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Brazilian scientists develop functional bread to help prevent asthma

Researchers in Brazil have developed bread with probiotic yeast that may help combat asthma by reducing airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. The bread's probiotic properties were shown to attenuate asthma symptoms in mice, suggesting potential for a new treatment approach.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateJun 17, 2024

Temperature, time and blueberry wine

Fermenting blueberry juice creates a wine that maintains fruit benefits, but temperature and time influence nutrient content. The study found anthocyanin and flavanol levels decreased, while flavan-3-ol increased with longer fermentation times.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateMay 15, 2024
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.

Enhancing fermented sausage quality: a comprehensive review of gel formation mechanisms and the role of lactic acid bacteria

The study reveals that lactic acid bacteria enhance gel strength, elasticity and juiciness by lowering pH and increasing ionic strength, promoting actomyosin formation. Advanced imaging techniques such as SEM and CLSM are critical in characterizing these microstructures.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalFood Materials Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024

Dietary treatment more effective than medicines in IBS

A study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that dietary adjustments, such as a low FODMAP diet and low-carbohydrate diets, resulted in significantly reduced IBS symptoms for over seven out of ten patients. In contrast, medication-based treatment showed fewer symptom improvements.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 18, 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

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 17, 2024
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.

Fermentation revolution? Trash becomes treasure as bio-waste yields valuable acetone and isopropanol

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from waste gases through engineered bacteria. The novel process shows high-purity yields with recoveries over 99.2%, marking a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateJan 31, 2024

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.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateDec 27, 2023

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023
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.

Nature's palette reinvented: new fermentation breakthrough in sustainable food coloring

Researchers at DTU Biosustain develop innovative fermentation process to produce natural betalain-type food colors, reducing waste and environmental impact. The new technology can satisfy global demand with just one-tenth of the equivalent land area, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional extraction methods.

SourceDanmarks Tekniske Universitet The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 29, 2023

Making gluten-free, sorghum-based beers easier to brew and enjoy

Researchers discovered an enzyme that can improve the quality and alcohol content of sorghum-based beers. By optimizing brewing parameters, brewers can create wort with higher concentrations of fermentable glucose, resulting in better-tasting drinks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateNov 2, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFuture Foods·DateOct 4, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New pipeline makes valuable organic acid from plants — saving money and emissions

Researchers at CABBI developed an economical method for producing succinic acid, a key chemical in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products, using acid-tolerant yeast. The new pipeline eliminates costly downstream processing steps, significantly reducing costs and emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Illinois-led team puts cows and microbes to work to reduce greenhouse gases

An international team of scientists is recruiting microbes to reduce methane production in cows, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project involves tracking hydrogen production and utilization during fermentation to redirect excess hydrogens towards more productive end-products.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateSep 29, 2023

Researchers create formula for first synthetic sugarcane molasses with fully reproducible composition

Researchers have developed a standardized synthetic molasses with a fully known composition that can be used as a culture medium for yeast fermentation. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the influence of specific components and develop bioprocesses worldwide, facilitating comparative research and industrial applications.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2023

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 5, 2023
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Just add sugar: Research shows common antioxidant can be more beneficial through glycosylation

Researchers have developed methods to produce polyphenolic compounds with improved solubility through microbial fermentation, enabling potential life-saving drugs. The process, called glycosylation, attaches sugar molecules to the compounds, making them more effective in preventing diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

SourceUtah State University·JournalBiotechnology Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

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...

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

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.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalFEMS Yeast Research·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 27, 2023

‘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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 24, 2023
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateApr 12, 2023

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023

Purified curcumin instead of artificial additives can be used to preserve and enhance probiotic yogurt

Researchers successfully add purified curcumin to probiotic yogurt, preserving its dissolved form and enhancing its health properties. The study shows that the curcumin inhibits yeast, fungi, and bacteria growth while maintaining the recommended levels of beneficial lactic acid bacteria.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 29, 2023

Wastewater to energy: new treatment process can improve biorefinery sustainability

Researchers at CABBI designed a new wastewater treatment process that simultaneously treats water and recovers biogas, reducing capital costs and energy usage. The process efficiently converts organic contaminants to biogas, achieving simultaneous energy recovery and wastewater treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 24, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalPeerJ·DateMar 8, 2023

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.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

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.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProbiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins·DateFeb 22, 2023

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 20, 2022

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.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022
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.

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.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalFEMS Yeast Research·TypeContent analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

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.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 4, 2022

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 16, 2022

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.

SourceMonash University·JournalMucosal Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2022

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.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

New cocoa processing method produces fruitier, more ‘flowery’ dark chocolate

A new cocoa processing method called moist incubation has been found to produce a fruitier and more flowery-tasting dark chocolate compared to traditional fermentation. The method involves rehydrating dried, unfermented cocoa nibs in an acidic solution and heating them for 72 hours before re-drying.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2022

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateMar 29, 2022

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 11, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ancient poop shows people in present-day Austria drank beer and ate blue cheese up to 2,700 years ago

Researchers found evidence of two fungal species used in blue cheese and beer production in ancient feces from Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut. The findings suggest that people consumed blue cheese and beer during the Iron Age, nearly 2,700 years ago, and retained a non-Westernized gut microbiome structure until the Baroque period.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2021

New meat analogue developed by Lithuanian scientists – healthier, more flavours and environmentally friendly

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology and the University of Helsinki have developed a nutritious meat analogue using fermented okara, which can help alleviate digestive problems due to its probiotics. The product contains less salt and saturated fats than real meat while maintaining protein levels.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 31, 2021

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.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateJul 28, 2021
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.

Oregon State researchers begin to unravel the mysteries of kombucha fermentation

Researchers have identified four main types of SCOBY microorganisms that contribute to kombucha fermentation, allowing brewers to narrow down variables and produce consistent flavors. The study, which used high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches, provides a comprehensive picture of SCOBY microbial community ecology.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMicroorganisms·DateJul 13, 2021

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.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2021
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.