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Probiotics in kombucha mimic fasting and reduce fat stores in worms

Researchers found that probiotics in kombucha tea alter fat metabolism in worms, leading to reduced fat stores and lower triglyceride levels. This study suggests possible health benefits of kombucha for humans and informs potential use in complementary healthcare approaches.

Better kombucha brewing through chemistry

Kombucha brewers can now optimize their brews with science. The team discovered that silicone bags expose SCOBYs to more oxygen, speeding up brewing time and reducing ethanol levels. Additionally, using glucose as the SCOBY food source creates a kombucha with more gluconic acid and minimal ethanol.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

One-pot fermentative growth of predatory bacteria

Researchers at UNIST developed a novel one-pot process for growing Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium with potential as 'living antibiotics'. This approach eliminated the need for multiple vessels and reduced growth time by over 50%, enabling large-scale cultivation without compromising efficacy.

Fermentation may have driven human brain evolution

A new hypothesis suggests that fermentation of cached food provided a more accessible form of nourishment, fueling the growth of larger brains in human ancestors. This idea is supported by the fact that the human large intestine is proportionally smaller than other primates and fermented foods are found across cultures.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Ancient technology turns plant-based cheese into 'something we want to eat'

University of Copenhagen scientists have successfully produced plant-based cheeses with firm texture and improved aroma profile using natural fermentation processes. The study explores the potential of fermentation to develop flavor and texture in non-dairy cheese, paving the way for a more sustainable dairy-free alternative.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Making plant-based meat more ‘meaty’ — with fermented onions

Researchers found that fermented onions, specifically from the Allium family, produce compounds similar to those found in meats. The team used fungi to ferment various foods and identified flavor and odor chemicals, including bis(2-methyl-3-furyl) disulfide, a potent meaty scent.

Do hummingbirds drink alcohol? More often than you think

A new study by University of California, Berkeley biologist Robert Dudley found that hummingbirds happily sip from sugar water with up to 1% alcohol by volume, without being repelled by it. The research suggests that birds are likely consuming ethanol produced by natural fermentation in flowers and nectar-filled feeders.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Microbes powered by electricity

Researchers at Leibniz-HKI have confirmed experimentally that bacteria use electrons from hydrogen to produce organic compounds. This breakthrough could make microbial electrosynthesis (MES) a commercially viable technology, producing ethanol and other fuels while storing excess electricity. The study optimized the process for high yie...

A popular compostable plastic doesn’t break down in the ocean

A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

German researchers figure out how lager first developed in Bavaria

Researchers propose that 'lager yeast' S. pastorianus originated from a contamination event involving S. cerevisiae at the Duke's court brewery in Munich in 1602. The new findings suggest that lagers likely first emerged in Bavaria at least two hundred years earlier than previously thought.

‘BeerBots’ could speed up the brewing process

Researchers develop self-propelled 'BeerBots' that ferment sugar faster than traditional yeast cells, reducing fermentation time and making separation of yeast from beer easier. The BeerBots were found to be active for up to three more brewing cycles after the initial fermentation process.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Want better kimchi? Make it like the ancients did

Researchers found that traditional handmade clay jars, called onggi, ferment kimchi faster and produce more beneficial bacteria due to their unique porous structure. The study highlights the connection between the earthenware's material properties and the fermentation process, providing new insights into ancient technology.

A new vision for soybean meal: designer tempeh

A UMass Amherst food scientist is developing designer tempeh using smart fermentation, transforming soybean meal into a high-quality, protein-rich plant-based alternative. The goal is to create a scientifically-targeted approach to produce nutritious and delicious tempeh, replacing animal meat.

Fermented coffee’s fruity aromas demystified

Researchers at Zurich University of Applied Sciences identified six compounds contributing to fermented coffee's unique flavor, including 2-methylpropanal, 3-methylbutanal, and ethyl 3-methylbutanoate. The study aims to standardize production methods and increase availability of this distinctive beverage.

Fomepizole helps overcome antibiotic-resistant pneumonia in mice

Researchers discovered that fomepizole, an FDA-approved drug, can significantly reduce disease in mice infected with multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. The combination of fomepizole and erythromycin reduced bacterial burdens by 95% in the lungs and up to 700-fold in other organs.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Scientists uncover the unexpected identity of mezcal worms

Researchers have discovered that mezcal gusanos de maguey are actually the caterpillars of agave redworm moths (Comadia redtenbacheri), not a single type of insect larva. This finding has significant implications for the sustainability of agave production and the potential impact on wild populations of these caterpillars.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Evidence for the health benefits of consuming more live microbes

A new study found that increased consumption of live dietary microbes is linked to better health outcomes, including lower waist circumference and body mass index. The research suggests that a higher intake of fermented foods, raw fruits, and vegetables may support immune function and increase the diversity of microbes in the gut.

Yeast used in production of cachaça can prevent asthma, study shows

A Brazilian study found that a strain of brewer's yeast can act as a preventive against asthma in male mice. Daily administration of the probiotic at a dose of 10 billion CFU/mL significantly reduced bronchial hypersensitivity and inflammation. However, airway and lung inflammation was not significantly reduced by lower doses.

Probiotic bacteria found in fermented foods might help dispel bad breath

A pooled data analysis of 7 clinical trials found that probiotics, including Lactobacillus salivarius and Streptococcus salivarius, reduced OLP scores and volatile sulphuric compound levels in the mouth. However, the effects were relatively short-lived and more high-quality research is needed to verify these findings.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Low nutritional quality in vegetarian meat substitutes

A recent study by Chalmers University of Technology reveals that many vegetarian meat substitutes sold in Sweden are low in iron and zinc due to phytates. The researchers analyzed 44 different products and found that even fortified ones still contain phytates, which inhibit absorption.

Researchers find an elusive European parent of lager yeast in Ireland

Scientists have identified the ancient yeast species necessary for lager beer production in Europe, with a previously unknown parent strain found in Ireland. The discovery sheds new light on the history of brewing and suggests that natural populations of the yeast may still remain hidden in European forests.

Microbiologists improve taste of beer

Researchers have identified a single mutation in the MDS3 gene that improves yeast's tolerance to carbon dioxide pressure, resulting in full-flavored beer. This breakthrough could lead to improved quality beer production worldwide.

Soy sauce’s salt-enhancing peptides

Scientists identified proline-modified dipeptides and larger proteins that enhance umami and salty flavors in soy sauce. This discovery could help producers optimize fermentation conditions to boost desirable compounds and tailor the taste of soy sauce.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Dietary fibre in the gut may help with skin allergies: Monash study

A Monash University study found that microbial fermentation of dietary fibre in the gut protects against allergic skin disease. The researchers used mice with a diet high in fermentable fibre or purified SCFAs, showing that butyrate enhances the metabolism of keratinocytes and fortifies the skin barrier.

Quantifying the live microbes on your plate

Scientists estimate 20% of children and 26% of adults in the US consume high levels of live microorganisms daily. These findings suggest a link between dietary microbes and health outcomes, highlighting the importance of quantifying live microbes consumed through food and supplements.

Can pickles increase the health benefits of sour cream?

Adding pickled cucumbers to sour cream significantly increases antioxidant activity and reduces cholesterol oxidation products. The addition also improves the bioaccessibility of antioxidants, making it a promising strategy for enhancing the health-promoting activities of sour cream.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Fuel from waste wood

Researchers at TUM have developed a new process for producing ethanol from waste wood and hydrogen, resulting in a lower cost compared to traditional methods. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and can be used as a low-carbon fuel alternative.

Bacteria upcycle carbon waste into valuable chemicals

Researchers at Northwestern University and LanzaTech developed a new gas fermentation process that converts CO2 into acetone and isopropanol. The process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 160% compared to conventional methods, making it a promising alternative for industrial scale production.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers find hybrid metabolism in fermented food microbe

Scientists have found a new energy metabolism in lactic acid bacteria that combines features of respiration with fermentation. This hybrid metabolism enables the bacteria to thrive better and faster, potentially improving gut health by manipulating its growth.

Researchers make non-alcoholic beer taste like regular beer

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to produce non-alcoholic beer that tastes like regular beer, improving its flavor and sustainability. The technique involves using micro-factories of yeast cells to release hop aroma molecules, eliminating the need for expensive aroma hops.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study shows evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in Southern China

A new study reveals evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in southern China, with ancient pots found at a burial site containing residues consistent with beer fermentation. The discovery suggests that ritualized drinking played a significant role in forging social relationships and cooperation among ancient communities.

Making progress in developing probiotic beverages without animal protein

A team led by Professor Monique Lacroix at INRS has demonstrated that fermenting drinks fortified with pea and rice proteins yields the same quality of protein as casein. The study found that plant proteins can be predigested by lactic acid bacteria, facilitating their absorption during digestion.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Fermented wool is the answer

Researchers at FAU have uncovered the secret behind the Pazyryk carpet's vivid colors using high-resolution x-ray fluorescence microscopy. Fermenting sheep's wool before dyeing increases brilliance and longevity of the color.

Are 'bacterial probiotics' a game-changer for the biofuels industry?

Scientists found that certain bacteria, like Lactobacillus amylovorus, can increase fermentation yields by up to three percent. This discovery suggests a new approach to industrial production, focusing on selecting beneficial bacteria rather than relying on broad-spectrum antibiotics or treatments.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Fermented wool is the answer

Fermented wool retains its color without fading, a technique used by textile craftsmen in the Iron Age. The method involves fermenting wool and dyeing it with Turkey red, providing an insight into ancient textile production.

Uncovering the science of Indigenous fermentation

Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Australian Wine Research Institute discovered complex microbial communities associated with natural fermentation of Eucalyptus gunnii sap. The study sheds light on traditional Australian Aboriginal practices and identifies new strains of yeast and bacteria unique to Australia.