Latest news with #oats
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make astonishing discovery that could reshape $900 million food sector: 'This breakthrough is incredibly important'
Researchers make astonishing discovery that could reshape $900 million food sector: 'This breakthrough is incredibly important' Scientists have made an exciting discovery that could transform your daily breakfast meal. According to for the first time ever, researchers from McGill University have altered oat DNA with great success. By editing oat DNA, scientists have the potential to produce oats that are not only richer in fiber but also more resilient to rising global temperatures. Published in Plant Biotechnology Journal, the study reveals how the scientists used a type of gene-cutting method — which, until now, had never been used on oats. Known as CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, the process essentially cuts out and alters specific pieces of the oat's genes. Applying this gene-cutting technology to oat production is a game-changer. "Using CRISPR-Cas9, we were able to make very specific genetic changes in oats that would traditionally take years to achieve through conventional breeding," said study leader and plant sciences professor Jaswinder Singh, per "Our method not only speeds up the breeding process but also allows us to avoid introducing foreign DNA into the plants, making them safer and more acceptable to consumers." In Canada, the oat crop plays a significant economic role, with an estimated worth of about $900 million, reported. However, unstable weather along with a short growing season has made the staple crop vulnerable. As the researchers examined different changes in the oats' genetic makeup and the impact of those changes, they were able to identify which genes influenced specific traits. For example, the team was able to discover oat plants with altered flowering times. "This breakthrough is incredibly important for climate adaptation," said Ph.D. student Mehtab Singh, lead author of the paper, per "By developing oats that mature earlier or can handle colder conditions, we're helping farmers in regions with short growing seasons or unpredictable weather patterns grow more reliable and sustainable crops." Strengthening oat as a crop will help protect the global food supply and safeguard communities from climate-driven food shortages. Across the globe, farmers have struggled to yield successful harvests due to extreme weather and rising global temperatures. However, by adapting crops at the genetic level, scientists can help farmers produce healthy harvests. From an environmental standpoint, faster-maturing oats have numerous benefits, according to the researchers. Genetically modifying oats to mature faster reduces the need for conventional speed-up techniques that rely on harsh chemicals. Moving forward, the researchers are excited to explore other genetic traits in oats, including disease resistance and stress tolerance. What single change would make the biggest dent in your personal food waste? Not buying food I don't need Freezing my food before it goes bad Using my leftovers more effectively Composting my food scraps Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
The Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Fibre found in everyday foods could help remove forever chemicals from our bodies
A new study suggests that eating a fibre supplement found naturally in oats, barley and rye before meals could help flush out toxic forever chemicals from the body. PFAS, known as forever chemicals, are used in products like non-stick cookware and cosmetics and have been linked to health conditions, including decreased fertility and a higher risk of some cancers. The study found that beta-glucan fibre molecules in oats can bind to PFAS in the digestive system, potentially reducing their levels in the body. Researchers found a nearly 10 per cent drop in two dangerous PFAS types (PFOA and PFOS) in participants who took an oat fibre supplement before each meal for four weeks. Scientists believe the findings offer a first step in formulating a dietary intervention to remove PFAS from the body, though further studies are needed with larger samples and longer intervention periods.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Study finds common dietary supplement can flush out toxic forever chemicals from your body
Eating a fibre supplement derived from oats before each meal could flush out toxic forever chemicals from the body, a new study suggests. Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals, are widely used to make products like non-stick cookware, cosmetics, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, food packaging, and waterproof clothing. They persist in the environment for hundreds of years and are increasingly linked to a range of health conditions in humans, including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and a higher risk of some cancers. Scientists have been seeking ways to remove them from the body and the environment or degrade them into harmless compounds. 'Despite the growing concerns about the toxicity of PFAS, specific interventions to reduce PFAS levels in the body are limited,' the study notes. 'Current clinical treatments to reduce PFAS body burden are minimal.' Previous studies have shown that beta-glucan fibre molecules found in oats, barley and rye can bind to PFAS in the digestive system. The latest study, published in Environmental Health, finds that consuming a dietary supplement with beta-glucan fibre could significantly reduce PFAS levels in the body. Researchers recruited 72 Canadian men aged 18 to 65 with detectable levels of PFAS in their blood and fed 42 of them a diet supplement of one gram of oat beta-glucan, a type of soluble gel-forming fibre, before each mealtime, when the body produced the most bile. The remaining 30 participants received a placebo made of rice. 'Serum samples were collected from 72 participants in 2019-2020 at baseline and after four weeks of the intervention and were analysed for 17 PFASs,' the study states. After four weeks, researchers found a nearly 10 per cent drop in two of the most dangerous PFAS types in people who took the oat fibre supplement. The two forever chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS, have been detected in drinking water, food packaging and cosmetics, and they can build up in the body over time. Although the results are modest, scientists say the findings offer a first step to formulating a dietary intervention for removing PFAS from the body. 'Results from this pilot analysis suggest a potentially practical and feasible intervention that may reduce human body burdens for some PFASs,' they say. 'However, studies utilising a larger sample with a broader range of serum concentrations, longer intervention period and clinically relevant fibre intakes are needed to determine the efficacy of using gel-forming dietary fibres to increase PFAS excretion.'
The Independent
03-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Study finds common dietary supplement can flush out toxic forever chemicals from your body
Eating a fibre supplement derived from oats before each meal could flush out toxic forever chemicals from the body, a new study suggests. Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals, are widely used to make products like non-stick cookware, cosmetics, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, food packaging, and waterproof clothing. They persist in the environment for hundreds of years and are increasingly linked to a range of health conditions in humans, including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and a higher risk of some cancers. Scientists have been seeking ways to remove them from the body and the environment or degrade them into harmless compounds. 'Despite the growing concerns about the toxicity of PFAS, specific interventions to reduce PFAS levels in the body are limited,' the study notes. 'Current clinical treatments to reduce PFAS body burden are minimal.' Previous studies have shown that beta-glucan fibre molecules found in oats, barley and rye can bind to PFAS in the digestive system. The latest study, published in Environmental Health, finds that consuming a dietary supplement with beta-glucan fibre could significantly reduce PFAS levels in the body. Researchers recruited 72 Canadian men aged 18 to 65 with detectable levels of PFAS in their blood and fed 42 of them a diet supplement of one gram of oat beta-glucan, a type of soluble gel-forming fibre, before each mealtime, when the body produced the most bile. The remaining 30 participants received a placebo made of rice. 'Serum samples were collected from 72 participants in 2019-2020 at baseline and after four weeks of the intervention and were analysed for 17 PFASs,' the study states. After four weeks, researchers found a nearly 10 per cent drop in two of the most dangerous PFAS types in people who took the oat fibre supplement. The two forever chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS, have been detected in drinking water, food packaging and cosmetics, and they can build up in the body over time. Although the results are modest, scientists say the findings offer a first step to formulating a dietary intervention for removing PFAS from the body. 'Results from this pilot analysis suggest a potentially practical and feasible intervention that may reduce human body burdens for some PFASs,' they say. 'However, studies utilising a larger sample with a broader range of serum concentrations, longer intervention period and clinically relevant fibre intakes are needed to determine the efficacy of using gel-forming dietary fibres to increase PFAS excretion.'
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Halva, dark chocolate and sesame cookies
Crunchy, chewy, salty, sweet, this cookie has it all. If you've never tried halva before, I highly recommend hunting it down – it's a sweet sesame treat that's sort of crumbly and soft in texture. When baked into this cookie it becomes a perfectly caramelised, nutty, chewy addition. Requires freezing time. Overview Prep time 20 mins Cook time 15 mins Serves 20 cookies Ingredients 250g unsalted butter, softened 300g soft light brown sugar 1 egg 200g halva, cubed 2 tsp vanilla bean paste 250g plain flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 150g oats (100g blended into a 'flour', 50g left whole) 1 tbsp sesame seeds, plus more for rolling 100g good-quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped a little sea salt, for sprinkling
