Food

Giants in History: Chinese agronomist Yuan Longping (7 September 1930 – 22 May 2021) developed the first varieties of the high-yield, hybrid rice that brought food security to multiple countries including China, which had been ravaged by food shortages as recently as the mid-20th century.

Speakers announced for the 10th edition of IPI’s premier technology matching event

The nutritional status of children under five in Sri Lanka has not shown a significant improvement for the last 20 years. It has also been lagging behind most of the other health and social indicators on children. IPS research shows that household income, inadequate nutrient intake, breastfeeding practices, mothers’ education, etc., play a major role in child undernutrition in Sri Lanka. Moreover, given significant losses in household income experienced at the hands of the COVID-19 pandemic, nutrient intake may have declined further over the past year. As such, it would be a challenging task for health planners to develop effective strategies to minimise undernutrition among children under five years. This article highlights some of the facts contributing to child undernutrition in Sri Lanka and suggests ways to address this critical issue.

Researchers at The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science repurpose food waste to build materials with a bending strength comparable to concrete and that still taste good

This article discusses about a conceptual framework for halal food quality management based on the element of Islamic philosophy: epistemology, tasawwur (worldview), ontology, and axiology.

Osaka City University finds that the chemical sesaminol, naturally occurring in sesame seeds, protects against Parkinson’s disease by preventing neuronal damage that decreases the production of dopamine. In vitro experiments show sesaminol handle oxidative stress in cells by regulating the production of reactive oxygen species and the movement of antioxidants. In vivo experiments reveal that a diet of sesaminol increases production of dopamine and significantly improve motor functions in mice.

Researchers at The University of Tokyo develop a method of culturing meat in the laboratory in the form of millimeter-scale contractile beef muscle that closely simulates steak meat

Vitamin B6 may help calm cytokine storms and unclog blood clots linked to COVID-19's lethality. But research on it is lacking. A Hiroshima University professor calls on fellow scientists to study its potential role.

Springer Nature and the University of Tokyo to hold SDGs Symposium 2021, “Interdisciplinary science solutions for food, water, climate and ecosystems Sustainable Development Goals”

ARN's February newsletter features research about catalyzing plastic recycling, the mental health toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, antiperovskites and oolong tea. In honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we also have tips for addressing gender bias in STEM communications, and inspirational stories about pioneering female scientists from our Giants in History series. Read on...

Researchers led by the University of Tsukuba find that drinking two cups of oolong tea a day can stimulate fat breakdown while you sleep.

University of Tokyo researchers have fabricated a tiny electronic sensor that can detect very low levels of a commonly used weed killer in drinking water.

Osaka City University shows carrot-based Japanese herbal medicine “Ninjin’yoeito” helps recover muscle fibers in mice.

A Duke-NUS Medical School study finds that new labels may be needed to help consumers make healthier food purchases.

Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit, November 18-20, VIRTUAL - from 2.30pm SGT

Pregnant mice fed diets high in omega-6 fats and low in omega-3 fats are shown in a new study to produce offspring whose brains had a higher level of dopamine-producing neurons—the neurological reward system. These mice went on to chase hyper-caloric diets, suggesting that the fats in a pregnant mother's diet may control the eating habits of her children, and potentially offering a new obesity-prevention strategy.

A new study found that animals sampled in the wildlife-trade supply chain bound for human consumption had high proportions of coronaviruses, and that the proportion of positives significantly increases as animals travel from traders, to large markets, to restaurants.

A new feedstock featuring a local grass could provide a more reliable and nutritious food supply for livestock in Malaysia.

Researchers at the International Islamic University Malaysia have developed biodegradable food packaging container featuring the skin of the durian fruit that can also be used as 3D printing filament.

A biodegradable biopolymer containing turmeric oil could help extend food shelf life.

Umetaro Suzuki (7 April 1874 – 20 September 1943) was a Japanese scientist best remembered for his research on beriberi, a disease caused by vitamin B1 deficiency, characterized by limb stiffness, paralysis and pain.

PwC, Rabobank and Temasek launch The Asia Food Challenge Report, highlighting $800 billion investment opportunity in Asia’s Agri-Food sector over the next decade. Report estimates market to grow 7% per year; Asia to double its spending on food to over US$8 trillion by 2030

Region faces threats to food security, from climate change and soil degradation to population growth, obesity and diabetes. 800 agribusinesses, food brands, investors and innovators to discuss focus for innovation and investment.

Get ready for a busy week of networking and insights into the future of Asia's agri-food value chain!

Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Week in Singapore, from November 20-22, 2019, will explore the latest technology innovations and market opportunities in the agri-food supply chain across Southeast Asia, India and China.

Novel IDEAS Center will focus on delivering innovation in the application of palm oil in F&B

When a fly eats sugar, a single brain cell sends simultaneous messages to stimulate one hormone and inhibit another to control glucose levels in the body. Further research into this control system with remarkable precision could shed light on the neural mechanisms of diabetes and obesity in humans.

Vitafoods Asia is a showcase of the latest ingredients, product developments and technology to shape the industry through science and innovation.

More than 600 leaders and participants from global agribusinesses, indoor farms, food brands, ingredient developers, start-ups and investors will come together to exchange ideas on how technology can be applied to the challenges facing the agri-food value chain in Asia. Key partners include Temasek, Ferrero Innovation Center, Wilmar International, EDB Singapore and the Singapore Food Agency, amongst others.

Find out more at the 9th Vitafoods Asia in Singapore 25-26 September 2019.