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What musical taste tells us about social class

A study of 1,600 adults in Vancouver and Toronto found that wealthier individuals prefer classical, blues, jazz, and opera, while poorer ones favor country, disco, and heavy metal.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie·DateJun 3, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists watch living taste cells in action

A team of scientists has captured live images of taste cells on a mouse tongue, showing that each taste bud contains cells for different tastes. This breakthrough complements recent studies on the brain areas associated with taste and may lead to new experiments to monitor brain activity while imaging the tongue.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 22, 2015
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.

Immune system protein regulates sensitivity to bitter taste

Research from Monell Center reveals that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) helps regulate sensitivity to bitter taste. In normal mice, TNF makes foods taste more bitter during illness due to increased sensitivity. This finding may explain the decreased food intake associated with infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·DateApr 21, 2015

Michael Douglas Gordon is the 2015 CAN Young Investigator awardee

Dr. Michael Gordon's research focuses on understanding neural circuits that drive taste responses and feeding preferences in fruit flies. His studies have shown that food preference can be viewed as a changing metric based on initial taste, experience, and physiological condition.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateApr 16, 2015

A matter of taste: When do products benefit from mixed reviews?

A mix of positive and negative reviews can be beneficial for products judged on personal taste, but detrimental when quality is the primary consideration. The authors investigated how consumers respond to diverse online reviews and found that varied ratings due to individual tastes are more acceptable in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 31, 2015
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.

Chef-enhanced school meals increase healthy food consumption

A new study found that chef-enhanced school meals significantly increased students' fruit and vegetable consumption, with an 8% increase in vegetable selection after three months. The study also showed that using 'choice architecture' techniques improved students' selection of fruits and vegetables, but did not lead to long-term changes.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 23, 2015

Mind reading: Spatial patterns of brain activity decode what people taste

Researchers from German Institute of Human Nutrition discovered how brain activity encodes taste quality, with decoding possible within 175 milliseconds. The study aims to extend understanding of neuronal mechanisms and develop strategies for moderate deviant eating behavior.

SourceGerman Institute of Human Nutrition·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 12, 2015

Molecular evidence for the loss of 3 basic tastes in penguins

A University of Michigan-led study has found that penguins have lost the genes for the umami and bitter tastes, as well as a sweeter taste, which is puzzling given their diet of fish. The loss of these tastes likely occurred due to ancient climate-cooling events in Antarctica.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2015

Genetic evidence shows penguins have 'bad taste'

Genetic analysis reveals penguins have lost three basic tastes over evolutionary time, leaving them with only salty and sour flavors. Their unique tongue structure and behavior of swallowing food whole may be adaptations to their environment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 16, 2015

The 'fifth taste,' umami, could be beneficial for health

Research suggests umami taste has a beneficial role in health, especially for elderly patients, who may experience reduced sensitivity due to diseases or medications. 'Kokumi' substances found in garlic and onions can enhance flavors in low-fat foods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFlavour·DateJan 25, 2015
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.

Health consciousness: Do consumers believe healthy food always tastes bad?

A recent study by Robert Mai and Stefan Hoffmann found that healthy food is often perceived as tasting bad, leading to overconsumption of unhealthy options. Despite education on ingredients, consumers prioritize taste over healthiness, making it challenging to combat obesity rates.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJan 21, 2015

Cake or carrots? Timing may decide what you'll nosh on

A recent study by Caltech neuroeconomists found that the speed at which people factor in healthiness affects their ability to exercise self-control. On average, taste information begins to drive food choices 200 milliseconds before health information does.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 15, 2014

Obese children's brains more responsive to sugar

A new study led by researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that obese children's brains show enhanced responses to sugar. The study suggests that this 'food reward' response may predispose them to crave more sugar throughout life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateDec 11, 2014
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.

Color and texture matter most when it comes to tomatoes

A new study by the Institute of Food Technologists found that red tomatoes with firm texture, medium size, and high juice content are preferred. Consumers also value factors like familiarity with manufacturers, taste, price, and perceived health benefits.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateOct 21, 2014

Brain activity provides evidence for internal 'calorie counter'

A new study suggests that an internal 'calorie counter' in the brain evaluates the caloric density of foods, influencing food choices and predicting caloric content. The study used functional brain scans to track brain activity while participants viewed food images.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 20, 2014

Sharing makes both good and bad experiences more intense

Research finds that sharing experiences with others intensifies both pleasant and unpleasant emotions, making them more pleasurable. This effect is observed even when individuals are not explicitly interacting with each other.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 7, 2014

Buffet pricing surprise

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that lower buffet prices lead to less taste satisfaction. Diners who paid more for the same food rated it as being 11% tastier and enjoyed the experience more.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Sensory Studies·DateSep 24, 2014
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.

Sugar substitutes not so super sweet after all

A study by Penn State researchers found that non-nutritive sweeteners are not as sweet as commonly believed, contrary to marketing claims. Participants could detect these sweeteners at lower levels but did not perceive them as sweeter than sugar.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 4, 2014

So... do you know what is in your water?

Researchers at Virginia Tech find that 50% of the population can't detect high levels of manganese in water, leading to potential health risks. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering water safety not only in tap water but also in humidified air.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateSep 3, 2014

TASTE trial finds no benefit of thrombus aspiration for AMI at 1 year

The TASTE trial found that thrombus aspiration for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) does not reduce mortality or other clinical endpoints long term. The one-year follow-up results revealed no statistically significant difference in death rates between patients who received clot aspiration and those who did not.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2014
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.

How hummingbirds evolved to detect sweetness

Researchers discovered how hummingbirds detected sugar by analyzing their taste receptors, which expanded to respond to carbohydrates. The study revealed that a single mutation drove behavior changes in the birds.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateAug 21, 2014

Menu secrets that can make you slim by design

A Cornell study analyzing 217 menus and over 300 diner selections reveals that menu layout, descriptions, and names can influence food ordering. Two tactics - catching attention and priming imagination - can guide diners to order lighter entrées.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateJul 29, 2014

Study cracks how the brain processes emotions

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that the human brain uses fine-grained patterns of neural activity to represent emotions in a standardized code. This code allows individuals to share similar emotional experiences, regardless of personal perspectives or cultural backgrounds.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 9, 2014
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.

Neural sweet talk: Taste metaphors emotionally engage the brain

Researchers found that taste-related words activate emotional centers and gustatory cortices, whereas literal words only stimulate emotion when part of a sentence. Metaphorical sentences may spark increased brain activity in emotion-related regions due to physical associations.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateJun 25, 2014

Menthol cigarettes linked to increased smoking among teens

A new study finds that menthol cigarette users smoke an average of 43 cigarettes per week, nearly double the amount smoked by non-menthols. The study also reveals that menthol smokers are almost three times more likely to intend to continue smoking in the next year.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCancer Causes & Control·DateJun 20, 2014

Stress hormone receptors localized in sweet taste cells

Researchers have localized stress-activated hormone receptors in oral taste cells responsible for detection of sweet, umami, and bitter. The findings suggest that stress hormones may directly affect how these cells respond to sugars and certain other taste stimuli.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNeuroscience Letters·DateJun 3, 2014
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.

Taste test: Could sense of taste affect length of life?

Researchers found that suppressing taste buds in fruit flies can significantly increase or decrease lifespan and potentially promote healthy aging. Bitter tastes had negative effects on lifespan, while sweet tastes had positive effects, particularly for water taste.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2014

Science finds wines' fruity flavors fade first

A recent study from Washington State University challenges conventional wisdom on wine flavor finish. Researchers found that fruity flavors disappear from the palate earlier than oaky, floral, and earth flavors perception. This discovery sheds new light on the complex relationship between taste, aroma, and flavor in wine.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateMay 5, 2014

When wine hits the right nerve

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum decode mechanism for appreciation of the barrique character, a bitter sensation on the tongue. They found that gallic acid groups are responsible for triggering this sensation, which is mediated by the trigeminal nerve.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemical Senses·DateMay 5, 2014

'Feel good' factor higher when you own, not just use, luxury items

A study found that owning luxury products leads to higher satisfaction with life, whereas using them has a detrimental effect. Participants who kept luxury versions of durable items or consumable goods were more satisfied than those who only used them.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateApr 29, 2014
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.

Smoking may dull obese women's ability to taste fat and sugar

A new study found that cigarette smoking among obese women interferes with their ability to taste fats and sweets, making them more likely to consume high-calorie foods. The study suggests that this may contribute to the consumption of more calories, exacerbating weight-related health issues.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalObesity·DateApr 3, 2014

Bamboo-loving giant pandas also have a sweet tooth

Researchers found that giant pandas possess functional sweet taste receptors and show a strong preference for natural sweeteners. The study used behavioral and molecular genetic studies to investigate the giant panda's taste preferences and diet selection.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 26, 2014

Smokers' bitter taste buds may be on the fritz

A study by Nelly Jacob found that smokers have impaired bitter taste perception, with 19.8% unable to recognize the bitter taste of caffeine, compared to 13.4% non-smokers. Researchers believe tobacco's toxic effects may hinder regeneration of taste buds, leading to long-term flavor impairments.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateMar 24, 2014

Cognitive function and oral perception in independently-living octogenarians

Research study examines association between cognitive function and tactile, taste perceptions in elderly. Results show positive correlation between cognitive function and oral perception, suggesting decline in cognitive function is related to impaired oral perception in independently-living octogenarians.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 20, 2014
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.

Better-tasting reduced-fat desserts, dressings, sauces: Coming soon?

Researchers have successfully developed a method to create high-quality, lower-fat versions of popular food products like sauces, dressings, and desserts. By adjusting the calcium level and acidity, they were able to improve the texture, appearance, and flavor of these foods without sacrificing taste or nutritional value.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 16, 2014

Mood and food: The better your mood, the better you eat

Studies showed that individuals in good moods make healthier food choices due to future health benefits, while those in bad moods focus on immediate taste and sensory experience. Temporal construal also plays a role, with trying to focus on the past reducing indulgent food consumption.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateFeb 24, 2014
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.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Honeybees have a sweet claw

A recent study reveals the unique way honeybees process information from both front tarsi to decide whether to feed, highlighting the importance of their sense of taste in finding nectar and pollen. The sensitivity of their claws and tarsomeres plays a crucial role in detecting sweet and salty substances.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 4, 2014

Death row confessions and the last meal test of innocence

A study by Cornell researchers found that those who admitted guilt were more likely to request brand-name, comfort-food items, whereas those who denied guilt declined meals altogether. Guilty individuals also requested 34% more calories of food.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalLaws·DateJan 23, 2014

Humans can use smell to detect levels of dietary fat

Researchers at Monell Center found humans can differentiate levels of dietary fat in food using the sense of smell. Innovative methods could make low-fat foods more palatable and aid in reducing excessive fat consumption.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 22, 2014

Is laughter really the best medicine?

Researchers found that laughter can increase pain thresholds, reduce arterial wall stiffness, and lower heart attack risk, but also cause adverse effects like heart rupture, asthma attacks, and hernias.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 12, 2013
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.

Love connection

Researchers developed an algorithm that pairs people according to their past interests and online mating success, rather than who they say they're interested in. The model improves return rates by 44 percent compared to existing models.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalIEEE Intelligent Systems·DateDec 5, 2013

Does obesity reshape our sense of taste?

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that obese mice have fewer taste cells capable of detecting sweetness and react weakly to sweet stimuli. This impairment may contribute to overeating and weight gain by reducing the effectiveness of the body's natural appetite suppressants.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 21, 2013

Penn team elucidates evolution of bitter taste sensitivity

A new study reveals a genetic mutation that makes certain people sensitive to bitter compounds appeared advantageous for African populations, with potential roles in immune response and metabolism. The research found strong correlations between specific gene variants and increased bitterness sensitivity in East Africans.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateNov 11, 2013
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 musical ages of modern man: How our taste in music changes over a lifetime

As people age, their musical taste shifts in response to life's challenges. After adolescence, music becomes a means of establishing identity and expressing independence, followed by a focus on intimacy and finding love. In middle age, music serves as a way to promote social status, intellect, and relaxation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 15, 2013

How Instagram can ruin your dinner

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that overexposure to food imagery on Instagram and other platforms increases satiation, leading to a decrease in enjoyment with repeated consumption. This phenomenon, known as sensory boredom, can result in people becoming tired of certain tastes without even eating the food.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 3, 2013