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Study demonstrates improved nutrition and taste of plant-based milks thanks to pretreatment methods

Researchers at ITMO University improved the nutritional value and taste of plant-based milks by using pre-freezing and ultrasound treatment methods. These methods boosted the extraction of beneficial microelements like iron, potassium, and zinc, as well as polyphenols, resulting in improved antioxidant activity.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateDec 5, 2023

Being a vegetarian may be—partly—in your genes

A genome-wide association study reveals 34 genes potentially involved in choosing a vegetarian diet, including those related to lipid metabolism and brain function. The findings suggest that genetics play a role in the ability to subsist on a vegetarian diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2023

This eight-armed octopus-like pore detects taste

Researchers have captured never-before-seen images of the CALHM1 pore, which assembles into a circular channel with flexible arms resembling octopus tentacles. The discovery reveals how fatty molecules stabilize and regulate the channel, offering potential insights into its role in taste perception and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2023

Millions of patients do not have full recovery of smell or taste senses after COVID infection, study finds

A retrospective analysis of national data found that over 20 million Americans experienced loss of smell or taste after COVID infection, with a large portion never fully recovering these senses. The study estimated that almost 28 million Americans may be left with decreased sense of smell after COVID infection.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalThe Laryngoscope·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 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

Milk’s packaging influences its flavor

A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science confirms that milk packaging affects taste, with paperboard cartons and plastic bags imparting off-flavors and compounds to milk. Glass containers remain an ideal choice for preserving freshness, while plastic containers provide additional benefits.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 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

Award stickers and taste descriptions matter for artisanal cheese buyers, Oregon State research shows

A study from Oregon State University found that consumers are willing to pay more for familiar cheese varieties if they have an award sticker or sensory information about the taste. The researchers identified two groups of consumers: those who prefer unfamiliar foods and those who prefer familiar ones, with different priorities for the...

SourceOregon State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJan 10, 2023

Tracking down satiety mechanisms in the stomach

Researchers at Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München discovered that casein digestion produces peptides with a satiating effect, stimulating gastric acid secretion via bitter receptors. This mechanism may help regulate food intake and maintain a healthy body weight.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Babies react to taste and smell in the womb – new research

Scientists recorded facial expressions of 100 unborn babies to see how they reacted to carrot and kale flavours. Fetuses exposed to carrot showed more laughter-like responses, while those exposed to kale showed more crying-like responses. This study could help understand the development of human taste and smell receptors.

SourceAston University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Significant risk of sensory loss in long COVID - study

A new study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that around 30% of people with long COVID experience a decreased sense of smell, with 29.9% reporting persistent anosmia after 12 weeks. Researchers also discovered an elevated prevalence of blurred vision and hearing-related symptoms after three months.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 9, 2022

High cholesterol, overweight and reduced physical stamina are long COVID sequelae in young adults

A new study found that young Swiss military personnel with confirmed Covid-19 infections experienced symptoms like fatigue, reduced sense of smell, and psychological problems for up to 180 days. Long-term effects included increased BMI, high cholesterol, and lower physical stamina, suggesting a higher risk of metabolic disorders and ca...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2022

Rehabilitation method to improve taste sensitivity

Researchers developed a new rehabilitation method using filter paper discs to improve taste sensitivity in healthy individuals. The four-step training method increased sensitivity to all four tastes, with significant improvements seen at day 4.

SourceToho University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 22, 2022

Banana peels make sugar cookies better for you

Researchers found that incorporating banana peel flour into sugar cookie batter makes the treats more healthful. The addition of banana peel flour resulted in cookies having less fat and protein, higher amounts of phenols, and better antioxidant activities compared to conventional cookies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateAug 9, 2022

Fancy a side of 3D printed carrots and crickets with your meal?

A Singapore-based research team has created a systematic engineering approach for optimizing the production of 3D printed food inks with alternative proteins. The method uses Response Surface Methodology to minimize time and resources, resulting in visually appealing, flavorful, and nutritionally adequate foods enhanced with sustainabl...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateAug 5, 2022

An appetite map in the brain

A recent study published in Nature has identified a complex neural network in the fruit-fly brain that shapes behavior and decision-making, particularly when it comes to food choice. The 'appetite map' created by the researchers reveals how internal states, such as nutrient deficiencies and pregnancy, interact to guide behavior.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

Zapping our tastebuds can help reduce our salt intake

A Japanese research team has developed a chopstick-shaped device that uses weak electrical charges to stimulate the tongue's saltiness. The study found that individuals following a low-sodium diet can reduce their salt intake by 30% through electric taste stimulation, enhancing the full flavor of salty foods.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·DateJul 5, 2022

How flies lay off the extra salty snacks

Researchers at the University of British Columbia identified a new high-salt receptor, IR7c, in fruit flies that governs their ability to detect dangerously high concentrations of salt. This discovery provides insights into how animals sense and avoid excessive salt, which is essential for survival but can be toxic in high amounts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 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

Do our genes determine what we eat?

A new study found that genes tied to perception of five basic tastes may influence diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors. Researchers identified associations between taste-related genes with specific food groups and risk factors, suggesting personalized nutrition guidance could improve diet quality.