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COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

Researchers developed saliva-based testing as a sensitive alternative to nasal swabs. High demand for PPE revealed society's dependence on forced labor during the pandemic. No association was found between COVID-19 mitigation strategies and risk of preterm births or stillbirths. A new case report suggests a potential link between SARS-...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2021

Study: How saliva is made

A new paper in Cell Reports breaks down the details of how salivary glands collectively produce proteins found in saliva. The study identifies which proteins are produced by each type of gland and shows that individual cells within a single gland can secrete different proteins.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 17, 2020

Workplace interruptions lead to physical stress

A recent study by ETH Zurich researchers found that workplace interruptions lead to increased cortisol levels and physical stress. Participants who received chat messages from superiors during a task reported better emotional and cognitive responses to stress.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateOct 28, 2020

How speech propels pathogens

Researchers discovered that speech generates conical airflow that can travel up to 2 meters in 30 seconds, emphasizing the importance of time and distance in transmission. Saliva filaments form on the lips during consonant sounds, breaking into microscopic droplets that spread pathogens.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2020

COVID-19: Saliva tests could detect silent carriers

Scientists at Hokkaido University developed a saliva test that detects asymptomatic COVID-19 cases with high sensitivity and specificity. The study found that saliva samples can accurately identify infected individuals without symptoms, reducing the risk of viral transmission to healthcare workers.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 27, 2020

A secret in saliva: Food and germs helped humans evolve into unique member of great apes

Human saliva has distinct differences in protein content and structure compared to other primates, with a waterier consistency and higher amounts of enzymes and proteins involved in digestion and defense. These findings suggest that our diet and evolutionary adaptations played a significant role in shaping our unique saliva.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 16, 2019

Designing a better low-fat potato chip

A new technique developed by researchers allows for the creation of tastier low-fat potato chips by analyzing physical characteristics. The method, called in vitro oral processing, measures chip properties from first bite to swallow, enabling food scientists to link physical measurements with sensory perceptions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 7, 2019

Why some red wines taste 'dry'

Researchers have found that the structure, concentration and interactions of tannins in wine influence dryness perception. Trained sensory panelists perceived Cabernet Sauvignon as dryer due to its higher tannin content, while added tannins didn't change dryness perception in Pinot Noir.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 8, 2019