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The connection between individuals who consume mangoes and expectant mothers: enhanced dietary habits and improved intake of nutrients

Women in the stages of conception, pregnancy, or lactation often possess distinctive nutritional requirements that are frequently unaddressed by their current dietary choices. A recent study, unveiled in Nutrients, reveals a significant discovery: the inclusion of mangoes in the diets of women of childbearing age (WCA) leads to notable enhancements in both overall dietary quality and the intake of essential nutrients crucial for a healthy pregnancy. These vital nutrients, typically under-consumed by 10 – 30% in the diets of pregnant women, experience a significant upsurge when mangoes are integrated into their diets. This knowledge empowers women to make informed dietary choices that can potentially benefit their health and the health of their unborn children.

“Pregnant women are susceptible to various health conditions, such as gestational diabetes and hypertension, which endanger both their own health and that of the unborn baby,” explains study co-author Kristin Fulgoni. “Diet plays a pivotal role in preventive strategies, and mangoes are a nutritious fruit that provides many of the nutrients associated with reducing the risk of pregnancy-related ailments—including fibre, folate, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E.”

The study drew upon data from 16,744 women aged 15-44 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 1988-1994 to 1999-2018. Utilising the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), a validated metric of dietary quality, the investigation assessed how closely participants adhered to recommendations from the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).

In comparison to diets devoid of mangoes, HEI scores were 16% higher among WCA who incorporated mangoes into their dietary regimen. This heightened dietary quality, a reassuring indicator of improved health, can be partly attributed to disparities in nutrient intake between the groups. When WCA included mangoes in their diets, they exhibited significantly elevated consumption of beneficial nutrients and reduced intake of undesirable ones.

The study also encompassed an additional cohort of older Americans aged 60 years and above—another demographic necessitating special nutritional attention. Contrasts between mango consumers and non-consumers revealed a 13% higher HEI score among mango eaters, along with increased intakes of fibre and vitamin C and decreased intakes of cholesterol, niacin, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, saturated fat, and vitamin B12. Researchers inferred that older mango consumers exhibited a higher proportion of individuals identifying as vegetarian or vegan. This could elucidate the lower nutrient intakes, as many of these nutrients are typically more abundant in animal products.

“These findings contribute to an expanding body of research demonstrating the positive effects of incorporating mangoes into diverse diets,” notes Leonardo Ortega, PhD, Research Director at the National Mango Board. “As a culturally significant food intertwined with the heritage of more than a quarter of Americans, mangoes can serve as a crucial conduit to enhance nutritional equity and the quality of diet and nutrition across our multicultural nation.”

Food and nutrient intakes were ascertained based on two 24-hour dietary recalls utilising dietary components from NHANES and What We Eat in America surveys. The initial recall was conducted in person, with most participants completing the second recall via telephone. Mango consumers were defined as individuals reporting any quantity of raw mango consumption in either the first or second recall. Nutrient intakes were derived from both interviews and habitual intake was determined using the National Cancer Institute method. Dietary quality was evaluated using HEI-2020, which assigns a maximum score of 100 based on 13 subcomponents, each reflecting a food or nutrient group spotlighted in the 2020 DGA.

Study strengths encompassed utilising multiple NHANES cycles, resulting in a larger sample size of mango consumers. Nonetheless, limitations persisted, including the observational nature of NHANES analysis, which precludes assessments of causal relationships, reliance on dietary recalls, and the relatively modest percentage of the U.S. population that incorporates mangoes into their diets.

More information: Kristin Fulgoni et al, Mango Consumption Was Associated with Higher Nutrient Intake and Diet Quality in Women of Childbearing Age and Older Adults, Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu16020303

Journal information: Nutrients Provided by Wild Hive

Exposure to prevalent environmental carcinogens has been linked to a reduction in overall lifespan happiness

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If improving your outlook on life were truly as effortless as merely saying, “Don’t worry, be happy,” then maintaining high spirits would be straightforward. Unfortunately, reality proves more complex, as numerous factors beyond our influence can impact our mood.

In a groundbreaking study published in March in the esteemed journal Environmental Research, researchers from Osaka University unveiled a significant revelation-pollutants in the environment can exert a profound influence on our emotional wellbeing throughout our lifespan.

A newly devised risk assessment tool defined happy life expectancy as the duration of a person’s life during which they experience subjective emotional wellbeing. Meanwhile, loss of happy life expectancy (LHpLE) was delineated as a reduction in positive emotional experiences in an individual’s life. LHpLE is determined by combining the decline in happiness and the rise in mortality linked with exposure to risks.

“We previously utilised the LHpLE measure to assess psychological distress and cancer risk following radiation exposure post the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident, among other scenarios,” explains lead author Michio Murakami. “However, this tool has not been applied to evaluate the impact of cancer or exposure to environmental carcinogens on happiness.”

To address this crucial gap in knowledge, the researchers conducted a meticulous survey of Japanese individuals, aiming to ascertain their average happiness across different ages and genders. This comprehensive approach allowed them to establish whether cancer diminishes emotional happiness. Subsequently, LHpLE was computed for exposure to prevalent environmental cancer-causing agents in Japan, alongside psychological distress, facilitating a robust comparison of diverse forms of risk exposure.

“The outcomes were thought-provoking,” elucidates young author Shuhei Nomura. “We discovered that emotional happiness did not significantly decline among those with cancer, nor was there a notable correlation between emotional happiness and cancer type, history, or stage.”

Overall, exposure to environmental carcinogens reduced lifespan emotional happiness by 0.0064 years for radon, 0.0026 years for arsenic, and 0.00086 years for fine particulate matter in the air, attributable to heightened mortality. The dip in emotional happiness was even more conspicuous for psychological distress, resulting in an LHpLE decrease of 0.97 years.

“Our findings indicate that exposure to carcinogens and psychological distress substantially diminishes lifetime happiness,” underscores Murakami.

Given the stark decline in lifespan emotional happiness associated with carcinogens, the profound insights gleaned from this study advocate for a transformative shift in environmental policies. By focusing on minimising exposure to such substances, we can potentially enhance public health and help individuals lead longer, more contented lives.

More information: Michio Murakami et al, Comparing the risks of environmental carcinogenic chemicals in Japan using the loss of happy life expectancy indicator, Environmental Research. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118637

Journal information: Environmental Research Provided by Osaka University

Why do we move slower the older we get? New study delivers answers

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A fundamental reality of the ageing process is the gradual decrease in movement speed, whether it involves something as routine as walking around the neighbourhood or as simple as reaching for the television remote. A recent study spearheaded by engineers from the University of Colorado Boulder sheds light on this phenomenon and offers valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the tendency for older individuals to move at a slower pace.

This study is one of the pioneering efforts to disentangle the various factors contributing to the reduced agility often observed in individuals aged 65 and above. One significant revelation from the research suggests that older adults may exhibit slower movements due, in part, to the heightened energy expenditure required compared to their younger counterparts. This revelation may not come as a surprise to those who have experienced post-activity fatigue.

The implications of these findings extend beyond mere academic interest, potentially offering clinicians novel diagnostic tools for a spectrum of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, depression, and schizophrenia, as highlighted by Alaa Ahmed, a co-author of the study and a professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering. Ahmed emphasises the broader significance: “Understanding the mechanics behind our movements, from subtle eye shifts to more complex actions like walking, offers a window into both the ageing process and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.”

The study, detailed in the Journal of Neuroscience, involved subjects ranging from 18 to 35 years old and 66 to 87 years old. They were tasked with a seemingly straightforward activity: reaching for a target displayed on a screen, akin to engaging in a virtual gaming experience reminiscent of Nintendo Wii. Through meticulous analysis of these reaching movements, researchers observed that older adults exhibited adaptive alterations in their motions under specific conditions, ostensibly aimed at conserving their finite energy reservoirs.

Erik Summerside, co-lead author of the study and a mechanical engineering doctoral graduate from CU Boulder, contextualises these findings within a broader behavioural framework, stating, “Irrespective of age, our intrinsic drive compels us to maximise rewards while minimising effort in our interactions with the environment.”

Ahmed elaborates on the broader implications, noting that while it has long been recognised that older adults generally move more slowly due to decreased stability and precision in their movements, other factors likely contribute to this phenomenon. One such hypothesis posits that age-related changes in muscle efficiency may result in higher energy consumption during routine tasks, such as running or retrieving items.

Alternatively, ageing could also impact the brain’s reward circuitry, with declining dopamine production reducing the perceived pleasure derived from completing tasks and dampening the motivation to engage in movement. This insight is particularly relevant given the pronounced dopamine deficits observed in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

To further elucidate these mechanisms, the researchers devised an experiment involving over 80 participants who were instructed to manipulate a robotic arm by controlling a cursor on a computer screen. Participants received rewards contingent upon reaching a designated target, albeit modest rewards that elicited a positive neurological response.

Ahmed explains the experimental setup, noting, “Occasionally, targets would ‘explode,’ accompanied by auditory cues, serving as the reward signal.” This setup enabled researchers to discern distinct behavioural patterns between younger and older participants when responding to reward cues.

Both age groups exhibited expedited responses in anticipation of rewards, albeit employing different strategies. Younger participants predominantly accelerated their arm movements, whereas older adults primarily improved their reaction times, initiating their reaches approximately 17 milliseconds earlier on average.

Remarkably, when younger participants were subjected to an additional 8-pound weight attached to the robotic arm, their behavioural patterns converged with those of older adults, highlighting the brain’s ability to discern subtle changes in energy expenditure and adapt movement strategies accordingly.

Robert Courter, co-lead author of the study and a mechanical engineering doctoral graduate from CU Boulder, underscores the remarkable adaptability of the human brain, stating, “Even when tasked with slightly increased physical demands, participants opted for the energetically advantageous strategy of quicker reaction times to attain rewards, mirroring the behaviour of older adults.”

Ahmed synthesises the findings, noting that younger and older participants demonstrated a comparable capacity to perceive rewards, yet their movements were modulated in response to perceived exertion levels. This nuanced understanding suggests that the effort costs of reaching motions may represent a pivotal determinant of age-related movement deceleration.

While the study acknowledges the potential role of brain reward centres in mediating age-related movement changes, Ahmed highlights the value of future research in delineating the precise origins and pathways underlying these alterations. By pinpointing the anatomical and physiological underpinnings of age-related movement decline, researchers may pave the way for targeted interventions to lessen the harmful effects of ageing and age-related conditions.

In essence, the study represents a significant stride towards unravelling the intricate interplay between biomechanical, neurological, and cognitive factors shaping age-related changes in movement patterns. By illuminating the underlying mechanisms governing movement dynamics across the lifespan, researchers hold the promise of developing tailored interventions to mitigate the impact of ageing on mobility and quality of life.

More information: Erik M. Summerside et al, Slowing of Movements in Healthy Aging as a Rational Economic Response to an Elevated Effort Landscape, JNeurosci. DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1596-23.2024

Journal information: JNeurosci Provided by University of Colorado Boulder

Research suggests that maintaining or initiating an active lifestyle can enhance the quality of life as individuals age, particularly for middle-aged women

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A recent study published in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Binh Nguyen and colleagues from the University of Sydney, Australia, sheds light on the correlation between consistent adherence to physical activity guidelines and the health-related quality of life in women, particularly during middle age. This study, released on May 2nd, presents findings based on data collected from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, spanning fifteen years from 1996 onwards.

This robust research, encompassing a staggering 11,336 female participants born between 1946 and 1951, meticulously examined the impact of consistently meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) physical activity guidelines throughout middle age. These guidelines advocate for a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Participants were stratified into groups based on their adherence to these guidelines: those who consistently met them, those who began meeting them at ages 55, 60, or 65, and those who never met them. The study evaluated the participants’ health-related quality of life using the physical health composite score (PCS) and mental health composite score (MCS) derived from the Short Form 36 Health Survey, a comprehensive questionnaire assessing functional health and well-being.

The results revealed that individuals who consistently adhered to the physical activity guidelines and those who started meeting them at age 55 exhibited higher PCS scores compared to those who did not meet the guidelines. Even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors and pre-existing health conditions, the positive impact of physical activity on PCS remained significant. However, the study found no significant association between physical activity and MCS.

The authors emphasised the importance of their findings in promoting an active lifestyle during mid-life, highlighting the cumulative health benefits that can be gained by maintaining or adopting physical activity habits. They stressed that even if women begin to meet the physical activity guidelines in their mid-50s, it can still lead to notable improvements in physical health, particularly regarding physical functioning.

Conclusively, this study underscores the imperative for women to maintain physical activity levels throughout middle age to maximise the long-term benefits for physical health in later life. The authors strongly advocate that women strive to increase their activity levels to meet the guidelines by age 55, thereby optimising their overall health and well-being as they age. These findings are a powerful testament to the transformative potential of physical activity in women’s health during middle age.

More information: Binh Nguyen et al, Physical activity across midlife and health-related quality of life in Australian women: A target trial emulation using a longitudinal cohort, PLoS Medicine. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004384

Journal information: PLoS Medicine Provided by PLOS

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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