A report in the August issue of the Cell Press journal Cell Metabolism might help to explain why it’s so frustratingly difficult to stick to a diet. When we don’t eat, hunger-inducing neurons in the brain start eating bits of themselves. That act of self-cannibalism turns up a hunger signal to prompt eating.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802125546.htm
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/191628/20110803/brain-cells-to-blame-for-failed-diets.htm
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a Washington, D.C., group that promotes preventive medicine and a vegan diet, unveiled a billboard Monday near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the advisory: “Warning: Hot dogs can wreck your health.”
The billboard features a picture of hot dogs in a cigarette pack inscribed with skull and crossbones. It aims to increase awareness of a link between colorectal cancer and hot dogs.
“A hot dog a day could send you to an early grave,” said Levin, a registered dietitian. “People think feeding their kids these foods (is) safe, but (it’s) not.”
China is importing millions of chopsticks from a small Geogia town 2 hours south of Atlanta.
Professor Ning Li of China Agriculture University has successfully led a team that introduced the human gene for breast milk into cows.
Human genes were inserted in the DNA of Holstein dairy cows, and modified embryos were implanted into surrogate cows.
The offspring contained lysozyme, an anti-bacterial protein found in human breast milk that protects infants from infection during their first days of life.
They also created cattle containing lactoferrin, an immune system booster for babies that is found in human milk.
Fat content was raised by about 20% as well, and the level of milk solids was altered to make the final product as close to human milk as possible.
300 of these cattle have been produced.
Professor Li Ning, the director of the project, stated: “There are 1.5 billion people in the world who don’t get enough to eat. It’s our duty to develop science and technology, not to hold it back. We need to feed people first, before we consider ideals and convictions.”
The ultimate goal is to sell the milk as an alternative to cow milk, which is less nutritious than human milk. The modified milk is currently undergoing safety tests, but those who have tasted the milk say it is stronger tasting and sweeter than cow’s milk.
This isn’t the first genetically engineered food China has created. Known for having a more liberal approach toward genetically modified food, China has already created modified fruits and vegetables such as papayas and tomatoes, as well as insect-resistant rice and corn.
In 1944, 3-Nitro (Roxaserone, marketed by Pfizer) became the first arsenic-containing new animal drug product approved by the FDA. It is used primarily in broiler chickens.
Combined with other animal drugs, 3-Nitro has been used by some in the poultry industry to help control coccidiosis, a parasitic disease that affects the intestinal tracts of animals. It has also been used for weight gain, feed efficiency and improved pigmentation.
Published scientific reports have indicated that organic arsenic, a less toxic form of arsenic and the form present in 3-Nitro could transform into inorganic arsenic.
“FDA detected increased levels of inorganic arsenic in the livers of chickens treated with 3-Nitro, raising concerns of a very low, but completely avoidable, exposure to a carcinogen,” said Michael R. Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner for foods.
Read more here: http://www.grist.org/food-safety/2011-06-08-fda-admits-supermarket-chickens-test-positive-for-arsenic
Thanks to Esquire C for bringing this to the attention of the It’s Interesting community.
The new USDA guidelines are that pork and other whole cuts of meat only need to be cooked to 145 degrees fahrenheit, in contrast to their decades-old mandate of 160 degrees fahrenheit.
“Our consumer research has consistently shown that Americans have a tendency to overcook common cuts of pork, resulting in a less-than-optimal eating experience,” says Dianne Bettin, a pork producer from Truman, Minn., and chair of the Checkoff’s Domestic Marketing Committee. “The new guidelines will help consumers enjoy pork at its most flavorful, juicy – and safe – temperature.”
All ground meat, however, still needs to be cooked to the standard 160 degrees fahrenheit, for now.
http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2011/05/25/pork-cooking-temperature-changed/
As an expected increase in the cost of raw materials for food looms for late summer 2011, consumers are beginning to encounter shrinking food packages.
Companies in recent months have tried to camouflage price increases by selling their products in smaller packages.
At the grocery store, shoppers are paying the same amount, but getting less.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/business/29shrink.html?_r=2
Thanks to Kebmodee for bringing this to the attention of the It’s Interesting community.
According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, world food prices rose to an all-time high last January.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/02/03/world.food.prices.rise/index.html?hpt=T2
Operation Pizza Bowl was conceived by Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Mark Evans and his son Kent (of Elk Grove, Ill.), with the objective of providing enough deep-dish pizza to feed around 28,000 servicemen and women at several bases throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and the Philippines in time for Super Bowl Sunday.
The pizzas will leave the DHL New York Gateway and arrive at several bases throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and the Philippines in time for the game.
The pizzas, along with letters of support to the troops, are transported from New York through the DHL hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport where they move onward to regional DHL hubs in the Middle East and Asia.
DHL, which donates its global shipping network for the event, provides door-to-door, final mile delivery for the entire distribution, working closely with the U.S. military to ensure the pizzas are delivered fresh and ready to heat and serve at various military bases.
A special ceremonial send-off will take place on Feb. 1 from UNO’s restaurant at 432 Columbus Ave. in New York City.
“UNO is delighted to once again partner with Pizzas 4 Patriots to ensure our troops can enjoy a slice of home during this year’s Super Bowl,” said UNO’s CEO Frank Guidara.
Vets, active duty also treated
Meanwhile, troops — both active duty and veteran status — who are not currently deployed will also be treated to a meal by the company for its Operation Pizza Bowl promotion.
To celebrate the “deployment” of the pizzas to service members in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and the Philippines, UNO is inviting all members of the military, both veterans and active duty, to enjoy a free individual deep dish or thin crust pizza with the purchase of an entrée or pizza of equal or greater value on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7. No coupon is necessary.
For redemption, customers simply need to show their military or veteran’s ID.
Amazon.com is moving into home delivery of groceries.
http://mashable.com/2011/01/24/amazon-to-roll-out-grocery-delivery-service/
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