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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

Yeast as food emulsifier? Easily released protein as strong as casein

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered yeast cell wall-derived proteins that exhibit high emulsifying activity, comparable to commercial casein emulsifier. These easily released protein molecules could potentially replace emulsifiers derived from milk, eggs, and soybeans, reducing allergenic concerns.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

NTU Singapore researchers develop a method to extract useful proteins from beer-brewing leftovers

Researchers from NTU Singapore have created a method to extract over 80% of the available protein in grain leftovers from brewing beer, commonly known as brewers' spent grain. The extracted proteins could be used commercially to enrich human diets and cosmetic products, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional ingredients.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalInnovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2024

Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural mushroom compounds to address psychiatric disorders

A new study suggests that mushroom extract containing psilocybin demonstrates superior efficacy in stimulating neuroplasticity and promoting new connections between nerve cells. The research found that the extract had a more potent and prolonged impact on synaptic plasticity compared to chemically synthesized psilocybin.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024

A revolutionary method to observe cell transport

Researchers developed a new method to study membrane proteins in their native environment, the cell, using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. This technique allows for precise determination of protein properties and could lead to better understanding and targeting of membrane proteins involved in anti-cancer drug resistance.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateOct 24, 2022

NTU Singapore and ETH Zurich scientists decontaminate heavy metal water using protein from plant waste

Scientists have created a membrane made from a waste by-product of vegetable oil manufacturing that can filter out heavy metals from contaminated water. The membrane uses proteins derived from peanut or sunflower oil production to attract and trap heavy metal ions, purifying water to international drinking standards.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 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

Getting under the skin of a medieval mystery

A team of researchers used a non-invasive method to extract protein from medieval parchment samples, identifying the use of multiple mammal species in some manuscripts. The study resolves a long-standing controversy over the origin of 'uterine vellum' and sheds new light on medieval manuscript production techniques.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2015

Proteins hoist the anchor

Scientists successfully reproduce protein recycling process, tracing Rab's extraction from lipid membrane. The study reveals GDI protein's active role in recycling Rab proteins, shedding light on disease-relevant interactions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

A new look at proteins in living cells

A new method, SPR microscopy, allows for quantitative analysis of protein interactions on cell surfaces, streamlining drug development and diagnostic biomarker identification. The technique provides high-resolution spatial and temporal information, revealing dynamic processes evolving over time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 27, 2012

Oldest fossil human protein ever sequenced

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have successfully sequenced a fossil human protein from over 40,000 years ago, providing valuable information on human evolution and diet. The analysis reveals that the Neanderthal sequence is identical to modern humans', suggesting a shared dietary history.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2005