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By growing animal cells in rice grains, scientists dish up hybrid food

Korean scientists have successfully grown animal muscle and fat cells inside rice grains, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful hybrid food. The cell-cultured beef rice has been found to have 8% more protein and 7% more fat than regular rice, making it a potential alternative to traditional livestock-based protein sources.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

Reshaping our understanding of granular systems

Scientists at the University of Rochester discovered that even small differences in grain shape can significantly alter grain segregation in dry and wet conditions. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research to better understand and predict geohazards and alleviate segregation issues in industrial flows.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2024

Going beyond plastic: Chung-Ang University team explores tara gum as a green polymer

Researchers from Chung-Ang University have discovered tara gum as a promising sustainable material for biodegradable packaging and drug delivery systems. The study examines the modification methods of tara gum polysaccharides, including their applications in pH-sensitive food packaging and controlled-release drug formulations.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 15, 2024

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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