Umami, the savory essence found in a variety of foods, was only recently recognized as the fifth fundamental human taste. Scientists have now discovered how glutamate, the chemical responsible for umami taste, activates nerves on the tongue and how inosinate and guanylate can enhance its flavor. Learn how this "Venus flytrap" mechanism works and why a good Japanese broth contains both seaweed and dried fish flakes. Discover the truth behind MSG and why it's not as bad as some may think.

Discover the scientist who uncovered the savory fifth taste, umami, and how it's related to the infamous MSG. Learn how umami has become a buzzword in the culinary world, inspiring chefs to create meaty flavors in meatless dishes.

Food is energy for the body, and the average number of calories in fat, protein, and carbohydrates is still used as an important marker for nutrition today. However, biologist Rob Dunn explains that there is no such thing as an average food or person. How many calories we extract from food depends on the biology of the species we are eating, how we cook and process our food, and even on the different bacterial communities in different people's guts. Standard calorie counts don't take any of these factors into consideration, resulting in numbers that are slightly inaccurate, at best, and sometimes rather misleading. Digestion turns out to be such a messy affair that we'll probably never have precise calorie counts for all the different foods we'd like to eat and prepare in so many different ways. However, learning about the biology of food and digestion can help us make better choices and understand our bodies better.

Your food preferences may be coded in your DNA. Discover how genetics and exposure shape our taste buds and why some people are supertasters. Learn how food likes and dislikes are influenced by nature and nurture. Explore the science of flavor perception and the role of TAS2R38 gene.

Do you ever wonder why orange juice tastes so bad after brushing your teeth? It turns out that our taste buds, which are made up of taste receptor cells, are responsible for identifying different tastes like sweet, bitter, and savory. Toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), which creates foam while brushing and temporarily gets rid of the molecules that block our bitter receptors. This makes the receptor much more sensitive to bitter flavors, causing that awful taste. However, taste isn't just affected by our receptors. Temperature, texture, and smell can change what we sense too. Learning about the science of taste can help you understand why some foods taste the way they do and how to enhance your dining experience. So, next time you have OJ after brushing, try plugging your nose or go for a coffee or Bloody Mary instead.

Did you know that low concentrations of chloride can produce a sweet taste sensation? Scientists from Okayama University in Japan have discovered a new mechanism for detecting chloride ions in taste buds, shedding light on how we perceive taste. Using mice models and structural biology methods, they found that chloride ions activate sweet receptors, similar to other taste substances. This study could lead to a better understanding of taste perception in organisms.

Learning about the chemistry of onions may not seem like the most exciting academic topic, but it can help you understand how things work in the world around you. When you chop an onion, you're changing its chemistry and releasing a gas that causes your eyes to water. You can slow down the onion's enzymes by storing it in the fridge or boiling it briefly, or you can wear goggles or sunglasses while cutting it. Scientists are even working on creating tear-free onions through genetic modification and traditional plant breeding. Learning about the chemistry of onions can help you appreciate the complexities of the natural world and give you practical skills for your everyday life.

Watson and Crick are often credited with discovering the structure of DNA, but it was the work of a host of talented scientists, including X-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin, that made it possible. Learn about the breakthrough that has led to world-changing advances in biological research and our understanding of inherited diseases. Explore the story of the discovery and the unsung heroes who made it happen.

The discovery of the structure of DNA is one of the most important scientific achievements in human history. While Watson and Crick are often credited with this breakthrough, Rosalind Franklin's scientific contributions have been vastly underplayed. Franklin faced sexism and isolation from her colleagues, but she kept working and obtained Photo 51, the most famous x-ray image of DNA. Her calculations led her to the same conclusion as Watson and Crick, but her manuscript was published last, making it look like her experiments just confirmed their breakthrough instead of inspiring it. Franklin's work revolutionized medicine, biology, and agriculture. Learning about her story will not only provide insight into the history of science but also inspire students to pursue their passions regardless of societal barriers.

Wine has been around for thousands of years, and its popularity continues to grow around the world. But have you ever wondered how wine is made? From vine to bottle, the process of winemaking involves a complex series of chemical reactions and physical transformations. In this write-up, we'll explore the science behind winemaking and the key factors that influence wine quality. First, let's start with the grapes. The type of grape used and its ripeness level are crucial factors in determining the final flavor profile of the wine. During the fermentation process, yeast consumes the natural sugars in the grape juice and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide. This is where the bubbles in sparkling wines like champagne come from. The next step is aging, which can take place in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks. This is where the wine develops its characteristic flavor and aroma. Over time, the wine will go through chemical reactions that change its chemical composition, resulting in a smoother and more complex taste. Some of the key chemical compounds that contribute to the flavor of wine include tannins, which are responsible for the dry, astringent taste in red wine, and esters, which give wine its fruity aroma. Other important factors in winemaking include temperature, pH levels, and the use of additives such as sulfites. Leading academics in the field of wine science, such as Dr. Andrew Waterhouse of UC Davis and Dr. Linda Bisson of UC Davis, have contributed greatly to our understanding of the complex chemical processes involved in winemaking. Their research has helped in improving wine quality and consistency, as well as creating relevant regulations around wine production. The possibilities are endless when it comes to exploring the science of wine, so grab a bottle and get started!

Have you ever wondered why some foods taste savory, rich, and satisfying? Well, the answer lies in the fifth taste sensation: Umami. The discovery of Umami, which means "pleasant savory taste" in Japanese, revolutionized the world of cooking and seasoning. Umami was first identified by the Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908. He identified the presence of glutamates in seaweed broth as the source of its savory flavor. Since then, the role of Umami in cooking has been widely recognized, and it has become a crucial ingredient in many dishes worldwide. Umami acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing the taste of sweet, sour, bitter, and salty in food. It's the secret behind the deliciousness of dishes like tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, and soy sauce. Not only does it enhance the taste of food, but it also makes it more satisfying and filling, making it a crucial component of healthy and balanced meals. Leading academics in the field, such as George Charalambous and Gary Beauchamp, have conducted extensive research on the science of umami and its effects on the human palate. They have found that the combination of umami with other tastes can create a synergistic effect, increasing the overall pleasure of the meal.

Cells are the fundamental units of life, driven by the forces of the universe, and are impossible machines. They are biological robots that follow their programming, which has evolved over billions of years. Your cells are mostly filled with water molecules and proteins, which are the dead things that make life happen. Cells speak the language of life, which is made up of proteins that are formed from amino acids. Amino acids are the alphabet of the language of life, and proteins are the words that form sentences called biological pathways. The language of life is complex, and mindless cells speak it through DNA, which contains instructions, genes, and building manuals for all the proteins your cells need to function. Understanding the language of life can help you appreciate the amazing complexity of cells and their role in keeping you alive.

Our ears are as unique as our fingerprints, and they serve a crucial role in our lives. They help us communicate with others, recognize complex emotions, and locate sounds. Even before we are born, our ears are already listening, and after we are born, they become even more useful. The inner workings of the ear heighten the frequencies of the human voice, making listening a more effective way to recognize and decode complex human emotions than looking at facial expressions. Our external ears may not serve us well on a hot day, but they can be an indicator of our health. Moreover, the shape and folds of our ears, and how the brain processes sound waves, help us determine where a sound is coming from. Learning about the fascinating workings of our ears can help us appreciate their importance and how they benefit us intellectually and practically.

Ancient Egyptian tombs reveal pots of honey, thousands of years old and still preserved. What makes honey such a special food? The answer lies in its chemical makeup and the alchemy of bees. Honey's longevity and acidic properties lend it medicinal qualities, making it a natural bandage and a barrier against infection for wounds. Discover the magic of honey and its perfect balance of hygroscopic and antimicrobial properties.

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to effortlessly come up with creative ideas while others struggle to think outside the box? It turns out that there is a scientific explanation behind this phenomenon. The field of neuroscience has been studying the brain's creative processes, and the findings are fascinating. First, let's define creativity. It's not just about making art or music. Creativity is the ability to generate original and useful ideas. It involves thinking divergently, which means thinking beyond what is obvious and exploring many possible solutions to a problem. So, how does the brain generate creative ideas? One theory is that the brain has a default mode network, which is a set of brain regions that become active when the mind is at rest. This network allows the brain to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, leading to creative insights. Another theory is that creative thinking is linked to the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as planning and decision-making. Studies have found that the prefrontal cortex is more active when people are engaged in creative thinking. In addition, research has shown that certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, play a role in creativity. These chemicals are released when the brain is in a state of arousal, such as during a challenging task or a new experience. Leading academics in the field of neuroscience of creativity include Dr. Rex Jung, who studies the brain basis of creativity and Dr. Mark Beeman, who focuses on insight and creative problem-solving. Innovations in the field include fMRI scans and EEGs, which allow researchers to see the brain in action during creative tasks. In conclusion, the science of creativity is an exciting and rapidly evolving field. By exploring this topic, you can not only improve your own creative abilities but also gain a deeper understanding of the human brain and what makes us unique as a species. So go ahead, unleash your creative brain!

Science is not always confined to laboratories with white coats and high-tech gadgets. The Weird History of the Cell Theory shows how even the most groundbreaking discoveries can have strange and varied beginnings. The discovery of cells and the development of the cell theory started with Zacharias Janssen's invention of the microscope in the early 1600s. Anton van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutchman, discovered bacteria by looking at dental scrapings through his homemade microscope. Robert Hooke, another scientist, coined the term "the cell" while looking at a piece of cork. Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann discovered that every plant and animal is made of cells. Rudolph Virchow proved that cells come from other cells. Learning about the history of scientific discoveries can be exciting and inspiring, and it shows that anyone can make a significant contribution to science, even with limited resources.

Water is one of the most fascinating substances in the universe. Every molecule of water on Earth has existed for billions of years, cycling through rocks, air, animals, and plants. Water doesn't follow the normal rules of chemistry, expanding when it freezes and floating on itself, enabling complex life to survive on our planet. Hot water freezes faster than cold, and water molecules can float upwards, against the force of gravity. This strange behavior has been very useful, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the edges of our brain and plants to move water from deep below the ground to nourish their leaves. Our solar system is drowning in water, and where there's water, there could be life. Learning about the properties of water can help students appreciate the remarkable nature of this colorless, featureless, and tasteless substance that breaks so many rules of chemistry.

How do we grow seedless fruit? Discover the fascinating history and science behind hybridization and grafting, and the latest genetic research that could lead to new seedless varieties. From Navel oranges to mutant sugar apples, explore the world of fruit breeding.

Chemical reactions are essential to life and the world around us. From the simple process of combustion to the complex reactions that occur in living organisms, chemical reactions are constantly happening all around us. But have you ever wondered what happens on a molecular level during a chemical reaction? In this write-up, we will investigate the dynamics of chemical reactions and explore the fascinating world of molecules in motion. At the heart of every chemical reaction are the molecules involved. Molecules are constantly in motion, vibrating and colliding with one another. During a chemical reaction, the atoms in these molecules rearrange themselves to form new substances. This rearrangement is driven by the energy released or absorbed during the reaction. Chemical reactions can be classified based on the types of molecules involved and the way in which the atoms rearrange themselves. For example, in an oxidation-reduction reaction, one molecule loses electrons while another gains electrons. In an acid-base reaction, a proton (H+) is transferred from one molecule to another. One of the key factors that influence the dynamics of a chemical reaction is the activation energy. This is the minimum amount of energy required for a reaction to occur. Once the activation energy is overcome, the reaction can proceed spontaneously. The rate at which a reaction proceeds is also affected by other factors such as temperature, concentration, and the presence of a catalyst. Over the years, many leading scientists have made significant contributions to our understanding of chemical reactions. For example, in the early 20th century, Max Bodenstein developed the concept of reaction rates and showed that chemical reactions could be treated quantitatively. Later, Linus Pauling developed the concept of electronegativity, which explains how atoms bond to one another. In conclusion, the dynamics of chemical reactions and the motion of molecules are fundamental to our understanding of the world around us. By exploring this topic further, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the chemical world.

Tardigrades have even been featured in popular culture, including an episode of Star Trek: Discovery, where they were used as a propulsion system for a spaceship. But while tardigrades may seem like science fiction, they are very much a real and fascinating part of the natural world. These tiny, water-dwelling creatures, also known as water bears or moss piglets, have been around for over half a billion years and have evolved some truly remarkable survival strategies. Tardigrades can survive in extreme environments that would kill most other organisms, including temperatures ranging from -272°C to 151°C, pressures six times greater than those at the bottom of the ocean, and even the vacuum of space. They can also survive dehydration, radiation, and exposure to toxins. Tardigrades achieve this impressive feat through a combination of strategies, including the ability to enter a state of suspended animation called cryptobiosis, which allows them to survive without water for years. One of the key factors that enable tardigrades to survive in such extreme conditions is their ability to repair their DNA. Tardigrades have a unique protein called Dsup, which protects their DNA from damage caused by radiation. This protein has even been shown to protect human cells from radiation damage. Dr. Thomas Boothby, a leading tardigrade researcher at the University of Wyoming, has discovered that tardigrades can also produce large amounts of unique proteins called tardigrade-specific intrinsically disordered proteins (TDPs) in response to desiccation. These proteins help protect the tardigrades' cells from damage and prevent them from drying out. Tardigrades are fascinating not just for their survival abilities, but also for their unique biology. They have a complex digestive system, a unique nervous system, and a fascinating reproductive system that involves the transfer of genetic material between individuals. By exploring the science behind these tiny creatures, we can gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and the amazing ways that living organisms can survive and thrive in even the most extreme conditions.