Search Results (160)

Cultured meat is emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional animal agriculture, with scaffolds playing a central role in supporting cellular attachment, growth, and tissue maturation. This review focuses on the development of gel-based hybrid biomaterials that meet the dual requirements of biocompatibility and food safety. We explore recent advances in the use of naturally derived gel-forming polymers such as gelatin, chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and plant-based proteins as the structural backbone for edible scaffolds. Particular attention is given to the integration of food-grade functional additives into hydrogel-based scaffolds. These include nanocellulose, dietary fibers, modified starches, polyphenols, and enzymatic crosslinkers such as transglutaminase, which enhance mechanical stability, rheological properties, and cell-guidance capabilities. Rather than focusing on fabrication methods or individual case studies, this review emphasizes the material-centric design strategies for building scalable, printable, and digestible gel scaffolds suitable for cultured meat production. By systemically evaluating the role of each component in structural reinforcement and biological interaction, this work provides a comprehensive frame work for designing next-generation edible scaffold systems. Nonetheless, the field continues to face challenges, including structural optimization, regulatory validation, and scale-up, which are critical for future implementation. Ultimately, hybrid gel-based scaffolds are positioned as a foundational technology for advancing the functionality, manufacturability, and consumer readiness of cultured meat products, distinguishing this work from previous reviews. Unlike previous reviews that have focused primarily on fabrication techniques or tissue engineering applications, this review provides a uniquely food-centric perspective by systematically evaluating the compositional design of hybrid hydrogel-based scaffolds with edibility, scalability, and consumer acceptance in mind. Through a comparative analysis of food-safe additives and naturally derived biopolymers, this review establishes a framework that bridges biomaterials science and food engineering to advance the practical realization of cultured meat products. Full article

The contemporary food environment is experiencing substantial transformations, and sustainability and the pursuit of novel ingredients have become pivotal factors in consumer decision-making and business strategy formulation. The emergence of alternative proteins has significant implications for sustainability, climate change mitigation and animal welfare, and can potentially promote the achievement of different United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The spread of these novel foods requires significant attention, particularly concerning younger demographics, which are often considered to be more environmentally and ethically aware when making dietary choices. This study investigates the psychological and attitudinal factors that shape young consumers’ intention to consume plant-based, insect-based, and cultured meat alternative proteins, and verifies the existence of heterogeneous segments of consumers. To this purpose principal component analysis and k-means cluster analysis are employed using data from an online survey conducted in Italy, with a sample of 350 young consumers. The findings reveal that the intention to consume alternative protein sources is not particularly pronounced among the young consumers and differs according to the type of alternative protein. Three different profiles of young consumers were found: traditionalist (39% of the sample); enthusiastic (17%) and open-minded (44%). These segments differ significantly with respect to consumption intention, socio-demographic, lifestyle and psychological variables. The results provide useful insights for policymakers to design targeted interventions to encourage young consumers’ sustainable food choices. The findings could also be useful for marketers interested in investing in such innovations as they can benefit from an in-depth knowledge of this market segment. Full article

As pet owners become increasingly mindful of pet health and sustainability, labeling plays a crucial role in shaping informed purchasing decisions for pet food. This study evaluated the nutritional adequacy and pricing of plant-based, hybrid, and animal-based dog foods. Using the Mintel database, we analyzed product labels, ingredient compositions, and marketing claims for various dog food categories. The findings revealed notable differences in key nutrients, such as protein, fiber, fat, ash, and moisture content. Plant-based dog foods generally offer higher fiber and ash content but often fall short in protein and fat levels, particularly in snacks and treats, which may impact their suitability for meeting the dietary needs of canines. Hybrid dog foods, which blend plant and animal ingredients, show greater variability, with some achieving balanced protein and fat content, while fiber levels depend on the plant-based proportion. Animal-based foods tend to excel in protein and fat content, particularly in wet and dry formats, while being lower in fiber and ash content. A key concern is the reliance on additives, particularly in plant-based and hybrid options, which raises questions about the long-term health impacts on pets. Pricing trends indicate that plant-based dog foods are generally more expensive than hybrid and animal-based options, although the cost varies widely across all categories. Full article

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli are important foodborne pathogens. There are several subtypes of the Shiga toxin Stx known, with Stx2 (a–o) being more diverse than Stx1 (a, c, d). Multiple occurrences of stx2 genes as well as combinations of stx1 and stx2 have been reported. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the occurrence of multiple stx1 genes in STEC strains. Here, we report two strains from food and animal feces which show genomic variations in the stx1 operon. The first strain harbors stx1a and stx1c genes, and the second strain shows an inactive stx1 operon due to an insertion in the stxA1a subunit gene. The screening of publicly available complete genome sequences of STEC revealed further strains harboring multiple stx1 genes, indicating that those strains also occur in human infections. This should be kept in mind when applying routine diagnostic methods like PCR, that do not detect multiple occurrences of stx1 genes of the same subtype. Moreover, the impact on the severity of human infections due to multiple stx1 genes has not been investigated well. Full article

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and as an emerging condition in the DSM-5. IGD is increasingly prevalent, with various negative effects on individuals’ development and adaptation. To address this issue, different therapeutic interventions, like CBT, virtual reality, mindfulness, or family therapy, have been explored. This systematic review aimed to answer the following research question: What is the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in reducing IGD symptoms in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with this disorder? Following PRISMA guidelines, 22 studies published between 2014 and 2025 were included. Results show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective intervention, significantly reducing IGD severity, anxiety, and depression. Combining CBT with physical exercise or mindfulness further enhanced outcomes. Other promising approaches include virtual reality (VR), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and family-based interventions. Additionally, treatments involving mindfulness and animal-assisted therapy showed potential in improving emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. However, further research is needed to evaluate long-term efficacy and explore emerging therapies. Full article

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a serious game, that embeds cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I), in altering the negative interpretive bias of early aged adolescents diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Specific Learning Disorders. The difficulties that adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) experience navigating the social nuances of everyday environments make them prone to the cognitive biases that lead to the development of negative thought patterns. Directly tackling the biased interpretive processes that give rise to negative thinking may be effective in reducing negative bias and mental health problems. Method: Minds Online, a 10-episode 3-D animated serious game that embeds CBM-I was introduced using a three-phase multiple baseline design in a school setting. Eight adolescents diagnosed with an NDD completed the 10 episodes. Results: Real-time data revealed that seven of the eight adolescents altered their negative interpretive bias to a benign bias. However, pre- and post-test standardized measures revealed non-significant changes in the desired direction for mental health. Visual analyses of 308 daily self-reported ratings about worry about schoolwork, worry about peer relationships, and feelings of loneliness did not demonstrate a replicated intervention effect. However, when these interrupted time series data were analyzed statistically, significant individual improvements were evident. Engagement with Minds Online was excellent, as was adherence to daily data collection. Conclusions: Minds Online seems to be highly effective in altering the negative interpretive biases of adolescents with NDDs, which is promising because such cognitive biases are involved in the onset and maintenance of psychopathology. Full article

Human perceptions of animal consciousness have evolved over time, influencing how they are treated. This study aimed to assess perceptions of animal consciousness in people working in conservation. An online survey of 87 participants evaluated their perceptions of animals’ capabilities across 10 dimensions of consciousness, including self-consciousness, learning, and reasoning. The sum of the answers to the questions was validated as a “perception index” using a principal component analysis. Next, its variation according to taxonomic, demographic, professional factors, and the duration, type, and frequency of interaction with animals was assessed with generalized linear models and stepwise model selection. Participants’ perceptions varied with taxonomic class and the level of education, with mammals obtaining higher indexes than birds (−0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.24, −0.03, p < 0.01) or reptiles (−0.41; 95% CI −0.55, −0.27, p < 0.01), and respondents holding a PhD exhibiting higher perception indexes than those with BScs (−0.19; 95% CI −0.32, −0.06, p < 0.01) or lower education (−0.18; 95% CI −0.32, −0.03, p = 0.01). The attribution of consciousness followed a phylogenetic pattern, but several exceptions (e.g., the octopus and raven) were noted on a finer scale supporting a multifactorial influence on the perception of animal consciousness that emerges upon a baseline phylogenetic pattern. Finally, the results suggest that conservationists are influenced by culture and scientific knowledge, as much as their personal experiences, when evaluating animals’ perceptions, highlighting the need for further research on the convergence between perception, belief, and evidence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Academic libraries offer a range of activities and initiatives for their students and community users. However, wellbeing, as a concept in academic libraries, is not very well defined and is poorly understood. The objective of this scoping review was to examine the role of academic libraries in student and community wellbeing, identify the various kinds of activities and initiatives that they carry out to address their wellbeing, and uncover gaps that might require further research. Methods: An extensive search was conducted in the Library Information Sciences Association (LISA), Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), Medline (OVID), Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS) databases. Grey literature was searched on a selection of library websites and digital repositories. Data were extracted from studies that met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. Themes were identified by the authors and reported as a narrative summary. Results: Of the 5437 records identified, a total of 40 documents were included in this scoping review. The authors identified 11 different kinds of activities and initiatives carried out in academic libraries that promote student and community wellbeing, i.e., (1) animal-assisted activities; (2) facilitating dialogues about belonging and identity; (3) fun recreational activities; (4) study support; (5) physical activity promotion; (6) meditation, yoga, and mindfulness; (7) book clubs; (8) art exhibitions; (9) technology and digital support; (10) free food and tea; and (11) health awareness. These activities were found to promote the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of student and community users. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for further systematic research on the long-term effects of wellbeing initiatives and activities on both student and community users, and how they might impact aspects of wellbeing for specific population groups such as senior citizens and LGBTQIA members. This scoping review demonstrates the potential of academic libraries in promoting health and wellbeing for their users. Full article

Mining is an indispensable activity that threatens biodiversity globally. However, assessments of key ecological processes for the maintenance of plants threatened by mining, such as the effectiveness of frugivory and seed dispersal, are almost non-existent. We evaluated the effectiveness of fruit and seed dispersal in the threatened cactus Browningia candelaris at two different sites: one distant and one close to a mining company currently in operation. Unfortunately, in the study area, B. candelaris is only present in the two evaluated sites, which makes it impossible to have replications for the distant and nearby sites. With this caveat in mind, we evaluated the different parameters of dispersal effectiveness by comparing both sites, far and close to the copper mine. Fruit abundance was significantly higher near the mine. By contrast, animal richness was lower near the mine. However, animal visitation rates for consumption of immature and mature fruits did not differ significantly between sites. Of the 15 animals observed, only four consumed and defecated live seeds: the fox Lycalopex culpaeus, the lizard Microlophus theresioides, and the mouse Octodontomys gliroides and Phyllotis xantopygus. Seed dispersal effectiveness was higher near the mine, but extremely low at both sites. In fact, population recruitment of new cacti was null at both sites, near and far from the mine, due to the scarcity of water in the environment. This is probably due to the increasing aridity of the Atacama Desert due to global warming. Therefore, new studies to assess synergies between potential local threats, such as mining operations, and global threats, such as global warming, are essential to carry out relevant conservation actions on endangered species such as cacti. Full article

We present an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced monitoring framework designed to assist personnel in evaluating and maintaining animal welfare using a modular architecture. This framework integrates multiple deep learning models to automatically compute metrics relevant to assessing animal well-being. Using deep learning for AI-based vision adapted from industrial applications and human behavioral analysis, the framework includes modules for markerless animal identification and health status assessment (e.g., locomotion score and body condition score). Methods for behavioral analysis are also included to evaluate how nutritional and rearing conditions impact behaviors. These models are initially trained on public datasets and then fine-tuned on original data. We demonstrate the approach through two use cases: a health monitoring system for dairy cattle and a piglet behavior analysis system. The results indicate that scalable deep learning and edge computing solutions can support precision livestock farming by automating welfare assessments and enabling timely, data-driven interventions. Full article

As life expectancy rises and modern lifestyles improve, there is an increasing focus on health, disease prevention, and enhancing physical appearance. Consumers are more aware of the benefits of natural ingredients in healthcare products while also being mindful of sustainability challenges. Consequently, marine bioactive compounds have gained popularity as ingredients in cosmetics and food supplements due to their diverse beneficial properties. Nonetheless, the use of some of these compounds is restricted by their low stability and poor aqueous solubility, necessitating solutions to overcome these limitations. In this context, lipid nanoparticles, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have been investigated for their potential to protect and improve the absorption of molecules through various routes, including oral and cutaneous. Numerous studies have shown that nanoencapsulating these compounds and incorporating them into cosmetics and food supplements can be effective. However, this application remains unregulated at the global level and is not currently addressed by existing legislation. Additional in vivo studies in both animals and humans are necessary to fully assess safety concerns. Full article

As part of the European Green Deal, the EU has recognised that there is a need to increase organic farming as well as improve animal welfare standards. The PIGLOW app was developed with these goals in mind and allows free-range and organic pig farmers to perform welfare assessments (WAs) of their pigs. The results of each WA contain automated feedback and benchmarking information. The objective of this two-year longitudinal study was to determine whether regular use of the app helps farmers improve pig welfare. Farmers (n = 12) were asked to perform 6 WAs for finisher pigs with the app. At the beginning and end of the study, a researcher visited each farm and performed a detailed WA to determine the welfare status of the pigs at both moments. Farmers (n = 11) also filled out surveys about their opinions on pig welfare and the PIGLOW app. The welfare results did not support that the use of the PIGLOW app had an overall effect on pig welfare, but suggested a positive effect on some specific welfare aspects. Farmers indicated that they found the app easy to use and found most of its elements very useful. However, when asked about the specific influence of the app on their opinions on pig welfare and the welfare of their pigs, they indicated that the app only had small effects. Responses suggested that the app could likely be more useful to new farmers who still have more to learn about animal welfare. Full article

The objective of this study is to develop a universally applicable approach for establishing the optimal dose range for the irradiation of plant and animal products. The approach involves the use of the optimization function for establishing the optimal irradiation dose range for each category of plant and animal product to maximize the suppression of targeted pathogens while preserving the surrounding molecules and biological structures. The proposed function implies that pathogens found in the product can be efficiently suppressed provided that irradiation is performed with the following criteria in mind: a high irradiation dose uniformity, a high probability of irradiation hitting pathogens and controlled heterogeneity of radiobiological sensitivity of pathogens. This study compares the optimal dose ranges for animal and plant products using beef tenderloin and seed potato tubers as examples. In a series of experiments, our team traced the dose dependencies of myoglobin oxidation in beef and the amount of potential damage to albumin’s native structure. The behavior patterns of myoglobin derivatives and the amount of potential damage to albumin found in this study determined the optimal dose range, which appeared to be wider for beef irradiation compared to that for seed potato tubers, as they do not require uniform irradiation of the entire volume since targeted phytopathogens are predominantly found within the surface layers of the tubers. The use of proprietary methods involving spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry provides a novel perspective on the quantitative assessment of the myoglobin oxidation level and the potential damage to albumin’s native structure. Full article

Salmonella has had a long and intimate relationship with humans and continues to raise concerns for human health, but this close bond also provides opportunities for new therapeutics and treatments. Although Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is the principal organism that comes to mind in terms of death and morbidity, it is the non-typhoidal Salmonellae that have the most health and economic implications. The developed world has had a challenging relationship with Salmonella, particularly in the UK and the EC/EU, experiencing significant Salmonella outbreaks in the 1980s and 1990s. As a consequence, the research focus was on understanding the nature of infection in food animals and on developing ways and means of controlling zoonotic infections. This led to the development of numerous model systems for the study of Salmonella both in vitro and in vivo. The introduction of vaccination has all but eliminated Salmonella in eggs and reduced perceived risk held by the general public. At the same time as Salmonella in eggs was being brought under control in the UK and EU, the danger posed by antibiotic resistance was beginning to emerge. In the past, with the efficacy of antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria being unchallenged, there was limited focus on the threat posed by antibiotic resistance in non-typhoidal Salmonella. However, the identification of Salmonella as the first ‘multidrug-resistant’ organism, the presence of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella in North Africa and the emergence of monophasic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium across Europe, Asia and the Americas have prompted renewed interest in Salmonella research, particularly in the context of non-infectious disease, biofilm studies and antibiotic resistance. At the same time, research has continued to develop ways of taking advantage of what Salmonella offers in the way of pathogenic factors and the therapeutic and treatment applications in areas such as vaccine development, cancer therapeutics and drug delivery and the role of Salmonella in non-infectious diseases supported by developments in molecular and genomic methods. Full article

As a highly sensitive vibrational technique, Raman spectroscopy (RS) can provide valuable chemical and molecular data useful to characterise animal cell types, tissues and organs. As a label-free, rapid detection method, RS has been considered a valuable asset in forensics, biology and medicine. The technique has been applied to zebrafish for various purposes, including physiological, biochemical or bioaccumulation analyses. The available data point out its potential for the early diagnosis of detrimental effects elicited by toxicant exposure. Nevertheless, no baseline spectra are available for zebrafish embryos and larvae that could allow for suitable planning of toxicological assessments, comparison with toxicant-elicited spectra or mechanistic understanding of biochemical and physiological responses to the exposures. With this in mind, this work carried out a baseline characterisation of Raman spectra of zebrafish embryos and larvae throughout early development. Raman spectra were recorded from the iris, forebrain, melanocytes, heart, muscle and swim bladder between 24 and 168 h post-fertilisation. A chemometrics approach, based on partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), was used to obtain a Raman characterisation of each tissue or organ. In total, 117 Raman bands were identified, of which 24 were well represented and, thus, retained in the data analysed. Only three bands were found to be common to all organs and tissues. The PLS-DA provided a tentative Raman spectral fingerprint typical of each tissue or organ, reflecting the ongoing developmental dynamics. The bands showed frequencies previously assigned to collagen, cholesterol, various essential amino acids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. Full article