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Lotus stir-fry scores high in consumer panels

A new study reveals a niche market opportunity for locally cultivated lotus rhizomes in the US, with participants preferring stir-fry over other preparations. The research suggests potential demand for fresh lotus rhizomes among health-conscious individuals.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateDec 28, 2016

Does good-tasting food cause weight gain?

A study published in Physiology & Behavior found that desirable taste determines food choice but not consumption volume. Researchers fed mice tasty human foods and discovered they didn't gain excess weight despite strong preference for these diets.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateDec 15, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Taste bud maintenance in mice requires Hedgehog signaling

The Hedgehog signaling pathway is required to maintain and replenish taste buds and taste papillae in mouse models. Disruptions in the pathway can lead to rapid disappearance of taste buds, highlighting its importance in taste organ homeostasis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 28, 2016

High tunnel-grown tomatoes go to Amarillo supermarket

Researchers successfully grew high-quality tomatoes in a Texas A&M AgriLife Research project, producing over 1,500 pounds of tomatoes. The study found that tomato yields were higher in the high tunnel plots than in the field, with the Texas A&M-developed varieties outperforming commercial entries.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateNov 14, 2016
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Inherited taste perceptions may explain why some people eat too much salt

A study found that individuals with a gene variant that enhances bitter taste perception were nearly twice as likely to consume excessive sodium. This genetic variation also influenced food choices, but not sugar or alcohol intake. The research may help people make better food choices tailored to their individual preferences.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 13, 2016

In food packaging, color matters

Research suggests that darker tones in food packaging are associated with healthier choices, while light tones may be perceived as less tasty. The study tested consumer reactions to packaged products of varying colors, finding that health-conscious individuals were more likely to associate light colors with inferior taste.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 4, 2016

Science shows cheese can make wine taste better

A scientific study published in the Journal of Food Science found that consuming cheese while drinking wine increased how much someone liked the wine. The study used a new sensory evaluation method and found that four cheeses improved the description and preference of different wines, with no negative impact on preference.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateOct 19, 2016

Sayonara, kudzu bug?

US soybean crop is under threat from the kudzu bug, but research has found that some wild relatives of soybeans have developed resistance to the pest. These adapted plants have built defense mechanisms against pests, including limiting the ability of nymphs to survive.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 17, 2016
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.

Improved knowledge of shelf life of food

A recent study from Aarhus University found that Danes' knowledge of shelf life labels has improved, with 70% correctly identifying the difference between labels. However, many consumers throw away food after the 'best before' date without checking its edibility, highlighting a need for greater awareness and education.

SourceAarhus University·DateAug 10, 2016

For the love of trash films

A comprehensive empirical investigation into trash films and their audience found that fans enjoy them for ironic viewing stances and appreciation of 'cheap' entertainment. The study also discovered that trash film enthusiasts are predominantly male, enthusiastic film buffs with above-average education.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPoetics·DateAug 3, 2016
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.

The feel of food

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered a single cell responsible for detecting food texture in fruit flies. This neuron sends signals based on the hardness of food, enabling the fly to determine whether to eat or not. The study also identified a critical protein TMC that plays a key role in mechanosensation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNeuron·DateJul 28, 2016

Music makes beer taste better

Researchers found that music and packaging design can increase enjoyment of beer. A study involved participants tasting beer with different conditions: no label, label only, or label with matching song. Results showed those with the matching song rated the beer more enjoyable. The study suggests multisensory information influences tast...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJul 28, 2016

Gaining a better understanding of the way we taste

A team of Japanese researchers made a groundbreaking discovery about the way we taste by studying the structure changes of taste receptor proteins when they bind to taste substances. This change is thought to transmit information from outside the cell, enabling precise analysis of taste substance binding and related processes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 20, 2016

Living, non-living, transformed ... simply food

Researchers Rumiati and Foroni review how food is represented in the brain, exploring theories on sensory-functional and domain-specific categorization. They find that the 'foodstuff' category can help disambiguate among approaches and highlight the importance of variables like transformation and perceived calories.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJun 27, 2016

Tasty fat: X-rays finding the blueprint of why fat is yummy

Scientists study the molecular structure of edible fats using X-rays, discovering that the ratio of solids to liquids affects a fat's properties. They also investigate the impact of replacing saturated fats with unsaturated alternatives on taste and texture.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalFood Chemistry·DateMay 27, 2016
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.

The taste or smell of foods can affect aging, say scientists

POSTECH researchers found sensory neurons modulate aging hormone activity through food smells and tastes, shortening lifespan. Insulin-6 produced by sensory neurons alters FOXO protein action, leading to reduced aging effects.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 25, 2016

Digesting sweet taste

A study from the Monell Center found that gut enzymes sucrase and maltase are also expressed in sweet taste cells on the tongue, breaking down complex sugars into glucose and fructose. This discovery may lead to the development of non-caloric sweeteners with a better sweet taste.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2016

The geology of wine

The taste of wine is influenced by soil properties, particularly pH, which modify the wine's chemistry. Researchers found a correlation between specific soil characteristics and Pinot Noir vintages in the Willamette Valley.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateApr 26, 2016
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.

A small dose of E. coli wall has big impact on the sweet tooth

Researchers found that a small dose of E. coli wall can significantly reduce the desire for sweets in mice, possibly by triggering higher levels of leptin hormone. This effect persists for seven days and may have implications for obesity prevention.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateApr 19, 2016

Sweet, tasty and healthy -- the new essence of juice?

Researchers at Aarhus University found that adding lime to fruit juice with stevia and β-glucans increases its nutritional value while promoting a sensory experience. The study's results show that the combination of ingredients can balance out the bitter aftertaste of stevia and improve the overall taste.

SourceAarhus University·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 29, 2016

Brain induces preference for caloric food for energy storage

Researchers found that neural circuits in the striatum, a subcortical part of the forebrain, are involved in both pleasure and caloric value perception. The brain prioritizes energy storage over palatability, suggesting a link between sweetness and calorie craving.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 24, 2016
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.

What gives parmesan cheese its unique taste?

Researchers have identified 31 key taste compounds in parmesan cheese that contribute to its savory and bitter flavors. The study reveals several peptides found at high concentrations, which could help manufacturers improve the cheese's taste.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 2, 2016

How sweet can you get?

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully made thaumatin, a widely used plant-derived sweetener, even sweeter by substituting acidic amino acids with basic ones. This breakthrough confirms the complex interaction between thaumatin and the sweetness receptor of the tongue.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

Taste sensors in fly legs control feeding

Insect taste organs on their legs help guide feeding behavior, with specific neurons processing information differently in the brain and influencing movement towards food or away from it.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2016

Sensory loss affects 94 percent of older adults

A recent study found that sensory loss is a common issue among older adults, affecting 94 percent of those in the US. The most prevalent deficit was decreased sense of taste, with 48% of participants rated as poor. Understanding the underlying causes and developing prevention strategies are crucial for improving quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 18, 2016
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.

Unraveling the enigma of salty taste detection

A multidisciplinary team from the Monell Center has characterized the identity and functionality of salt-responding taste cells on the tongue. The knowledge may lead to novel approaches to develop salt replacers or enhancers that can help reduce sodium content in food.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·DateFeb 11, 2016

A new alternative to sodium: Fish sauce

A study found that Vietnamese fish sauce can reduce sodium chloride by 10-25% without compromising taste. Researchers suggest using fish sauce as a partial substitute for salt to create lower-sodium foods.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateFeb 2, 2016

Yale team deciphers sugar's siren song

Researchers found that the brain prioritizes calorie intake over taste quality when it comes to sugary foods. The study suggests that the brain has two separate pathways for processing sweetness and energy signals, with calorie-rich foods dominating our desire for sweets.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 25, 2016

Healthy reflections

The study found that mirrors in consumption settings can reduce the perceived tastiness of unhealthy food, leading to lower consumption. The presence of a mirror did not affect the taste of healthy food, suggesting it's only an issue for unhealthy options.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateDec 17, 2015
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.

Children's ability to detect sugar varies widely

Research from the Monell Center found that children's ability to detect sugar varies widely, with some being 20 times more sensitive than others. Genetic analysis revealed a link between bitter receptor genes and sweet taste sensitivity, while dietary records showed a correlation between sugar consumption and body fat.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNursing Research·DateDec 14, 2015

New insights into link between taste and behavior

Researchers studied gustatory computations in zebrafish brainstem circuits, revealing that taste categories are represented by dissimilar responses and generate different behaviors. The study proposed a central role for encoding category, concentration, and mixtures of taste in these circuits.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2015

Peak-end pizza

A Cornell study found that price affects how customers evaluate pizza by focusing on the first slice's taste. When paying $8, diners prioritize the initial impression over the last bite.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Product & Brand Management·DateNov 25, 2015

Low sugar diet makes foods taste sweeter but does not change preferred level of sweetness

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that a low sugar diet can make foods taste sweeter, but does not change an individual's preferred level of sweetness. Despite the difference in sweetness ratings, participants on a reduced sugar diet did not alter their preference for sucrose content.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 25, 2015
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.

Neurogastronomy: How our brains perceive the flavor of food

The International Society of Neurogastronomy Symposium brought together scientists, chefs, and patients to explore ways to improve quality of life for those with altered taste or smell. Chefs and neuroscientists collaborated on the 'Applied Neurogastronomy Challenge' to create dishes that appealed to cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateNov 18, 2015
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Taste bud biomarker forecasts better post-surgery results for some sinusitis patients

A study by Penn Medicine and Monell Chemical Senses Center found a genetic taste receptor linked to improved breathing, reduced infections, and enhanced sleep outcomes for patients undergoing chronic sinus surgery. The discovery may improve treatment selection process and set realistic expectations for patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateNov 12, 2015

Study: Internet TV means more options, not viewing time -- even for binge watchers

A new study from the University of Texas at Dallas finds that online TV viewing does not lead to increased viewing time, but rather makes the experience more pleasurable with greater variety of shows to choose from. Consumers can find a program that fits their taste without changing their overall TV consumption habits.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Cultural Economics·DateOct 21, 2015

Cats retain multiple functional bitter taste receptors

New research reveals cats have at least seven functional bitter taste receptors, despite not consuming plants in their diet. The study questions the common hypothesis that bitter taste evolved to protect animals from ingesting poisonous plant compounds.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2015

New diversity for lager beers

Researchers have created new crosses among relevant yeasts to open up new horizons of taste in lager beers. Genetic studies showed a lack of genetic diversity among lager yeasts, resulting from only two parent yeast species.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2015
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.

Fortified against blindness

Researchers developed vitamin A fortified sweet potato varieties to combat blindness in Africa and South-Eastern Asia. Impilo and Purple Sunset are the most promising varieties, offering high beta-carotene content and adaptability to different growing conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 13, 2015

Rutgers tomato reinvented with even more flavor

Researchers at Rutgers University have recreated a classic tomato variety thought to be lost to history, combining nostalgic flavor with modern durability. The new Rutgers tomato boasts improved flavor, earlier ripening, higher yield, and resistance to cracking, making it perfect for home gardeners and farmers alike.

SourceRutgers University·DateAug 4, 2015
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.

Sugar in your cuppa ... not just about a sweet tooth!

A study led by Dr Seishi Shimizu shows that sugar affects the taste of hot beverages by interacting with caffeine molecules at a molecular level. The research found that sugar molecules bind to water, reducing the aggregation of caffeine molecules and resulting in less bitterness.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalFood & Function·DateJul 30, 2015

Study will explore taste changes related to obesity, gastric bypass surgery

A four-year study aims to understand the neurological mechanisms behind reduced taste for sweet and fatty foods following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and diet-induced obesity. The research seeks to identify new treatments for effective weight loss and shed light on why RYGB is an effective surgical treatment for obesity.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateJul 27, 2015

Some like it sweet, others not so much: It's partly in the genes

A twin study found that genetic factors account for approximately 30 percent of person-to-person variance in sweet taste perception. The study also revealed a shared pathway between the perception of natural sugars and high-potency sugar substitutes.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalTwin Research and Human Genetics·DateJul 16, 2015
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Learning impacts how the brain processes what we see

Researchers found that learning enhances top-down control in the brain's visual cortex, allowing it to better predict and fill in missing information. This cognitive process has implications for understanding psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 2015

Study finds a good appetizer could make your main course less enjoyable

A Drexel University study found that a high-quality appetizer can decrease the appreciation for a subsequent main dish. The researchers discovered this effect by comparing subjects' hedonic responses to pasta aglio e olio after consuming either a good or mediocre bruschetta appetizer.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJun 25, 2015

Getting children to embrace healthy food

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that primary school children preferred snacks with enticing packaging designs over those with health information or standard labels. The researchers used a handgrip dynamometer to measure the children's motivation and taste test to determine their preferences.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 23, 2015
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.