Food
News
06 Jun 2025
The study reviews existing scientific methods for detecting methanol in lambanog, a traditional Filipino alcoholic beverage.
04 Jun 2025
Guaiazulene is a compound that gives off a beautiful blue colour, and it is often found in topical creams for skincare. It has also been touted as a potential food coloring agent. Yet this has been stymied because of its poor water solubility and color degradation under acidic conditions. A group of researchers overcame this common stumbling block by introducing guaiazulene into a hydrophilic poly(allylamine).
20 May 2025
Portable technology offers instant, power-free ethanol detection across concentrations
24 Apr 2025
A set of digital interventions can spur consumers to pick healthier options and reduce their intake of calories and nutrients that should be consumed sparingly when implemented in online grocery stores.
Public health bodies and retailers could leverage these tools to improve diet quality and reduce rising rates of non-communicable diseases
14 Apr 2025
Widespread contamination by emerging foodborne pathogen detected in retail chicken meat
14 Apr 2025
Autonomous driving algorithm for robot using lidar shows promise with high-bed cultivation methods
25 Mar 2025
Suppression of the CcMCA1 gene has potential in halting invasive plant species
21 Mar 2025
Despite decades of warnings about overfishing, Southeast Asia’s capture fisheries have proven remarkably robust.
19 Mar 2025
Constructed strain achieves record-high yield from methanol, advancing eco-friendly biomanufacturing
14 Mar 2025
Filipino researchers found that traditional "tapuy" rice wine making yields a potential superfood rich in anti-aging compounds and antioxidants.
04 Mar 2025
For International Women's Day, we have prepared a list of women experts who have agreed to share their expertise with journalists. Their expertise include AI, astronomy, medicine and public health, sustainability, women’s rights, and more.
27 Feb 2025
Popular milk and dairy products in Egypt show over 25% prevalence of E. coli
26 Feb 2025
Anemonefish provision food they don’t eat to increase size of host sea anemones
19 Feb 2025
Replacing chemical phosphorus and nitrogen with sustainable sources
22 Jan 2025
Juvenile dolphins were found to have specialized receptors for fatty acids on their tongues, offering new insights into their growth and feeding habits.
14 Jan 2025
A new study has lifted the lid on five species of root-lesion nematodes living in maize crops across New Zealand - and suggested the existence of a hitherto-unsuspected cryptic species.
13 Jan 2025
Crossing the uncanny valley, Batteries that don’t explode, Tiny climate change fighters, Liver-friendly mushroom & Foetal defence. Read all in the latest Editor's Choice.
19 Dec 2024
Seed grants have been awarded to six applicants with high quality and well-outlined proposals to organize workshops promoting science advice at an institutional or national level in their respective countries in 2025.
18 Dec 2024
Researchers have found that adding sugar or artificial sweetener to drinks with caffeine gives a significant boost to the sleep-wake period in mice
17 Dec 2024
Early administration of AHCC at the stage of hepatitis might hold possibility of preventing onset of cirrhosis
13 Dec 2024
The distribution of traditional wild food sources in the Republic of Sakha could change significantly, affecting the diets and incomes of Indigenous rural communities who depend on them.
12 Dec 2024
Cell wall proteins exhibit emulsifying action, offer possible alternative to emulsifiers derived from milk, other known allergens
11 Dec 2024
Amino acid serine inhibits Clostridium perfringens spore formation
22 Nov 2024
Asia Research News monitors the latest research news in Asia. Some highlights that caught our attention this week are the rediscovery of a worm after 70 years, how internet use can help reduce depression in seniors, and the first 4-legged bot to finish a marathon.
13 Nov 2024
Experts in Food Science, Technology, and Innovation Gather to Strengthen Food Security Efforts
07 Nov 2024
The two Pseudo-nitzschia species found in Luzon produce a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause severe sickness and permanent short-term memory loss.
02 Nov 2024
In light of the Government’s recent Policy Address promoting Hong Kong as an international hub for post-secondary education, and to build the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, Lingnan University gave its annual International Day on 29 October a “Cultural Fusion, Global Vision” theme. The event attracted about 500 faculty members and students for a lively celebration of diversity and cultural exchange.
31 Oct 2024
Model mice given extracts and powders show restoration of cognitive and motor functions
29 Oct 2024
Sorghum possesses unique lipid profiles and bioactive compounds that support health and meet the demand for health-promoting food products.
Events

11 Nov 2024
Looking to make a meaningful impact on regional research and scientific capacity development in the Asia-Pacific region? The APN’s 2024 Call for Proposals invites you to submit proposals that tackle global change challenges, foster regional partnerships and support the development of sustainable solutions.
28 Oct 2024
Asia's premier technology-matching platform which connects the innovation and technology ecosystems from Singapore and beyond, TechInnovation, IPI’s flagship brokerage event, will return to Singapore for its 12th edition.

27 May 2024
The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), co-chaired by New Zealand and the Maldives, will take place from 27 to 30 May 2024 in Antigua and Barbuda under the theme “Charting the Course Towards Resilient Prosperity”.

09 Nov 2023
Seeking to build experience in collaborative regional research and scientific capacity development in the Asia-Pacific region? Interested in writing grant proposals for global environmental change projects? Come and join our open capacity building seminars to receive grant proposal writing guidance and an introduction to the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN)'s 2023 Call for Proposals. Two seminars are available on the 9th and 10th of November, and we warmly welcome participation from early career professionals and global change practitioners in the Asia-Pacific region.
03 Oct 2023
The Journal for Humanities and Social Sciences Research is calling for papers in conjunction with the Asia Smart Farming & Food Security Conference 2023, scheduled to take place from 3rd-6th October in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
11 Oct 2021
Pandemics and Policy: Protecting Health and Promoting Economic Recovery
28 Sep 2021
TECHINNOVATION is a premier technology-to-industry matching event presented by IPI. It brings together international technology providers and enterprises to accelerate the commercialisation of emerging technologies, seed licensing opportunities and foster open innovation collaborations.
25 Oct 2021
First in the region focused on recognizing innovations, initiatives, programmes and ideas which contribute to sustainability, eradicating poverty, improving well-being, protecting our planet, and building peace and prosperity.

26 Mar 2021
Springer Nature and the University of Tokyo to hold SDGs Symposium 2021, “Interdisciplinary science solutions for food, water, climate and ecosystems Sustainable Development Goals”
18 Nov 2020
The Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit will focus on accelerating innovation in supply chain resilience, urban food systems, alternative proteins, and affordable nutrition. Will you be joining the conversation virtually on November 18-20?
The Khwarizmi International Award (KIA) acknowledges the efforts made by researchers, innovators and inventors from across the globe and to appreciate their high quality research work and contributions to different fields of science and technology.
25 Sep 2019
Vitafoods Asia is the dedicated event for Asia's nutraceutical, functional food and beverages, and dietary supplement industries, providing 350+ global suppliers to meet and do business with 6000+ visitors across the industry's four key areas from ingredient to shelf.
20 Nov 2019
Accelerating technology and investment in Asia’s agri-food supply chain
Researchers
Jeconiah Dreisbach is a Filipino interdisciplinary social scientist specializing in the sociolinguistics of migration, family language policy, language contact, and Philippine Studies.
Sadia Salim is an environmental and public health researcher working on climate change, planetary and environmental health, WASH, sustainability, education and empowerment, and grassroots community development and resilience in vulnerable regions.
A dynamic force in social creative catalyst, navigates the global landscape with a unique perspective, work across disciplines in sustainability, creativity, human factors, entrepreneurship and innovation.
I am an efficient Professor able to Develop courses with IT skills & sound teaching skills in a manner attractive to students. I have vast experience in supervising postgraduate research & Contribute in a well manner to the ongoing academic development of the School’s postgraduate courses and research.
Ts. Uganeeswary Suparmaniam, AMIChemE (UK) is a multiple award-winning young scientist, sustainability advocate, and climate activist attached to the HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, PETRONAS University of Technology, Malaysia.
Dr. Chong Li Choo is an accomplished academic, Associate Professor at Taylor's University, expert in food technology, and innovative product design. Award-winning researcher, director for Food Security & Nutrition Impact Lab, and impactful leader in the field.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Epidemiologist working with health of marginalized groups, including migrants, informal houses residents, homeless and women caregivers.
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Dr. Zheng Chen is an environmental chemist and associate professor at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. His research interests include nutrient recycling from agricultural waste, soil contamination and remediation.
Nanyang Technological University
Dr. Edison Huixiang Ang is a Singaporean Materials Scientist who born in 28 July 1987. He has a background in materials science and engineering along with a diverse skill set. He completed his undergraduate studies, earning B.S. degrees, at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore in 2012. Later, in 2017, Dr. Ang received his Ph.D. from the same university. He gained additional experience as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National University of Singapore from 2016 to 2017 and later served as a Research Fellow at Nanyang Technological University from 2017 to 2019. In mid-2018, he also took on a Visiting Scholar role at the Technical University of Munich in Germany.
Currently, Dr. Edison H. Ang serves as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Education/Nanyang Technological University.
His expertise encompasses various areas, including 2D Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Energy Storage and Conversion, Sensor Technology, Membrane Technology, Additive Manufacturing, Catalysis, Waste-to-Wealth, Surface Coating and Film, Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Professor Crumlish has researched aquatic microbial diseases, specifically ones that have economic impact in global aquaculture, and potential solutions to such infectious diseases. Her current project seeks to develop vaccines against antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture.
Dr Kanimolli Arasu is a lecturer and a dietitian at the International Medical University, Malaysia.
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Dr. Nor Aiman Sukindar has joined International Islamic University Malaysia in 2019 and currently working as Assistant Professor in Manufacturing and Materials Department and at the same time holding a position as Chairman of the Advanced Manufacturing and Material Research Unit (AMTech). Before joining IIUM, Dr. Aiman was working with Politeknik Kuching Sarawak for more than seven years from 2011 until 2019.
Dr. Aiman has extensive experience in research pertaining to additive manufacturing technologies including the design and development of 3D printers, fabricating scaffold structures for bone replacement using biomaterials, optimization printing parameters, and any other related field. Dr. Aiman was awarded grants from industries and the government including PPRN, Tin Grant, and Sponsored research grant.
Recently, Dr. Aiman won several awards including a silver medal in Asia Innovation Festival 2022, Gold Medal in RITEC 2021 Competition in 2021, and a silver medal and Outstanding Award in SDG MTE 2021 Competition also in 2021.
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
Prof. Cai Zongwei is now the Chair Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Director of both State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis as well as Dioxin Laboratory, Hong Kong Baptist University.
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Dr. Brian Man Yu Bon is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong.
Ms. Nagal is an alumnae of the University of Santo Tomas, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the College of Education and a Master in Business Administration major in Entrepreneurship from the UST Graduate School. An academician with more than 10 years of experience in several capacities, she is currently a full-time academic staff for the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and concurrently the College Coordinator for International Relations and Programs and an Affiliate and Associate Researcher for the UST Sentro Turismo.
An energetic and talented researcher with a strong desire to build a career within the research industry. Passionate, self-motivated individual with a drive to succeed, with excellent organizational skills. Highly efficient and methodical with a good eye for detail with a proactive approach to performance and data accuracy.
I am a Health Economist/Researcher, working with UN agencies in the development of policy documents for developing countries including Nepal, Ethiopia and Pakistan.
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Mr. Lee Cheng Pau is currently pursuing his Ph.D in the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) focusing on 3D Food Printing.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Department of Microbiology / Biomolecular Sciences
Universiti Teknologi MARA
Malaysia
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)
Dr. Louisa Chung is a Registered Nutritionist of Association for Nutrition (UK) with ten years experience in weight management and physical fitness projects. She is now working on an innovative dietary intake method which aims better result in weight loss and nutrition education.
City University of Hong Kong (CityU)
Prof. Chen’s current research covers research on bacterial antimicrobial resistance, virulence and tolerance in the veterinary, food and medical microbiology fields
International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Dr. Tengku Haziyamin Tengku Abdul Hamid's recent discovery of a novel strain has enabled a new patent to be drafted and was awarded gold medal in Malaysian Technology Expo 2021 for his new probiotic prototype called ProAquaVcare.
Taylors university
Dr Chin Chin Sia is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Business & Law, Taylor's University, Malaysia.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Dr. Connie Cassy Ompok is an early childhood education expert and a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. She Started her career in Early Childhood Education as a preschool teacher (2004-2007), a lecturer in early childhood education at the Malaysian Institute of Teacher Education (2008-2016) before serving as a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at UMS (2016 until now).
Dr. A. Ahmad obtained his BS, MSc, and PhD degrees in Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, respectively. Dr. Ahmad's areas of expertise include algal engineering for bioenergy production, environmental remediation, dark fermentation, and biochemicals, CO2 mitigation, industrial wastewater treatment, and heavy metals biosorption. Ahmad has worked on several projects using integrated microalgal engineering in industrial wastewater. Dr. Ahmad has published over 35 articles in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and generated significant research interest. He serves as a reviewer for more than ten scientific journals.
Prof. Khader has spent more than 30 years researching economic empowerment of Rural, Farm, Fisher and Tribal Women. Gender aspects underpins her research on livelihoods, food and nutrition security, growth and well-being of community.
A Tenured Professor at the Institute of Space Technology (Pakistan), Dr. Shabbir is working on Polymer based Nanomaterials for food safety, nano-drug delivery systems, water treatment, solar cells and carbon dioxide capture.
The knowledge and skills learned from The University of Sydney, Cornell University, CIMMTY, IRRI, TWAS, OWSD, running of international projects and presentation of research findings in multiple international congress/conferences – all helped not only to become the researcher today, but also motivated to become a research leader.
My current research is generally on the bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties especially from agricultural by-product. Recently, I have found that these agricultural by-product has a promising potential to be used as biopesticide. They are not expensive, practical and will not significantly affect the environment and human health.
Nanyang Technological University
The prospect of favorably influencing brain health through dietary habits has gained much interest. My research interest explores the therapeutic potential of functional foods and phytonutrients as neuroprotectants against mitochondrial diseases and cerebral toxoplasmosis. The scientific findings support nutritional intervention as a viable strategy for the management of human brain disorders.
Giants in history
Chinese biochemist Chi Che Wang (1894 - 1979), one of the first Chinese women to study abroad, advanced to prominent research positions at American institutions including the University of Chicago and the Northwestern University Medical School.
Pakistani botanist Azra Quraishi (22 September 1945 – 22 November 2002) is recognised for developing virus-free seed potatoes that increased potato production in Pakistan by an estimated five per cent.
Flora Zaibun Majid ( 1939–2018) was an accomplished Bangladeshi researcher in botany and nutrition science and the first female chairperson of the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Indian botanist Shipra Guha-Mukherjee (13 July 1938 – 15 September 2007) made a breakthrough discovery that enabled the genetic study of plants and, by extension, the development of improved varieties of rice, wheat, potatoes, and other crops.
Hwang Hye-seong (5 July 1920 – 14 December 2006) was an expert on Korean royal court cuisine, the knowledge of which she dedicated her career to keeping alive. Formerly an assistant professor of nutritional science, Hwang met the last kitchen court lady in the Joseon Dynasty Han Hui-sun and, from her, learned about the culinary traditions of the royal court.
In his over 30 year career in rice research, Munshi Siddique Ahmad (1924 – 19 October 2011) developed more than 30 varieties of high-yielding rice, including the BRRI Shail strain, which was responsible for increasing the rice production of Bangladesh from 8 million tonnes in 1965 to 20 million tonnes in 1975.
Ground-breaking cancer researcher Kamal Jayasing Ranadive (8 November 1917 – 11 April 2001) advanced the understanding of the causes of leukaemia, breast cancer and oesophageal cancer through the use of animal models. She was also among the first to recognise how susceptibility to cancer is linked to tumour-causing interactions between hormones and viruses.
South Korean theoretical physicist Daniel Chonghan Hong (3 March 1956 – 6 July 2002) achieved fame in the public sphere through his research into the physics of popcorn.
Filipina chemist María Orosa (29 November 1892–13 February 1945) fought malnutrition and food insecurity in the Philippines by devising over 700 culinary creations including Soyalac, a nutrient rich drink made from soybeans, and Darak, rice cookies packed with Vitamin B1, which could prevent beriberi disease caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency. She was also a partisan of the guerrilla movement resisting Japanese occupation during World War II, and died after being struck by shrapnel while working in her laboratory during the Battle of Manila.
Filipino chemist and pharmacist Manuel A. Zamora (29 March 1870 – 9 July 1929) is best remembered for his discovery of the tiki-tiki formula to combat beriberi, a disease caused by Vitamin B1 deficiency.
In 1939, biochemist Kamala Sohonie (18 June 1911 – 28 June 1998) became the first woman to be accepted into the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
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.
Minoru Shirota (April 23, 1899 – March 10, 1982) was a Japanese microbiologist who invented the popular fermented drink Yakult.
Woo Jang-choon (8 April 1898 – 10 August 1959) was a Korean-Japanese agricultural scientist and botanist.
Kikunae Ikeda (8 October 1864 – 3 May 1936) was a Japanese chemist who discovered the fifth basic taste, umami.
Hsien Wu (24 November 1893 – 8 August 1959) is widely regarded as the founder of biochemistry and nutrition science in China. He was the first to propose that protein denaturation was caused by the unfolding of the protein, instead of chemical alteration.
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.