Food for Thought
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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.
By Janet Raloff -
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.
By Janet Raloff -
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.
By Ben Harder -
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.
By Janet Raloff -
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.
By Janet Raloff -
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.
By Janet Raloff -
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.
By Janet Raloff -
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.
By Janet Raloff -
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.
By Janet Raloff -
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.
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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.
By Janet Raloff -
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.
By Janet Raloff