Clinical functional proteomics of intercellular signalling in pancreatic cancer  Nature.com

Peripheral taste neurons exhibit functional, genetic, and morphological diversity, yet understanding how or if these attributes combine into taste neuron types remains unclear. In this study, we used male and female mice to relate taste bud innervation patterns to the function of a subset of proenkephalin-expressing (Penk+) taste neurons. We found that taste arbors (the portion of the axon within the taste bud) stemming from Penk+ neurons displayed diverse branching patterns and lacked stereotypical endings. The range in complexity observed for individual taste arbors from Penk+ neurons mirrored the entire population, suggesting that taste arbor morphologies are not primarily regulated by the neuron type. Notably, the distinguishing feature of arbors from Penk+ neurons was their propensity to come within 110 nm (in apposition with) different types of taste-transducing cells within the taste bud. This finding is contrary to the expectation of genetically defined taste neuron types that functionally represent a single stimulus. Consistently, further investigation of Penk+ neuron function revealed that they are more likely to respond to innately aversive stimuli—sour, bitter, and high salt concentrations—as compared with the full taste population. Penk+ neurons are less likely to respond to nonaversive stimuli—sucrose, umami, and low salt—compared with the full population. Our data support the presence of a genetically defined neuron type in the geniculate ganglion that is responsive to innately aversive stimuli. This implies that genetic expression might categorize peripheral taste neurons into hedonic groups, rather than simply identifying neurons that respond to a single stimulus.

The Guru as a Dysfunctional Archetype with Anthony and Fr. Gregory Jensen, PhD, about guruism, why it is dangerous, and how to avoid it. Enjoy the show!

KUALA LUMPUR: The PriceCatcher app will continue to be improved with data-sharing on prices through the collaboration between the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) and two supermarket chains, Mydin and Redtick, said Minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

He said that this commitment is an initiative that reflects transparency in transactions and business ethics to avoid price manipulation or profiteering at the expense of consumers.

“Previously, the price data displayed in the PriceCatcher app was entirely sourced from field price monitoring officers, which limited the coverage area and the number of premises uploaded to the app.

“...the signing of this MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) marks a pioneering effort to improve the app by enabling automated data sharing from the involved supermarkets to be displayed in the ‘Supermarket Price Sharing’ section,“ he told reporters after the MoU signing ceremony on price data sharing in Subang Jaya today.

Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd, managing director Datuk Dr Ameer Ali Mydin, and KPDN secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohd Sayuthi Bakar were also present.

Armizan said that this collaboration will serve as a benchmark for expanding the data-sharing initiative to other supermarkets and premises.

According to Armizan, the PriceCatcher app previously displayed price information for 480 consumer goods, with daily updates for 186 items, weekly updates for 220 items, and monthly updates for 74 items.

“Up until Nov 7, 459,998 users nationwide uploaded the app, however, the active usage rate is 10,00 per week.

“We are taking an additional approach to add more information in the app without adding more price monitoring officers by adopting a self-reporting system or data sharing from retail sector players,“ he said, adding that the app serves as a reference for users and fosters the habit of checking prices of items before buying.

A new research paper Linking Earth Observation and taxonomic, structural and functional biodiversity: Local to ecosystem perspectives published in the journal Ecological Indicators looks at the ways in which earth observation (EO) techniques may provide a solution to overcome shortcomings in biodiversity monitoring by measuring entities of interest at different spatial and temporal scales. 

Abstract: 

Impacts of human civilization on ecosystems threaten global biodiversity. In a changing environment, traditional in situ approaches to biodiversity monitoring have made significant steps forward to quantify and evaluate BD at many scales but still, these methods are limited to comparatively small areas. Earth observation (EO) techniques may provide a solution to overcome this shortcoming by measuring entities of interest at different spatial and temporal scales.

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the role of EO to detect, describe, explain, predict and assess biodiversity. Here, we focus on three main aspects related to biodiversity taxonomic diversity, functional diversity and structural diversity, which integrate different levels of organization molecular, genetic, individual, species, populations, communities, biomes, ecosystems and landscapes. In particular, we discuss the recording of taxonomic elements of biodiversity through the identification of animal and plant species. We highlight the importance of the spectral traits (ST) and spectral trait variations (STV) concept for EO-based biodiversity research.

Furthermore we provide examples of spectral traits/spectral trait variations used in EO applications for quantifying taxonomic diversity, functional diversity andstructural diversity. We discuss the use of EO to monitor biodiversity and habitat quality using differ-ent remote-sensing techniques. Finally, we suggest specifically important steps for a better integrationof EO in biodiversity research.EO methods represent an affordable, repeatable and comparable method for measuring, describing,explaining and modelling taxonomic, functional and structural diversity. Upcoming sensor developmentswill provide opportunities to quantify spectral traits, currently not detectable with EO, and will surelyhelp to describe biodiversity in more detail. Therefore, new concepts are needed to tightly integrate EOsensor networks with the identification of biodiversity. This will mean taking completely new directionsin the future to link complex, large data, different approaches and models.

Original reseach:

A. Lausch, L. Bannehr, M. Beckmann, C. Boehm, H. Feilhauer, J.M. Hacker, M. Heurich, A. Jung, R. Klenke, C. Neumann, M. Pause, D. Rocchini, M.E. Schaepman, S. Schmidtlein, K. Schulz, P. Selsam, J. Settele, A.K. Skidmore, A.F. Cord, Linking Earth Observation and taxonomic, structural and functional biodiversity: Local to ecosystem perspectives, Ecological Indicators, Volume 70, November 2016, Pages 317-339, ISSN 1470-160X, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2016.06.022

What advancements are being made in the development of multiuse fabrics to protect against thermal hazards?

AAK will showcase its portfolio of multi-functional fat and oil solutions at SupplySide West (SSW) in Las Vegas, October 23-27, 2023. Attendees are invited to visit the AAK team at SSW booth #2165 where they can learn how to make better tasting, healthier and more sustainable food and nutritional products using AAK’s line of plant-based fat and oil solutions.

The addition of coatings to foods is more than structural. Batters and breadings are used to enhance the whole eating experience, and perhaps even add some unexpected twist.

Kemin Industries invites 2022 SupplySide West Exposition (SSW) attendees to visit booth #5245. Kemin will feature its naturally sourced functional ingredient solutions including a range of health-forward concepts created for the expo event, Nov. 2-3, 2022 in Las Vegas.

Prepared Foods showcases new functional beverages and superfood gummies.

Prepared Foods profiles new functional foods, drinks and supplements.

Faravelli SpA is a global first-class distributor of raw materials and ingredients for the food, animal nutrition, nutraceutical, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and fine chemical industries.

Prepared Foods showcases new keto-friendly beverages, probiotic yogurt drinks, and weight management nutritional products for 2020.

The new EDGE™ packaging format was developed using sustainable cardboard tubes that are similar in size to the iconic "slim can" energy drinks, the pieces inside individually flow-wrapped for stability, freshness & portability, adding value to every piece.

PLT markets more than a dozen water-dispersible and water-soluble solutions, primarily botanical ingredients across key health categories. At IFT, PLT will be focusing on three major health and wellness segments: energy, active nutrition and stress/mood management.

Prepared Foods interviews Rachel Yarcony, founder and CEO of myAir, Ltd. Yarcony pioneered the myAir system, an AI-driven personalized platform that combines advanced technology with functional ingredients to offer tailor-made nutrition that “enhances stress resilience.”

Each bottle of Way Better Water Drink contains one of the two recommended doses of sterol, providing a convenient way for consumers to increase their sterol consumption.

Phenolaeis, supplier of sustainable Palm Fruit Bioactive Complex (PFBc), is now creating functional coffee with added wellness benefits plus a smoother taste and mouthfeel. 

Florida Food Products’ expanded health and wellness portfolio includes its natural L-theanine. Derived from the leaves of green tea, L-theanine is an amino acid associated with multiple health benefits, from improved focus and sleep1 to decreased blood pressure and promoted relaxation. FFP’s natural L-theanine is an ideal ingredient solution for a wide range of health and wellness applications including beverages, foods, supplements, nutraceuticals, and more.

Looking at the position fibers and gums are playing in everyday foods and beverages reveals product developers paying closer attention to these key ingredients for their dual functions as both texturants and nutraceuticals. This has become especially evident where those two functions merge—in plant-based products designed to mimic meat and dairy.

Ingredion Incorporated’s new NOVATION® Indulge 2940 starch expands the company’s line of clean label texturizers. New NOVATION® Indulge 2940 is the first non-GMO functional native corn starch that provides a unique texture for gelling and co-texturizing for popular dairy and alternative dairy products and desserts. 

This month's Form+Function collection includes shakes for diabetic diets, immunity and protein snacks.

Crafted with invigorating organic ingredients, each 12oz ready-to-drink AWAKE+PROTEIN latte is fortified with 10g of plant-powered protein and 200mg of Lion's Mane mushroom extract, a nootropic clinically proven to support cognitive function.

During this year’s IFT Food Expo in Chicago from July 17-19, BENEO will launch a barley beta-glucans product that offers unique health benefits including positive impacts on heart health and blood sugar management.  

natural bliss introduced two plant-based creamers with functional benefits: Vanilla Flavored Creamer with Prebiotic Fiber and Sweet Almond Flavored Creamer with Protein & MCT Oil.  

WTRMLN WTR’s new functional blends are made with watermelon juice, which is a source of naturally superior hydration, and new functional ingredients, such as superfruit acerola juice, sea salt, turmeric, cayenne, hibiscus, ginger juice and tart cherry.

Developed to address key health states such as immune and mental health, energy and focus with the power of mushrooms, Om’s functional beverages are a convenient and nutritious way to upgrade wellness routines.

Prepared Foods takes a look at new better-for-you drinks and supplements introduced in September 2018.