Food for Thought
We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.
- Health & Medicine
Chocolate as Sunscreen
A small study in women suggests that a cocoa drink rich in flavonoids made their skin look better and protected it from ultraviolet-light damage.
- Health & Medicine
Has Early Programming Sealed These Animals’ Fate?
Surprising data from harbor seals indicate that nutrition prior to weaning may permanently set growth rates in the animals.
- Health & Medicine
Bacteria Can Keep Their Kin in Check
Products containing beneficial bacteria might help people fight the ill effects of some gut microbes in diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.
- Health & Medicine
Reevaluating Eggs’ Cholesterol Risks
People susceptible to substantial blood-cholesterol spikes after eating eggs manage this extra cholesterol in a way that limits damage to their hearts.
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Do People Know When They’re Overweight?
Most people can estimate their height and weight accurately, but overweight people generally fail to realize that they weigh too much.
- Health & Medicine
Putting the Pressure on Poisons
Although rice can contain traces of a liver carcinogen, a new study finds that pressure-cooking reduces toxin quantities to safe levels.
- Health & Medicine
Defusing the Dairy Dilemma
A new analysis finds that most people who suffer from lactose intolerance can still down dairy products in moderation.
- Health & Medicine
Meat Poses Exaggerated Cancer Risk for Some People
Animal research probes why a genetic vulnerability renders some individuals especially susceptible to the colon carcinogens that can form in cooked meats.
- Health & Medicine
Protozoa Aid Food-Poisoning Germs
Ubiquitous waterborne protozoa appear capable of aiding the survival of several types of bacteria responsible for gut-wrenching food poisoning.
- Health & Medicine
May I Propose a High-Fiber Toast?
Scientists have genetically modified wheat to boost a type of dietary fiber linked to numerous health benefits.
- Ecosystems
Caviar Caveats
Caviar may become harder to find as a new trade ban goes into effect that's aimed at giving the most prized sturgeon a much-needed break from overfishing for their roe.
- Health & Medicine
Prescription Strength Chocolate, Revisited
Studies reported at a recent symposium on chocolate's biological impact are zeroing in on the ingredients that seem to make it good for your heart.
