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Can AI be too good to use?

A new paper examines the challenges of adopting AI in the food industry, citing liability risks and potential costs, and proposes a temporary on-ramp to allow companies to trial AI technology while exploring benefits and mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·TypeSurvey·DateDec 12, 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 sweet solution: turning winery waste into jelly

Researchers have developed a sustainable solution using winery waste as a natural colouring agent and bioactive component in gelatine-based sweets. The use of wine lees improves the texture and flavour profile of jellies, while also providing added health benefits.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateNov 14, 2023
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.

New study: Pig welfare outweighs climate concerns for consumers

A new study finds that consumers are willing to pay more for pork with improved animal welfare, but not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The majority of respondents prioritize animal welfare over climate considerations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalLivestock Science·DateOct 25, 2023

Pinpointing the emergence of muddy flavors in your fish

Researchers have pinpointed the emergence of muddy flavors in farmed fish by measuring the concentration of geosmin and other compounds. The study highlights the importance of water quality management to prevent the production of off-flavor compounds, which can impact aquaculture industry revenue and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFood Research International·DateOct 19, 2023

Setting trans fat limits in Kenya could save thousands of lives and cut costs

The Kenyan government and food industry could save billions USD by implementing trans fat limits, which would also reduce heart disease cases and prevent deaths. Experts urge food manufacturers to prioritize consumer health by removing trans fats from products now.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 17, 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.

To cut global emissions, replace meat and milk with plant-based alternatives

A new study suggests that substituting 50% of meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives by 2050 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by 31%, save forests, and improve nutrition for millions of people. The study also found that restoring land spared from livestock production could contribute up to 25% of glob...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2023

Sorghum bran packs bigger punch than whole grain

Researchers have found that sorghum bran packs a bigger nutritional punch than whole grain due to its high levels of calcium, magnesium, leucine, and valine. The climate-resilient grain holds its own against other top grains in terms of macro- and micronutrients.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalHeliyon·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Growing evidence supporting the protein leverage hypothesis

The protein leverage hypothesis proposes that a decrease in protein intake due to modern diets drives increased energy consumption. Research supports this idea, showing how protein appetite interacts with processed foods and life stage changes to increase the risk of obesity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateSep 3, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists develop a sustainable method to produce lactic acid, indispensable in industrial food production, using waste jackfruit seeds

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a sustainable method to produce lactic acid using discarded jackfruit seeds. The new process is cheaper and more efficient, reducing waste and environmental impact while addressing rising production costs.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Could microplastics in soil introduce drug-resistant superbugs to the food supply?

Researchers warn that microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soils could contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria entering the food chain. This phenomenon is not well known, but studies suggest that plastics can act as vectors for transmitting pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPathogens·DateAug 23, 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.

Making plant-based meat alternatives more palatable

Researchers at the University of Leeds have created plant protein microgels that transform dry plant proteins into hydrated ones, mimicking the sensation of fat. The breakthrough could lead to the development of healthier, palatable, and sustainable plant-based foods.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Rosé renaissance: Spanish study uncorks ultrasound for superior wine quality

Researchers from Spain used high-power ultrasound technology to treat Monastrell grapes, resulting in improved color and sensory profile of the rosé. The study found that sonication enhanced the extraction of volatile compounds, such as terpenes, which improve aroma.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Indirect effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict revealed: global food supply at risk

A recent study by the Complexity Science Hub reveals interdependencies in the global food supply chain, uncovering profound indirect effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on product availability worldwide. The study found that indirect effects often exceeded direct effects, with losses up to 85% in maize and 89% in edible oils.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2023
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.

The physics of gummy candy

Researchers explored how different ingredient combinations and storage temperatures affect gummy candies' texture, moisture content, and pH. They found that starch did not impact hardness and identified the most shelf-stable combination for gummies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 16, 2023

EU research program to increase shelf-life of berries

A €2.5million European research programme, FRIETS, is increasing the shelf-life of berries through high-precision agriculture and innovative processing methods while maintaining quality. The four-year project combines precision agriculture strategies with dehydration and edible coating methods to discover healthier food alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateMay 15, 2023

Another step away from the farm: meat grown from immortal stem cells

Tufts University researchers have developed immortalized bovine muscle stem cells that can grow rapidly and divide hundreds of times, making it possible to produce millions of metric tons of cell-cultured meat per year. This breakthrough reduces the need for animal biopsies and increases scalability for the production of cultured meat.

SourceTufts University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 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.

Artificial photosynthesis for environmentally friendly food production

Researchers at TUM have successfully developed a method to produce the essential amino acid L-alanine from CO2 using synthetic enzymes and green methanol. This process requires significantly less space than traditional methods and can be powered by renewable energy sources, making it an important step towards more sustainable agriculture.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalChem Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

Study: “Safer” PFAS in food packaging still hazardous

A recent study found that polymeric PFAS used in food packaging break down into toxic smaller molecules, contaminating food and the environment. The research contradicts claims that polymeric PFAS are harmless and poses a risk to human health.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMar 28, 2023

A recipe for 3D-printing food

University of Ottawa researchers Ezgi Pulatsu and Chibuike Udenigwe identified crucial factors impacting the print quality and shape complexity of edible materials produced by additive manufacturing. By optimizing these features, food quality can be improved, control increased, and printing speed enhanced.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 21, 2023
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.

British public back ban on selling junk foods at checkouts study shows

A study found that the British public largely supports a ban on selling junk foods at checkouts, which is part of the UK government's efforts to tackle obesity. The legislation aims to create healthier shopping environments and reduce calorie consumption among children and adults alike.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMar 14, 2023

A safe synthesis of hydrogen peroxide inspired by nature

The new homogeneous catalyst enables the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide with improved efficiency and safety. The process requires only one step and no separation of gases from the reaction flask.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

Human contact makes for happier and healthier dairy calves

A new study found that human contact, including neck scratches, can reduce stress and improve well-being in weaning dairy calves. The research showed that calves housed alone benefited most from the extra human interaction, leading to decreased sucking behaviors and increased rest after meals.

SourceElsevier·JournalJDS Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2023

Food coloring nanoparticles may affect human gut

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that metal oxide nanoparticles commonly used as food coloring and anti-caking agents can damage parts of the human intestine. The study, led by Elad Tako, found negative effects on key digestive proteins in chickens injected with the nanoparticles.

SourceCornell University·JournalAntioxidants·DateFeb 15, 2023

Chicken of the sea

A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that 95% of the cumulative environmental footprint of farmed chicken and salmon is concentrated on less than 5% of the planet, with 85.5% spatial overlap between the two products due to shared feed ingredients. This highlights opportunities for promoting sustainability in the food system.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 13, 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.

The surprising similarities of packed particles

Scientists develop a statistical model to describe how particles of different sizes jam together, revealing a common structure that can improve spatial efficiency in various industries. The study's findings have significant implications for applications involving particulate matter, such as construction, medicine, and food manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2023

Can I come, too? How tourism can include people whose health conditions usually keep them at home

A research project from Edith Cowan University highlights the impact of excluding people with chronic diseases on tourism and proposes strategies for accessible travel. The industry can accommodate vulnerable travelers by implementing initiatives such as caregiver support, education, and technological advancements.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 7, 2023

Shellac-based coating makes pulp materials suitable for food without use of petroleum based polymers or metals

Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPolymer International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023
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.

Method extracts antioxidant nutrients from corn processing waste

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a process to unlock soluble ferulic acid-rich dietary fibers from corn bran, a low-value sidestream. The extracted antioxidants can prevent cell oxidation and improve gut health by delivering hydrogels that counteract oxidative stress.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Coffee with milk may have an anti-inflammatory effect

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that combining proteins and antioxidants in foods like coffee with milk may have an anti-inflammatory effect in humans. The researchers found that immune cells treated with this combination were twice as effective at fighting inflammation as those with only polyphenols.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 30, 2023

New species of microalgae discovered

Scientists have identified a new species of microalgae, Medakamo hakoo, which has the smallest known genome of any freshwater algae. The discovery could lead to the mass production of substances such as functional foods, cosmetics, and biofuels at low cost.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Spinning food processing waste into ‘gold’

Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 25, 2023

Chicory, surrogate and roasted coffee provide new insights into mechanisms of taste perception

Researchers investigated how the order of eating affects bitter taste perception using chicory and coffee substitutes. They found that consuming chicory or coffee substitute after roasted coffee reduces bitterness, while consuming roasted coffee before chicory has no effect.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023
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.

Beans IN toast could revolutionise British diet

Researchers at the University of Reading are working on a £2 million project to increase UK-grown faba beans in bread, improving nutritional quality and sustainability. The 'Raising the Pulse' project aims to encourage farmers to switch wheat-producing land to faba bean for human consumption.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutrition Bulletin·DateJan 20, 2023

Need a hand? This robotic hand can help you pick your food items and plate your dish

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a new reconfigurable workspace soft robotic gripper that can pick and place a wide range of consumer items. The RWS gripper's adaptive capabilities make it particularly useful in logistics and food industries where robotic automation is crucial.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalSoft Robotics·DateJan 10, 2023

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
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.

“Harmless” Listeria species developing pathogenic resistance

A study found that 'harmless' Listeria innocua strains are developing resistance to temperature, pH, dehydration and other stresses, as well as hypervirulence similar to pathogenic L. monocytogenes. The strains were collected from raw, dried and processed meats at commercial food processing facilities in South Africa.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 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.

Study finds NYC health inspectors gave only Asian restaurants higher number of citations at start of pandemic

A study by researchers found that NYC health inspectors issued disproportionately high citations to Asian restaurants in January and February 2020, highlighting systemic racism and perpetuation of stereotypes. The study suggests that biases against specific types of restaurants can lead to unequal treatment and exacerbate existing ineq...

SourceNew York University·JournalEthnicities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2022

Food marketing and research on kids lacks government oversight

A new analysis finds that the US lacks effective government oversight of food marketing and research on children, allowing companies to target unhealthy products at vulnerable populations. The industry's self-regulation efforts have failed to keep pace with modern marketing practices.

SourceNew York University·DateNov 18, 2022

New monounsaturated soybean oil works well in pig diets

Researchers found that high oleic soybean oil improved growth performance and carcass characteristics in pigs, with minimal impact on fat thickness and lean percentage. The studies also showed that HOSO-fed pigs had thicker, firmer bellies and similar loin quality compared to DDGS-fed pigs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateNov 17, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Is the future of whipped cream fat-free and made of bacteria and beer waste?

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen develop a low-fat, more sustainable whipped cream alternative using lactic acid bacteria as building blocks. The bacteria-based foam can be whipped, peaks up, and retains liquid, making it a potential game-changer in the food industry.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateOct 27, 2022

Offshore mussel farms could have wider environmental benefits

A new study found that offshore mussel farms can increase species abundance, including Atlantic horse mackerel and European lobster, on degraded seabed habitats. The research suggests that this practice could have wider environmental benefits, supporting the national and international Blue Growth agenda.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalAquaculture Fish and Fisheries·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Millions of people are missing out on their fair share of the $424 billion aquatic food industry

A new study found that social, economic and political barriers hinder the global distribution of the $424 billion aquatic food industry's benefits. The study calls for policies to ensure equitable access to this sector, which supports both welfare-based benefits like jobs and affordable nutrition, as well as wealth-based benefits.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Would you like a QR code embedded in that cookie?

Researchers from Osaka University create an unobtrusive edible tag embedded inside cookies that can be read without destroying the food. The 'interiqr' method uses 3D printing to contain patterns of empty spaces, making QR codes visible with a simple backlight.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2022