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Fruit flies grow brainy on a poor diet

Researchers at Kyoto University found that a poor, low-yeast diet causes fruit flies' larvae to grow dendrites in an unexpected way. The hyperarborization phenotype is triggered by a simultaneous deficiency in vitamins, metal ions, and cholesterol, which increases the production of Wingless signaling molecules from body wall muscle.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Washington state quinoa can make a better cookie

Researchers at Washington State University found that two types of quinoa bred specifically for the Pacific Northwest climate worked well as a high-fiber, high-protein additive flour in commercial cookies. Preliminary results show people preferred sugar cookies with 10% quinoa flour over traditional wheat flour cookies.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateDec 12, 2022

New nutrient profiling tools confirm starchy vegetables deliver comparable nutritional value as non-starchy vegetables and whole fruit

A new study challenges the separation of starchy vegetables from non-starchy counterparts in nutrition research. Starchy vegetables, including white potatoes, were found to meet the definitions for high-quality carbohydrates using five separate indices, with some even scoring closer to fruits and non-starchy vegetables than sweets.

“Taste” and “smell” of coral reefs provide insights into a dynamic ecosystem

Scientists have characterized thousands of small molecules in coral reef ecosystems, providing insights into food web dynamics and chemical ecology. The study found that corals and seaweeds release diverse compounds that influence nutrient concentrations and availability in the ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Prior weight loss, history of bone stress injury, and eating behaviors associated with dietary supplement use in preadolescent endurance runners

A new study found that preadolescent endurance runners who experience weight loss, have a history of bone stress injury, or follow a vegetarian diet are more likely to use dietary supplements. The study discovered that supplement use was associated with lower food intake and energy deficiency.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2021

Taking their vitamins

New research from North Carolina State University and the University of Copenhagen finds that most bacterioplankton are B1 auxotrophs, meaning they have to glean the vitamin or pieces of it from their environment. The study also reveals fluctuations in genes responsible for making and/or using environmental B1 and precursors over time.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2018

Vast majority of poor, urban women don't use prenatal vitamins before pregnancy, study shows

A study of over 7,000 low-income urban mothers found that fewer than 5% started folic acid supplementation before pregnancy. Despite the high risk of neural tube defects, many women did not take prenatal vitamins preconception or during pregnancy. The research team also found that black and Hispanic mothers had lower plasma folate conc...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 24, 2018

Nectar is not a simple soft drink

Researchers discovered that plant nectar contains secondary compounds, including nicotine, which repel pollinators and attract 'nectar thieves'. This finding suggests that plants may produce nectar to increase genetic diversity by attracting more visitors despite the potential risk of poisoning insects.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 27, 2007

Vitamins: Science doesn't always match policy

Renowned nutrition expert Dr. Irwin Rosenberg emphasizes the need for more research on vitamins and minerals, highlighting the limitations of current evidence. He advocates for standardized regulations on multivitamin products to ensure customer safety and informed marketing.

SourceTufts University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 6, 2007

Can vitamins slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease?

A recent pilot study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that high-dose vitamins can reduce homocysteine levels in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The multicenter trial, known as Vital, aims to determine if these vitamins can slow the progression of the disease. Researchers are optimis...

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMar 14, 2003