Four weeks on a diet of highly processed food led to a strong inflammatory response in the brains of aging rats that was accompanied by behavioral signs of memory loss, a new study has found. Researchers also found that supplementing the processed diet with the omega-3 fatty acid DHA prevented memory problems and reduced the…

Consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased over the past two decades across nearly all segments of the U.S. population, according to a new study. «The overall composition of the average U.S. diet has shifted towards a more processed diet. This is concerning, as eating more ultra-processed foods is associated with poor diet quality and higher…

In a study of nearly 12,200 adults in China, eating protein from a greater variety of sources was associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure. This suggests that consuming a balanced diet with a moderate amount of protein from diverse food sources may help prevent new-onset hypertension. Nearly half of the U.S.…

New research finds that dogs being walked in nature reserves contribute a significant amount of nutrients to the environment through their feces and urine, which researchers warn could negatively impact local biodiversity. Significant levels of fertilisation Researchers at Ghent University have estimated that each year dog faeces and urine add an average of 11kg of…

A recent study suggests that even organized efforts to clean surfaces can fall short, a reminder for us all that keeping our surroundings clean may require some additional work. A recent study suggests that even organized efforts to clean surfaces can fall short, a reminder for us all that keeping our surroundings clean may require…

We are all familiar with the old adage ‘fighting like cats and dogs’, but a new scientific study now reveals how you can bid farewell to those animal scraps and foster a harmonious relationship between your pet pooch and feline friend. The new research, led by Professor Daniel Mills and Dr Miriam Prior, explored the…

Sharing a home with a pet appeared to act as a buffer against psychological stress during lockdown, a new survey shows. Most people who took part in the research perceived their pets to be a source of considerable support during the lockdown period (23 March — 1 June, 2020). The study — from the University…

A researcher surveyed 645 Americans about their beliefs on climate change — whether or not those beliefs are informed by fact or fiction — to assess their communication behaviors about climate change. Arunima Krishna, a Boston University College of Communication researcher who studies public perceptions of controversial social issues, is studying the spread of disinformation,…

According to a recent analysis of data from two major eye disease studies, adherence to the Mediterranean diet — high in vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil — correlates with higher cognitive function. «We do not always pay attention to our diets. We need to explore how nutrition affects the brain and the eye»…

Explaining the value of misshapen vegetables — that they are as healthful as their picture-perfect counterparts and buying them helps reduce food waste — could help improve sales of ‘ugly’ produce, new research suggests. The study measured consumers’ responses to hypothetical shopping scenarios for carrots. Participants were most open to buying bunches containing imperfect carrots…