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Selective oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid to malonic acid over Pd/C: Mechanistic and kinetic study

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a systematic study for sustainable production of malonic acid via oxidation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid with a Pd/Carbon catalyst. The kinetic model validated the network, displaying excellent agreement and providing insight into conditions that maximize MA production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researchers explore the impact of different seasonings on the flavor perception of Doenjang soup

Jeonbuk National University researchers examine how different seasonings shape kokumi perception in doenjang soup, influencing consumer acceptance. They found that umami is a major sensory driver of kokumi perception and can be enhanced to improve the flavor quality of fermented foods.

Green chemistry for sustainable personal care

Biosurfactants, such as rhamnolipids and sophorolipids, have been found to be highly effective and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic surfactants in shampoo formulations. They offer improved environmental compatibility and are suitable for sensitive skin, with properties that surpass those of traditional surfactants.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 17, 2025

A nose for microbes: how hunger tunes the brain

A study from the Champalimaud Foundation found that when fruit flies are deprived of essential amino acids, their brains upregulate two olfactory receptor genes involved in smell, leading to a refined sense of smell that guides them to protein-rich yeast and gut bacteria. This interplay between smell and taste regulates feeding behavior.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2025

Making yogurt with ants

Scientists recreated a traditional Balkan yogurt recipe using ants, finding that the insects' natural chemicals and microbes can kickstart the fermentation process. The researchers tested live, frozen, and dehydrated ant products, concluding that only live ants are suitable for yogurt making.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2025

Giving food waste fermentation a ‘jolt’ increases chemical production

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that adding an electrical jolt to fermentation increases the yield and speed of platform chemicals from industrial food waste. Combining two bacterial species also enhances targeted chemical production and produces hydrogen gas as a byproduct, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Chemical Engineering·DateSep 4, 2025

Fermentation method transforms unripe fruits into specialty coffees

Researchers developed a fermentation method using unripe fruit beans, producing high-quality beverages comparable to those made from ripe fruits. The process, known as self-induced anaerobic fermentation, adds value to the product while minimizing its defects, making it attractive to domestic and foreign markets.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFood and Bioprocess Technology·DateAug 13, 2025

Ready for market: New process boosts clean, cost-efficient chemical production

Researchers developed a new metabolic engineering strategy to boost the yield of succinic acid production in yeast, improving its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The new process reduces the minimum product selling price by 25% and is expected to save companies millions of dollars annually.

Chemical fermentation-induced porous bio-carbon with embedded Ni–Fe alloy for ultra-efficient oxygen evolution electrocatalysis

Researchers introduce a novel electrocatalyst design strategy using chemical fermentation, creating a multilevel porous carbon architecture embedded with Ni–Fe alloy nanoparticles. This approach achieves ultra-efficient oxygen evolution reaction performance, with a record-low overpotential of 165 mV at 10 mA cm−2.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2025

The gut health benefits of sauerkraut

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that sauerkraut's metabolites can maintain intestinal cell integrity and support long-term gut health. The researchers found that both store-bought and lab-made sauerkraut samples protected gut function, with no noticeable difference between the two.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 14, 2025

Miso made in space tastes nuttier, researchers find

Scientists successfully fermented miso on the International Space Station, discovering differences in bacterial communities and flavor profiles compared to Earth-made miso. The study's findings suggest that food fermentation can thrive in space, opening up new possibilities for astronaut well-being and performance.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Researchers see breakthrough with biofuel

Researchers from UC and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding how alcohol damages microbes that produce it. The study reveals the primary location of toxicity is in the cell membrane, which can be stabilized to increase efficiency in biofuel production.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalLangmuir·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

Gruyère cheese, or a history of the domestication of bacteria

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that bacteria used to produce Gruyère, Emmental, and Sbrinz cheese show signs of ancient domestication. The researchers analyzed genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the bacterial strains over a 50-year period, finding low genetic diversity and high stability of traits specific to...

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2024

New, simple, and natural method for producing vitamin B2

A team of researchers from DTU has successfully produced vitamin B2 using a novel, cost-effective, and climate-friendly method involving food-approved lactic acid bacteria. The production process requires only basic fermentation tools and can be integrated into traditional foods, enhancing public health and reducing environmental impact.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 11, 2024

ETSU secures $900k defense grant

The US Department of Defense has awarded East Tennessee State University's Research Corporation over $900,000 to create a biomanufacturing facility that turns waste streams into valuable products. The project aims to bolster domestic bioindustrial manufacturing and advance sustainable manufacturing goals in Northeast Tennessee.

Fruit juice offers a fresh take on kombucha

Researchers have successfully fermented fruit juices, including apple and passion fruit, using a SCOBY to create kombucha-like beverages with boosted antioxidant levels. The resulting drinks showed promise as an alternative to traditional kombucha, with the apple juice variant ranking high in taste testing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateSep 27, 2024

What’s in the microbiome of the foods we eat?

Researchers have developed a comprehensive database of the 'food microbiome' by sequencing metagenomes from 2,533 foods, identifying 10,899 food-associated microbes. The study shows that these microbes can influence human health and provide insights into how to improve food quality, safety, and authenticity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

New discovery boosts bioethanol production efficiency and profits

Researchers at DTU Biosustain have developed a new technique to monitor contamination in bioethanol production, revealing how strain dynamics impact process performance. The study could lead to significant improvements in efficiency and environmental benefits, with potential applications beyond bioethanol production.

iFAB awarded $51 million EDA Tech Hubs grant to propel Central Illinois as a biomanufacturing leader

The Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub has been awarded a $51 million EDA grant to position Central Illinois as a global leader in biomanufacturing and precision fermentation. The grant will support the growth of biomanufacturing businesses, creating jobs and driving economic growth.