Biosystems Engineering explores the potential of smartphone cameras to assess soil organic matter and evaluate soil fertility. The technique uses advanced image analysis and machine learning to predict SOM values rapidly and with high correlation to traditional soil analysis.

SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalBiosystems Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021