Monthly Archives: May 2024

Root microbes could hold the key to improving the taste of tea

The rich flavours of a quality tea are primarily influenced by the varieties of tea leaves used in its preparation. However, research published in the journal *Current Biology* on February 15th reveals that an often-overlooked component plays a critical role in crafting a delicious tea: the microbial communities present on the roots of tea plants. The study demonstrates that modifying these microbial assemblages can substantially enhance the quality of the tea.

Tongda Xu from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in Fujian, China, explains that microbiome studies found significant differences in the microbial communities of tea plant roots, particularly those microbes involved in nitrogen metabolism. These findings are pivotal, as the team constructed a synthetic microbial community from the roots of high-quality tea plants, which significantly increased the amino acid content across various tea plant varieties, thereby improving the tea quality.

China is renowned for its vast genetic resources for tea cultivation. However, the researchers note that enhancing tea quality through traditional molecular genetic breeding is challenging. Consequently, there is keen interest in exploring alternative methods, such as employing microbial agents, to improve and modify tea quality. Previous studies have shown that soil microbes, which reside in plant roots, play a significant role in nutrient uptake and utilisation within the plants. In this new study, the researchers aimed to delve deeper into how root microbes specifically influence tea quality.

The study revealed that the root microbes are crucial for the uptake of ammonia, which affects the production of theanine, a key component in determining the taste of tea. Furthermore, analysing various tea varieties and their theanine levels, the researchers identified specific microbes that could enhance nitrogen metabolism and increase theanine production.

Following this discovery, the team created a synthetic microbial community called SynCom, which closely replicated the microbial community associated with a high-theanine tea variety known as Rougui. Upon applying this SynCom to tea roots, they observed an increase in theanine levels. The microbes also enabled Arabidopsis thaliana, a model organism frequently used in plant biology, to tolerate low-nitrogen conditions better.

Wenxin Tang, a co-author of the study, expressed surprise at the synthetic microbial community’s broader applicability. Originally anticipated to improve only low-quality tea plants, SynCom was found to significantly enhance the quality of certain high-quality tea varieties as well, particularly under low-nitrogen soil conditions.

These findings suggest a promising future for tea cultivation, especially in nitrogen-deficient soils. The potential of synthetically produced microbial communities to enhance tea quality, coupled with the fact that tea plants are heavy nitrogen consumers, could reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers. This discovery not only promotes more sustainable agricultural practices but also holds the promise of enhancing the quality of the tea produced.

The implications of these findings are not limited to tea cultivation. The enhanced ammonium nitrogen uptake observed in tea varieties treated with SynCom21 was also noted in Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting that this microbial community could be beneficial for other crops. This opens up a world of possibilities, improving characteristics such as protein content in rice and revolutionising sustainable agriculture.

The researchers are now at the forefront of agricultural science, focused on further optimising SynCom and evaluating its effectiveness in field trials. They also aim to explore how root microbes influence other secondary metabolites in tea plants, which could lead to additional breakthroughs in crop management. This study not only underscores the importance of microbial communities in agriculture but also highlights innovative ways to leverage these communities to enhance crop quality and sustainability, paving the way for a more sustainable and high-quality future in agriculture.

More information: Wei Xin et al, Root microbiota of tea plants regulate nitrogen homeostasis and theanine synthesis to influence tea quality, Current Biology. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.044

Journal information: Current Biology Provided by Cell Press

Exploring Pathways to Environmental Restoration: Sustainable Strategies for Cesium Removal from Radioactive Wastewater

Leave a Reply

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, triggered by the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, resulted in a severe release of radioactive materials, including cesium, from the damaged nuclear reactors. This catastrophe led to partial meltdowns in the reactor cores, releasing a substantial amount of cesium-137 (Cs-137) and cesium-134 (Cs-134) into the environment. Cs-137, with its long half-life and high mobility, poses significant environmental and human health hazards. It contributes to radioactive contamination, leading to soil degradation and ecosystem disruption. At the same time, prolonged exposure increases the risk of cancer, particularly affecting the thyroid, and may cause chronic radiation damage to the immune and reproductive systems.

Removing cesium from radioactive wastewater is challenging due to various factors, including the complex chemical nature of cesium and the large volume of contaminated water generated post-disaster. The choice of removal method must consider factors such as efficiency, cost, and environmental impact. In a recent study by Prof. Shuting Zhuang and Prof. Jianlong Wang, two standard methods for cesium removal, adsorption, and membrane separation, have been extensively reviewed.

Adsorption, mainly using advanced adsorbents, has shown promise in treating radioactive wastewater with low radionuclide concentrations but large volumes. Various materials, including inorganic and organic substances and biological materials, have been explored for Cs+ removal, with hexacyanoferrate notable for its exceptional adsorption capacity and selectivity.

Membrane separation, incredibly reverse osmosis (RO), has emerged as an effective technique for cesium ion separation. RO membranes with smaller pores efficiently retain cesium ions, offering advantages like commercialization, high efficiency, and water fluxes. However, membrane methods generate concentrated retention liquid that requires treatment due to higher concentrations of radioactive nuclides, and prolonged operation poses challenges to the radiation stability of membrane materials.

Continuous research and technological advancements are crucial to developing sustainable and cost-effective methods for treating contaminated water and mitigating the environmental impact of cesium discharge. This ongoing effort aims to address the complex challenges of cesium contamination and contribute to ecological restoration and human health protection.

More information: Shuting Zhuang et al, Cesium removal from radioactive wastewater by adsorption and membrane technology, Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering. DOI: 10.1007/s11783-024-1798-1

Journal information: Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering Provided by Higher Education Press

Lipids in herbal teas with potential health benefits

Leave a Reply

Herbal teas are cherished globally for their delightful flavours and refreshing qualities and their array of reputed health benefits. However, the significance of a specific group of compounds known as lipids within these teas has just been thoroughly investigated. A team from Hokkaido University, under the leadership of Associate Professor Siddabasave Gowda and Professor Shu-Ping Hui from the Faculty of Health Sciences, has made a groundbreaking discovery in this area. They identified 341 different molecular species from five lipid categories in samples from four herbal tea types, and their findings were published in the journal Food Chemistry.

Lipids, a varied group of naturally occurring substances, are characterised by their insolubility in water. This group includes all fats and oils commonly found in many foods, but they have seldom been studied as significant elements in teas. The research team at Hokkaido University chose four types of teas for their study: dokudami (Houttuynia cordata, also known as fish mint), kumazasa (Sasa veitchii), sugina (Equisetum arvense, commonly known as common horsetail), and yomogi (Artemisia princeps, or Japanese mugwort).

These indigenous to Japan herbs have been consumed as tea since ancient times, attributed to their medicinal properties. The health benefits associated with these and other herbal teas are extensive, ranging from antioxidant to anti-aging properties, including antioxidant, antiglycation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergic, anticarcinogenic, antithrombotic, vasodilatory, antimutagenic, and anti-aging effects.

The lipids in these teas were identified and separated through advanced analytical techniques, specifically high-performance liquid chromatography and linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The study unveiled notable lipid profile variations among the tea types, each containing bioactive lipids. Among these were a unique group of lipids called short-chain fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (SFAHFAs), some of which had never been identified in plants. These SFAHFAs could represent a new source of short-chain fatty acids, crucial metabolites for maintaining gut health.

Professor Hui highlighted the discovery of these novel SFAHFAs as a gateway to further research, noting that the lipid concentrations detected could have significant nutritional and medicinal impacts on consumers. The identified lipids also included α-linolenic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory effects, and arachidonic acid, linked to various health benefits. These compounds are part of a broader group of poly-unsaturated fatty acids in the teas, renowned for their nutritional advantages.

In conclusion, this initial study by Professor Gowda and his team sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the role of lipids in herbal teas and their extensive implications for human health and nutrition. The team is eager to broaden their research to characterise the lipid content in over 40 different types of herbal tea shortly, opening new avenues for understanding and leveraging the health benefits of these traditional beverages. Herbal teas are cherished globally for their delightful flavours and refreshing qualities and their array of reputed health benefits. However, the significance of a specific group of compounds known as lipids within these teas has just been thoroughly investigated. A team from Hokkaido University, under the leadership of Associate Professor Siddabasave Gowda and Professor Shu-Ping Hui from the Faculty of Health Sciences, has made a groundbreaking discovery in this area. They identified 341 different molecular species from five lipid categories in samples from four herbal tea types, and their findings were published in the journal Food Chemistry.

Lipids, a varied group of naturally occurring substances, are characterised by their insolubility in water. This group includes all fats and oils commonly found in many foods, but they have seldom been studied as significant elements in teas. The research team at Hokkaido University chose four types of teas for their study: Dokudami (Houttuynia cordata, also known as fish mint), Kumazasa (Sasa veitchii), Sugina (Equisetum arvense, commonly known as common horsetail), Yomogi (Artemisia princeps, or Japanese mugwort).

These herbs, indigenous to Japan, have been consumed as tea since ancient times, attributed to their medicinal properties. The health benefits associated with these and other herbal teas are extensive, ranging from antioxidant to anti-aging properties, including antioxidant, antiglycation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergic, anticarcinogenic, antithrombotic, vasodilatory, antimutagenic, and anti-aging effects.

In conclusion, Professor Gowda and his team’s initial study sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the role of lipids in herbal teas and their extensive implications for human health and nutrition. The team is eager to broaden their research to characterise the lipid content in over 40 different types of herbal tea shortly, opening new avenues for understanding and leveraging the health benefits of these traditional beverages.

More information: Lipsa Rani Nath et al, Dissecting new lipids and their composition in herbal tea using untargeted LC/MS, Food Chemistry. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138941

Journal information: Food Chemistry Provided by Hokkaido University

Harnessing the Transformative Potential of Expressive Writing: Navigating Anger through Emotional Liberation

Leave a Reply

In a groundbreaking study, a team of Japanese researchers has introduced a unique method for managing anger: the act of writing down one’s reaction to a negative event on paper, then discarding it, has shown a significant decrease in anger. Lead researcher Nobuyuki Kawai was amazed at the effectiveness of this seemingly simple practice. This novel discovery has profound implications for both personal and professional anger management, offering a potential solution to the detrimental effects of uncontrolled anger.

The importance of this research is underscored by the need for empirical validation of many existing anger management techniques, which often prove challenging to implement during moments of heightened emotion. Published in Scientific Reports, the study represents the culmination of an extensive investigation into the correlation between written expression and anger reduction, building upon prior research that highlights the impact of physical actions on mood regulation.

In their experiment, Kawai and his graduate student, Yuta Kanaya, engaged participants in expressing brief opinions on significant social issues, only to subject them to harsh criticism from fictitious evaluators—intentionally provoking genuine emotional responses. Following negative feedback, participants were prompted to reflect on the emotional triggers caused by the criticism.

Participants were subsequently divided into two groups: one instructed to dispose of their written responses and the other to retain them. Disposal methods ranged from discarding the paper in a bin to shredding it. The results revealed a substantial contrast in anger levels between the two groups. Those who disposed of their written responses reported a swift return to baseline anger levels, while those who retained the documents experienced only marginal decreases in anger.

Lead researcher Kawai envisions practical uses for this research, particularly in high-stress environments such as the workplace. By encouraging individuals to write down the source of their anger, similar to taking a memo and promptly disposing of it, this technique offers a viable strategy for managing anger in real-time situations.

Aside from its practical implications, this discovery may shed light on the cultural practice of hakidashisara—a traditional Japanese ritual involving the symbolic release of anger. Held annually at the Hiyoshi shrine in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture, hakidashisara involves the symbolic smashing of small discs representing sources of rage. The similarities between this cultural tradition and the research findings suggest a shared mechanism for emotional release and relief, underscoring the cultural significance of this research.

This study by the Japanese research group sheds light on the therapeutic potential of expressive writing in anger management. This research offers a promising avenue for improving emotional well-being and interpersonal dynamics by demonstrating the effectiveness of a simple yet potent technique. Moreover, its cultural implications illuminate age-old practices of emotional catharsis, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and cultural tradition.

More information: Yuta Kanaya et al, Anger is eliminated with the disposal of a paper written because of provocation, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57916-z

Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by Nagoya University

Birds flock by coordinating movements, unveiling new aerodynamic phenomena via mathematical research

Leave a Reply

During the early weeks of spring, gazing skyward may offer the sight of migrating birds moving in seamless unison. But how do these creatures achieve such coordinated flight? A team of mathematicians has unveiled previously unknown aerodynamic interactions, shedding light on this natural phenomenon. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, deepen our understanding of wildlife behaviour, including fish schooling, and hold potential implications for transportation and energy sectors.

Leif Ristroph, from New York University’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, underscores the significance of studying how animals harness environmental flows to conserve energy or reduce resistance. Beyond being a fascinating exploration of nature’s mechanisms, their research may offer crucial insights into efficient propulsion methods in transportation and optimising energy harvesting from wind or water currents, potentially revolutionising these sectors.

The study reveals that aerodynamic effects vary with flock size, benefiting smaller groups while disrupting larger ones. Sophie Ramananarivo, one of the authors, explains that smaller bird flocks maintain precise positions relative to their neighbours through aerodynamic interactions. At the same time, more prominent groups experience disruptions that can lead to collisions.

Previous research by Ristroph and colleagues focused on the interactions of two birds, but this study extends the investigation to larger groups. To simulate bird formations, researchers used mechanised flappers resembling bird wings, propelled through water to mimic airflow. Observations showed that flow dynamics influenced group organisation differently depending on flock size.

For small groups, aerodynamic interactions effortlessly aided members in maintaining orderly spacing. However, larger groups faced challenges as flow interactions caused members to shudder and lose formation, often resulting in collisions. Mathematical modelling supported these experimental findings, revealing flow-mediated interactions as spring-like forces holding flock members in place.

These “springs” operate unidirectionally, allowing lead birds to influence followers but not vice versa, resulting in oscillations known as “flonons.” Joel Newbolt, a former NYU graduate student, draws parallels between flock dynamics and vibrational waves in material physics, likening orderly flocks to atoms in a crystal lattice.

In essence, this research uncovers the intricate aerodynamic principles governing bird flocking behaviour, offering insights that deepen our understanding of the natural world and transcend into the realms of transportation efficiency and energy optimisation. By understanding and applying these principles, we can enhance the efficiency of transportation systems and optimise energy use, contributing to a more sustainable future.

More information: Joel W. Newbolt et al, Flow interactions lead to self-organized flight formations disrupted by self-amplifying waves, Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47525-9

Journal information: Nature Communications Provided by New York University

The unveiling of a newly sequenced genome offers profound insights into the ancient origins of coffee and its prospective trajectory in the face of climate change

Leave a Reply

Unlocking the potential for cultivating coffee plants resilient to climate change in the forthcoming decades may trace its roots back to ancient times.

A collaborative effort spearheaded by the University at Buffalo has yielded what is proclaimed the most superior reference genome for Arabica, the world’s most favoured coffee species. This feat has unearthed a wealth of knowledge regarding its lineage, spanning millennia and continents, shedding light on its evolutionary journey. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, unveil that Coffea arabica emerged over 600,000 years ago in the Ethiopian forests through natural hybridisation between two other coffee species. The population of Arabica underwent fluctuations across Earth’s climatic oscillations over thousands of years before being cultivated in Ethiopia and Yemen and subsequently disseminated globally.

“We’ve utilised genomic data from contemporary plants to delve into the past and construct the most precise narrative possible of Arabica’s extensive history, while also elucidating the relationships among modern cultivated varieties,” remarks Victor Albert, PhD, co-corresponding author of the study and Empire Innovation Professor in the UB Department of Biological Sciences.

Major coffee corporations such as Starbucks and Tim Hortons rely exclusively on Arabica beans for their millions of daily servings. However, Arabica’s susceptibility to pests and diseases stems from its low genetic diversity due to a history of inbreeding and small population size, which limits its cultivation to regions with lower pathogen threats and favourable climatic conditions.

“An intricate understanding of the origins and breeding history of contemporary varieties is imperative for developing new Arabica cultivars better suited to withstand climate change,” adds Albert.

Employing cutting-edge DNA sequencing technology and advanced data science, the research team accomplished the sequencing of 39 Arabica varieties and even an 18th-century specimen used by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus to classify the species. The reference genome is now accessible in a publicly available digital database.

“While other public references for Arabica coffee do exist, the quality of our team’s work is exceptionally high,” notes Patrick Descombes, senior expert in genomics at Nestlé Research and one of the study’s co-leaders.

Humanity’s adoration for coffee evolved without human intervention. Arabica originated as a natural hybridisation between Coffea canephora and Coffea eugenioides, receiving genetic contributions from both parents. This event’s precise timing and location have long been debated, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 1 million years ago.

To pinpoint evidence of this pivotal event, UB researchers and collaborators employed computational modelling to scrutinise various Arabica genomes for signatures of its foundation. The models delineate three population bottlenecks in Arabica’s history, with the oldest occurring approximately 610,000 years ago, suggesting that Arabica formed sometime before that, potentially between 610,000 to 1 million years ago.

“In essence, the formation of Arabica was a natural occurrence predating modern humans and the domestication of coffee,” asserts Albert.

Coffee plants have traditionally been believed to have originated in Ethiopia. However, the study’s examination of wild varieties collected around the Great Rift Valley reveals a distinct geographical split: wild varieties originated from the western side. In contrast, cultivated varieties originated from the eastern side near the Bab al-Mandab strait separating Africa and Yemen. This aligns with evidence suggesting that coffee cultivation likely commenced primarily in Yemen around the 15th century.

“It appears that Yemeni coffee diversity may serve as the progenitor of all major current varieties,” observes Descombes.

The study juxtaposes climate events with fluctuations in wild and cultivated Arabica populations over time. Modelling indicates a prolonged period of low population size between 20,000 and 100,000 years ago, corresponding to an extended drought and cooler climate in the region. The population surged approximately 6,000 to 15,000 years ago during the African humid period, coinciding with more favourable growth conditions. Around 30,000 years ago, wild varieties and those destined for human cultivation diverged.

Cultivated Arabica faces a looming threat due to its low genetic diversity. It is estimated to have an adequate population size of only 10,000 to 50,000 individuals. This vulnerability leaves it susceptible to decimation by pathogens such as coffee leaf rust, which causes annual losses of $1-2 billion.

The reference genome unveils insights into how one line of Arabica varieties acquired robust resistance to disease. The Timor variety, originating in Southeast Asia as a spontaneous hybrid between Arabica and its parent, Coffea canephora, possesses more excellent disease resistance than Arabica.

“Consequently, when Robusta hybridised back into Arabica on Timor, it brought along some of its pathogen defence genes,” explains Albert.

While breeders have endeavoured to replicate this crossbreeding to enhance pathogen resistance, the new Arabica reference genome has enabled researchers to pinpoint a novel region housing members of the RPP8 resistance gene family and a general regulator of resistance genes, CPR1.

“These findings indicate a novel target locus for potentially enhancing pathogen resistance in Arabica,” remarks Jarkko Salojärvi, assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University and co-corresponding author of the study.

Furthermore, the genome reveals other novel discoveries, including the closest wild varieties to modern cultivated Arabica and the likely parentage of the Typica variety. This early Dutch cultivar is believed to be the progenitor of the Bourbon variety.

“Our endeavour has been akin to reconstructing the genealogical tree of a highly significant family,” concludes Albert.

More information: Jarkko Salojärvi et al, The genome and population genomics of allopolyploid Coffea arabica reveal the diversification history of modern coffee cultivars, Nature Genetics. DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.06.556570

Journal information: Nature Genetics Provided by University at Buffalo

Researchers have pinpointed specific targets within the brain that can be modulated to regulate heart rate and potentially alleviate depressive disorders

Leave a Reply

A recent investigation led by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a prominent member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, indicates that heart rate could serve as a valuable indicator for determining optimal brain stimulation sites in individuals with depressive disorders when conventional brain imaging techniques are unavailable.

The study, featured in Nature Mental Health, examined data from 14 individuals exhibiting no symptoms of depression. By utilising transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to target specific brain regions associated with depression, researchers observed concurrent effects on heart rate. This suggests that clinicians may identify and target relevant brain areas without the necessity of widely inaccessible brain scans.

Senior author Dr Shan Siddiqi of Brigham’s Department of Psychiatry and the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics explained that the concept emerged during a conference where Dutch researchers presented data on heart-brain coupling. The findings indicated the transient reduction of heart rate through TMS and the significance of the stimulation site. Dr. Siddiqi expressed enthusiasm for providing easier access to precision-targeted depression treatment worldwide, leveraging advanced technology in Boston.

Collaborating with colleagues at the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, lead author Eva Dijkstra, MSc, integrated their expertise on heart-brain coupling with Brigham’s research on brain circuitry. This collaborative effort led to the identification of ten brain spots in each participant, categorised as either optimal (‘connected areas’) or non-optimal for depression treatment, with subsequent observation of heart rate fluctuations upon stimulation of each spot.

Dijkstra highlighted the promising discovery, emphasising the substantial heart-brain coupling observed in the connected areas for most participants. This finding holds the potential for customising TMS therapy based on individual brain targets, a development that could significantly improve the lives of individuals with depressive disorders, without the prerequisite of an MRI scan.

Dr. Siddiqi underscored the study’s broader implications, foreseeing its relevance in developing treatments applicable to cardiologists and emergency physicians in clinical settings. However, the study’s limitations lie in its small sample size and the inability to stimulate all possible brain spots.

Moving forward, the team is optimistic about refining their understanding of brain stimulation sites to ensure consistent changes in heart rate. Meanwhile, Dijkstra’s team in the Netherlands is conducting a larger study involving 150 individuals with treatment-resistant depression, with data analysis expected to significantly advance the research’s clinical translation later this year.

More information: Eva S. A. Dijkstra et al, Probing prefrontal-sgACC connectivity using TMS-induced heart–brain coupling, Nature Mental Health. DOI: 10.1038/s44220-024-00248-8

Journal information: Nature Mental Health Provided by Brigham and Women’s Hospital

The foodborne pathogen Listeria can evade sanitizers by concealing itself within biofilms

Leave a Reply

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that every year in the U.S., approximately 1,600 individuals contract a severe infection from Listeria bacteria present in food, with around 260 fatalities reported annually. Researchers from Penn State have deepened our understanding of how these bacteria, specifically Listeria monocytogenes, persist and thrive in fruit-packing environments by resisting sanitisation efforts.

Their findings, soon to be published in the June edition of the journal Biofilm and currently accessible online, reveal how biofilms—structures formed by benign microorganisms that cluster together and adhere to surfaces—create a protective barrier around the Listeria. According to the research team, this barrier shields the bacteria from sanitisers, potentially leading to significant revisions in cleaning procedures at food-processing facilities aimed at reducing Listeria contamination.

Jasna Kovac, the Lester Earl and Veronica Casida Career Development Professor of Food Safety and the study’s corresponding author, explained that they identified two specific groups of microorganisms, Pseudomonadaceae and Xanthomonadaceae, which are particularly adept at forming these biofilms. These biofilms not only physically obstruct the sanitisers, making them less effective, but are also believed to enhance Listeria’s resistance to the antimicrobial agents commonly used in these facilities.

Laura Rolon, a recent Penn State doctoral graduate and the lead researcher, noted that these biofilms significantly undermine sanitisers’ efficacy against Listeria monocytogenes. The study suggests that facilities experiencing recurrent issues with this pathogen should evaluate whether these biofilm-forming microorganisms are a contributing factor.

Kovac further stated that their findings necessitate a review of the effectiveness of sanitisers against these non-pathogenic, biofilm-forming microorganisms typically found in food processing environments. This could lead to better strategies to prevent biofilm formation, thus enhancing control over Listeria monocytogenes. Future assessments might yield practical recommendations for the industry, such as optimal concentrations and sanitiser application durations.

Luke LaBorde, a professor of food science, extension specialist, and co-author of the study, emphasised the importance of disseminating these findings to those involved in sanitation at food-processing facilities. He pointed out that Penn State Extension is committed to translating scientific research into practical applications through workshops and short courses aimed at professionals in the tree-fruit industry. These efforts are designed to improve sanitation practices and effectively manage the risk of Listeria monocytogenes.

These educational initiatives by Penn State Extension serve as a bridge between scientific discoveries and their application in the field, reflecting the core mission of a land-grant university like Penn State. The university aims to communicate crucial research findings through regular workshops and other resources, such as those on Listeria monocytogenes and biofilms, and promote best practices for controlling foodborne pathogens. These sessions are typically attended by professionals from food-processing plants, industry association representatives, food safety consultants, and government inspectors, all geared towards enhancing food safety across the industry.

More information: M. Laura Rolon et al, Multi-species biofilms of environmental microbiota isolated from fruit packing facilities promoted tolerance of Listeria monocytogenes to benzalkonium chloride, Biofilm. DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100177

Journal information: Biofilm Provided by Penn State

A Rutgers Health Study Reveals the Vital Role of Social Networks in Supporting Older Adults Living with HIV

Leave a Reply

In a study featured in AIDS Care and spearheaded by Kristen Krause, an instructor at the Rutgers School of Public Health, an examination was conducted into the social networks of older individuals grappling with HIV in Newark, N.J. – a locale often sidelined in research focused on this demographic. “This study is instrumental in deciphering the impact of support networks on older adults contending with HIV and how the presence of stigma and fractured relationships can pave the way for adverse health outcomes,” remarked Krause. She highlighted that many studies concentrate on more significant urban hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

With a staggering 1.2 million individuals living with HIV in the United States, advancements in medical technology have stretched their lifespans, challenging the notion of HIV primarily afflicting young demographics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscore that half of those living with the virus in the United States are aged 50 or above, underlining the significance of grasping the dynamics of social support for this cohort. Older individuals grappling with HIV often confront stigma tied to both their HIV status and advancing age, which can impinge upon their mental well-being and escalate social seclusion.

Assistance from diverse sources such as community organisations, family, and healthcare providers proves pivotal in mitigating these hurdles, furnishing avenues for connection and encouragement towards self-care. Research indicates that social support not only acts as a buffer against stigma but also diminishes levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among older individuals living with HIV. “Social support stands as a pivotal element in resilience and surmounting formidable obstacles that older adults dealing with HIV may encounter,” affirmed Krause.

“Social support stands as a pivotal element in resilience and surmounting formidable obstacles that older adults dealing with HIV may encounter,” affirmed Krause. “It can manifest in various forms, ranging from friendships and familial bonds to support groups, each serving distinct yet collective roles in ensuring favourable health outcomes in older individuals grappling with HIV.” Researchers enlisted 40 participants aged 51 to 69 through diverse sampling methods within the Newark metropolitan area, encompassing drag shows, pride events, and medical facilities.

From the amassed data, four principal themes surfaced regarding participants’ experiences navigating life with HIV as older individuals: friendships and relationships, support groups, stigma and discrimination, and family, all of which underscored the recurring significance of social support. The study’s findings underscore the imperative for older adults contending with HIV to foster robust support systems, particularly in underexplored regions such as Newark. The absence of such networks correlated with a spectrum of challenges among participants as they age, including heightened substance use, depressive episodes, anxiety, homelessness, and adverse health outcomes.

“It is imperative for researchers and public health practitioners to collaborate in devising programmes that can facilitate consistent and affirming interactions for older adults grappling with HIV,” emphasised Krause. “This will significantly enhance the overall quality of life for many individuals and bolster positive health outcomes.” Looking forward, Krause emphasised the necessity for further research tailored to this demographic, advocating for augmented funding and the formulation of interventions and programmes that nurture social support through dependable and affirmative experiences, given that not all older adults living with HIV have seamless access to such support and resources.

More information: Susannah C. Gervolino et al, The role of social support networks in a sample of older adults living with HIV: the GOLD studies, AIDS Care. DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2312877

Journal information: AIDS Care Provided by Rutgers University

Probiotics in kombucha mimic fasting and decrease fat reserves in worms

Leave a Reply

In a recent study, it has been discovered that the microbes in kombucha tea induce alterations in fat metabolism within the intestines of a model worm species, mirroring the metabolic effects typically associated with fasting. This research was conducted by Robert Dowen and his colleagues at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and their findings were published on March 28 in the journal PLOS Genetics.

Kombucha, a sweetened and fermented tea, has gained considerable popularity due to its health benefits. These include reducing blood pressure, preventing cancer, and protecting against metabolic diseases and liver toxins. The supposed benefits are attributed to the probiotic microbes present in the beverage and their metabolic effects. However, the health claims associated with kombucha have yet to be thoroughly investigated in human studies.

Dowen’s research focused on exploring the impact of kombucha tea’s microbes on metabolism. This was achieved by administering these microbes to the model nematode worm, C. elegans. The study revealed that the yeast and bacteria from the kombucha colonize the worm’s intestines, prompting metabolic changes akin to those observed during fasting. Specifically, these microbes influence the expression of genes linked to fat metabolism, increasing proteins that degrade fats and decreasing proteins that synthesize a type of fat molecule known as triglycerides. Consequently, these alterations lead to a reduction in the fat stores within the worms.

The implications of this study are far-reaching, illuminating how the probiotics in kombucha tea can reshape metabolism in a model worm species, potentially offering insights into their effects on human metabolism. While further research is needed to confirm whether humans consuming kombucha can experience similar effects as those observed in the C. elegans model, the results align with the reported health benefits of kombucha in humans. This could potentially pave the way for the integration of kombucha into future complementary healthcare strategies.

The authors of the study were astounded by the significant impact of the kombucha-derived probiotics on the model organism. They remarked, “Animal consuming a diet consisting of the probiotic microbes found in Kombucha Tea displayed reduced fat accumulation, lower triglyceride levels, and smaller lipid droplets – an organelle that stores the cell’s – when compared to other diets.” These unexpected observations suggest that the microbes in kombucha tea can induce a ‘fastin’-like’ state in the host, even when nutrients are plentiful. This underscores the profound influence that dietary components can have on biological processes and underscores the potential therapeutic benefits of carefully selected probiotics in the diet.

More information: Rachel N. DuMez-Kornegay et al, Kombucha Tea-associated microbes remodel host metabolic pathways to suppress lipid accumulation, PLoS Genetics. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011003

Journal information: PLoS Genetics Provided by PLOS

Unveiling the Oversight: The Neglect of Cancer Research in Older Adults

Leave a Reply

A critical evaluation of existing research unveils a significant oversight in addressing the intricate nexus of ageing, health disparities, and cancer outcomes among older adults. This revelation emerges from a recent publication in the esteemed Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, spearheaded by Dr. Nikesha Gilmore, a distinguished member of the Wilmot Cancer Institute at the University of Rochester.

With projections indicating a potential doubling in the population of cancer survivors aged 65 and above over the next two decades, the review underscores the pressing necessity for studies aimed at mitigating biases influencing cancer prognosis in this demographic. The absence of research dedicated to disparities, coupled with the lack of policies and targeted interventions to enhance health equity, perpetuates cancer inequities and renders the healthcare system ill-equipped to cater to the distinctive needs of the burgeoning and increasingly diverse older adult cancer populace, as posited by the research team.

This imperative resonates particularly strongly at Wilmot, where the catchment area spans 27 counties in the Rochester region. Notably, this area exhibits a higher proportion (18%) of individuals aged 65 and older than state and national averages. Moreover, the region grapples with an elevated cancer incidence rate surpassing that of New York state and the nation at large.

Dr. Gilmore, an esteemed Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center and a pivotal figure within Wilmot’s Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) research program, assumes lead co-authorship of the paper alongside Dr. Shakira J. Grant MBBS, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Their collaboration includes Dr. Supriya Mohile, a renowned mentor and senior co-author of the study, and esteemed National Cancer and Aging Research Group members. Undertaking a scoping review encompassing articles published between 2016 and 2023, the team’s rigorous analysis garnered commendation from Nancy Lundebjerg, CEO of the American Geriatrics Society.

Dr. Gilmore’s commitment to fostering diversity and nurturing the next generation of researchers is palpable within the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) community. Notably, she spearheads various initiatives to identify key avenues for future investigation and dismantle barriers for underrepresented undergraduate students keen on pursuing careers in science and medicine. One such initiative is the immersive student enrichment program, EmREACh, which was developed in collaboration with peers at Wilmot and the CPC. EmREACh endeavours to provide mentorship, manuscript writing guidance, and exposure to clinical research and professional development opportunities, thereby nurturing a cadre of diverse, talented individuals poised to drive innovation in cancer research and beyond.

More information: Nikesha Gilmore et al, A scoping review of racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities in the outcomes of older adults with cancer, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18881

Journal information: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Provided by University of Rochester Medical Center

Winding down the window, consuming tea and coffee, increasing the radio volume, and singing while driving could indicate a hazardous snoring condition

Leave a Reply

A study published in ERJ Open Research suggests that regularly using multiple methods to stay awake while driving might indicate severe sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Individuals with OSA typically experience loud snoring, intermittent breathing during sleep, and frequent awakenings. Although it is estimated that one in five people suffers from OSA, most are unaware of their condition. Untreated, OSA leads to extreme drowsiness, significantly increasing the risk of vehicular accidents.

The research highlights the potential of using certain behaviours, such as opening car windows, consuming caffeinated beverages, or increasing radio volume, as indicators to identify drivers at heightened risk of incidents due to OSA.

This study, led by Dr Akshay Dwarakanath and his team at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds, UK, compared 119 untreated OSA patients with 105 individuals without the disorder. Participants were queried about their general and driving-specific sleepiness, strategies employed to combat drowsiness while driving, and any history of driving incidents.

The research findings are significant, revealing that those with OSA were more likely to adopt multiple alertness strategies while driving compared to their non-OSA counterparts. Notably, nearly a third of the OSA group reported frequently using over three techniques to stay awake, a practice nonexistent among the control group. Furthermore, OSA patients engaging in multiple strategies not only felt generally sleepier but also reported a higher incidence of crashes—22.8% versus 2.4% among those using fewer strategies.

Standard methods among OSA sufferers included adjusting the car environment by opening windows or using caffeinated drinks, as well as behavioural tactics like singing, adjusting seating positions, chewing gum, taking breaks for physical activity, and even stopping to refresh themselves with cold water.

Dr Dwarakanath emphasized the clinical challenge in assessing patients’ fitness to drive, mainly when it affects their employment, especially for professional drivers. Nonetheless, he stressed the responsibility of medical professionals to advise against driving when there is a substantial risk of accidents.

The study underscores the crucial role of healthcare providers in inquiring about these adaptive strategies during clinical assessments. They can serve as indirect indicators of sleepiness and aid in identifying patients who may be more susceptible to driving-related accidents. This approach could empower healthcare providers to better manage the risks associated with untreated OSA in drivers.

More information: Akshay Dwarakanath et al, An exploratory study evaluating the use of coping strategies while driving in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients and controls, ERJ Open Research. DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00638-2023

Journal information: ERJ Open Research Provided by European Respiratory Society