It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Sunday, August 04, 2024
Plucking water from the air
King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)
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A solar-powered water harvester developed by KAUST researchers can extract 2-3 liters of water per day during the summer months.
Even in arid parts of the world, there is usually moisture in the air. This moisture could provide much-needed water for drinking and irrigation, but extracting water out of air is difficult. A new technology developed by KAUST researchers can consistently extract liters of water out of thin air each day without needing regular manual maintenance[1].
Harvesting water from air is not a new idea, or even a new technology, but existing solar-powered systems are clunky.
Solar-powered harvesters work in a two-stage cycle. An absorbent material first captures water from the air, and once it is saturated, the system is sealed and heated with sunlight to extract the captured water. Alternating between the two stages requires either manual labor or a switching system, which adds complexity and cost. The new harvester developed at KAUST requires neither — it passively alternates between the two stages so it can cycle continuously without intervention.
“Our initial inspiration came from observing natural processes: specifically how plants efficiently transport water from their roots to their leaves through specialized structures,” says postdoc Kaijie Yang, who led the study.
This gave the team the key idea for their new system. “In our system, mass transport bridges play a crucial role as a connection between the ‘open part’ for atmospheric water capture and the ‘closed part’ for freshwater generation,” explains Yang.
The mass transport bridges are a collection of vertical microchannels filled with a salt solution that absorbs water. The water-rich salt solution is pulled up the channel by the same capillary action that pulls water up plant stems, and then the concentrated salt solution diffuses back down to collect more water. “By optimizing the transport of mass and heat within the system, we enhanced its efficiency and effectiveness,” says Tingting Pan, another postdoc who worked on the project.
During testing the system in Saudi Arabia, each square meter produced 2-3 liters of water per day during the summer, and about 1-3 liters per day in the fall. During the tests, the team ran the system for several weeks without the need for maintenance. They also showed that it could be used as a direct point source to irrigate Chinese cabbage and desert trees.
“The materials we used were a water-wicking fabric, a low-cost hygroscopic salt and a plastic-based frame. We chose the materials for their affordability and availability, so we anticipate the cost is affordable for large-scale application in low-income areas,” says Qiaoqiang Gan, one of the study’s senior authors.
A solar-driven atmospheric water extractor for off-grid freshwater generation and irrigation
Breakthrough insights into strawberry senescence: Hormonal interplay key to extending shelf life of 'benihoppe' variety
Maximum Academic Press
A research team discovered that the rapid senescence of harvested strawberry 'Benihoppe' results from increased perishability, softening, water loss, increased soluble sugars within 2 d, and changes in hormone levels. They found that ABA, JA, and ethylene play crucial roles in the fruit's senescence, impacting biochemical metabolisms, anti-stress responses and softening processes. These findings offer comprehensive insights into strawberry preservation mechanisms, suggesting that optimal fruit quality is achieved at 2-4 days of storage. This research potentially leads to improved post-harvest handling techniques for extending strawberry shelf life.
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is globally valued for its nutritional benefits, ease of cultivation, and economic significance, particularly in China, where it dominates both production and consumption. Strawberry fruit must be picked when fully ripe on the plant, making it more susceptible to decay after harvesting. Thus, extensive research has explored various storage techniques and the roles of phytohormones like ABA, IAA, ethylene, and antioxidants in fruit senescence. However, the precise physiological and molecular mechanisms governing strawberry senescence remain incompletely understood.
In this study, researchers investigated the senescence mechanisms of the strawberry variety 'Benihoppe' through a series of morphological, physiological, biochemical, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses. Morphological and physiological assessments revealed that over time, harvested strawberries exhibited increased decay index and water loss, and decreased firmness and brightness. Soluble sugar content initially increased during 0−2 d, then declined, while titratable acid (TAC) and soluble solids concentration (SSC) followed a similar pattern. Phytohormone analysis showed ABA levels continuously increased during storage, with other hormones like IAA, BR, GA3, MeJA, and ethylene displaying complex variations, highlighting ABA's significant role in senescence. RNA-seq identified 66,533 unigenes and 3,861 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis. And the RNA-seq data highlighted on ABA with NCEDs and PYLs, auxin with IAAs and AUXs, ethylene with ACSs, EIN3 and ERFs, BR with BZRs, and JA with JMTs. Proteomic analysis identified 648 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) linked to hormone signal transduction, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and other critical pathways. Notably, the plant hormone signal transduction was highlighted on ABA with PYL, SnRK2, ABF; Eth with ETR, CTR1, EIN2; BR with BSK; GA with GID1; JA with JAR1, JAZ, suggesting an important role of ABA, JA and Eth in senescent metabolism. To understand important metabolic changes related to the senescence, they also investigated the contents of volatiles and amino acids in strawberry fruit. The results indicated that higher contents of nerolidalyl caproate and threonine might be characteristic signs of ripening and senescence. Overall, the research underscores ABA's pivotal role, alongside JA, BR, and ethylene, in regulating the senescence of harvested strawberries, contributing to rapid softening, decay, and aroma emission. This comprehensive model provides valuable insights into extending strawberry shelf life and informs future preservation strategies.
According to the study's lead researcher, Liusheng Duan, “These findings provided a comprehensive understanding that fruits aged 2-d are preferred while those at 4-d day are optimal, and the 6-d fruit are limited under given storage conditions.”
In summary, the research revealed that ABA plays a critical role in rapid perishability, softening, and water loss, coordinating with JA, BR, and ethylene at different stages. Transcriptome and proteome analyses highlighted key pathways involving ABA, auxin, ethylene, BR, and JA. Future strategies can focus on manipulating these hormonal pathways to extend strawberry shelf life, benefiting the global horticultural industry by ensuring longer-lasting, high-quality fruit.
This study was funded by the China National Science Foundation (Projects 32030100).
About Fruit Research
Fruit Research(e-ISSN 2769-4615) is an open access, online-only journal to publish original research articles, new methods, perspectives, and reviews on novel discoveries in all areas of fruit science. The journal will focus on publishing basic and translational research with a broad impact in fruit science.
Insights into the senescent mechanisms of harvested strawberry fruit at the physiological, molecular and metabolic levels
Unveiling the genetic blueprint of photosynthesis in citrus: Study identifies key traits and genes to boost fruit production
Maximum Academic Press
A research team investigated 71 citrus accessions and varieties using over 56,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 37 leaf reflectance parameters to study photosynthesis-related traits. They identified four distinct clusters of interrelated traits and found 125 genomic loci and 189 genes associated with these traits. This research provides valuable insights into the genetic and physiological mechanisms of photosynthesis, potentially leading to improved breeding and orchard management for enhanced fruit production and tree health.
Photosynthetic carbon gain is crucial for plant performance in both natural and agricultural systems. Identifying genes mediating photosynthesis is vital for understanding carbon regulation in leaves and its allocation to flowers and fruits, impacting overall plant physiology and fruit production. Current research highlights the importance of chlorophyll content and fluorescence in measuring photosynthetic performance. However, understanding the interrelated of genetic influences and plant physiology on photosynthesis remains challenging.
A study (DOI: 10.48130/frures-0024-0013) published in Fruit Researchon 23 May 2024, aims to link photosynthetic traits with genetic data in citrus to identify related loci and genes, thereby enhancing crop yield and efficiency.
In this study, a pairwise correlation analysis was conducted on 37 photosynthesis-related traits, revealing four distinct clusters of interrelated traits. Cluster 1 includes traits such as photochemical efficiency (FvP/FmP), leaf thickness, absorbance at various wavelengths, and SPAD readings. Cluster 2 includes electrochromic shift values and quantum yield of Photosystem II (Phi2). Cluster 3 encompasses traits related to red, blue, and green light captured by the PAR sensor and non-photosynthetic quenching (NPQt). Cluster 4 contains SPAD readings at shorter wavelengths and minimal fluorescence. The analysis showed correlations such as a negative correlation between SPAD 850 and Phi2, qL, and qP, and a significant positive correlation between NPQt and PhiNPQ. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on genomic and photosynthesis-related trait data from 71 citrus accessions distinguished four groups with some overlap. A genome-wide association study identified 125 genomic loci associated with 11 photosynthesis-related traits, revealing positive or negative correlations between trait clusters. Biological annotation of significant SNPs identified 189 genes, with some linked to processes like glycolysis and mitochondrial functions.
According to the study's lead researcher, Zhenyu Jia, “This intricate weave of genomic information and trait correlations beckons further research to decipher the complex puzzle of photosynthesis regulation and functionality, revealing the intricate interplay of genetics in shaping these essential traits.”
In summary, this study analyzed photosynthesis-related traits in 71 citrus accessions and varieties using over 56,000 SNPs and 37 leaf reflectance parameters. The findings enhance our understanding of the genetic and physiological factors in photosynthesis, facilitating the advancement of more resilient and productive fruit tree varieties through targeted breeding strategies and improved orchard management.
This project was supported by the following grants: USDA NIFA FACT grant 2019-67022-29930 to Zhenyu Jia and Mikeal L Roose.
About Fruit Research
Fruit Research(e-ISSN 2769-4615) is an open access, online-only journal to publish original research articles, new methods, perspectives, and reviews on novel discoveries in all areas of fruit science. The journal will focus on publishing basic and translational research with a broad impact in fruit science.
Revealing genetic determinants of photosynthesis-related traits in citrus via genome-wide association studies
Size-inclusive model photos are win-win for online retailers, customers and environment – new study
Fashion sector’s obsession with thin-size models may be counterproductive
University of Bath
Size-inclusive model photos are win-win for online retailers, customers and environment – new study
Fashion sector’s obsession with thin-size models may be counterproductive
Online fashion retailers clinging to the received wisdom that photos of thin models are the most effective way of selling clothes may want to think again, according to a new study examining the impact of size-inclusive model photos.
New research from the University of Bath, University of Groningen and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam shows a three-fold benefit to online retailers using size-inclusive model photos to showcase their ranges, which would allow customers to better assess the fit and style of the garments for their particular body types.
The researchers found retailers’ sales and costs would improve, customers would feel greater satisfaction and inclusivity, and the environment - as well as companies’ bottom lines - would benefit as expensive and wasteful clothing returns could diminish. And they challenged the long-held notion that thin models drive sales.
“We have seen some progress in portraying diverse body types – but that is largely restricted to advertising, rather than what the customer sees online when ordering clothes. There are a few honourable exceptions but models online are still very, very thin, as a rule,” said Dr Iina Ikonen, of the University of Bath School of Management and University of Groningen.
“The sector has this misguided notion that aspiration is key, and that any other approach than thin-size photos could damage their business. In fact, not one of our studies shows that own-size model photography negatively affects purchase decisions in comparison with thin-size photos, despite this being a key concern of the fashion companies we interviewed,” Dr Ikonen said.
The researchers found that thin-size models actually hindered online purchase decisions, through increasing the difficulty of assessing a product’s fit for customers with different clothing sizes. Thin-size models caused them to disengage as the retailer was not serving their needs.
“Our research showed that retailers employing greater body-size diversity fostered more inclusive and welcoming environments, and especially employing own-size models promotes equal treatment for diverse customers – all of which creates higher consumer well-being. Whereas the current online markplace stigmatizes consumers who feel their bodies are not represented by thin models,” said co-researcher Yerong Zhang of the School of Business and Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
The research suggested the ideal approach for online retailers would be to show every item of clothing on models of various sizes, but the researchers recognized this could be costly, particularly for high-volume, fast-fashion outlets.
“A middle ground might be to use differently-sized models presenting different clothing items. This mixed strategy might help consumers of various sizes feel like their own size is being represented in online shopping environments,” Yerong Zhang said.
The costs incurred by using size-inclusive model photos could be offset by improved customer satisfaction and reduced product returns, which international regulators are scrutinizing with a view to cutting environmental harm.
“We know that poor fit is the most important reason for product returns – targeting customers with model photography featuring models of their own size would be key to addressing this issue,” she added.
Dr Ikonen welcomed retailers’ moves towards diversity in some areas but warned they should be wary of inadvertently creating the potentially alienating ‘plus-sizing effect’ and should ideally offer, and display, all of their clothes in all sizes, from extra small to extra large.
“We observed an issue with retailers showing off some of their clothes on thin models and simultaneously proudly pointing to their plus-sized ranges as part of their commitment to diversity and inclusion. The problem was that, often, the clothes showed on thin-size models were not available for plus-sizes. Essentially, these were two different ranges and that is unhelpful for customer inclusivity and positive sentiment – and that will ultimately harm their business,” she said.
The study – ‘One size does not fit all: Optimizing size-inclusive model photography mitigates fit risk in online fashion retailing’ can be read in full here. Dr Ikonen’s co-researchers are Yerong Zhang, Jiska Eelen and Francesca Sotgiu, all from the School of Business and Economics, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Dr Ikonen represents both the University of Bath School of Management and the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
ENDS/TR
Notes to editors
For more information contact the University of Bath Press office at press@bath.ac.uk
The University of Bath
The University of Bath is one of the UK's leading universities for high-impact research with a reputation for excellence in education, student experience and graduate prospects.
We are named ‘University of the Year’ in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, and ranked among the world’s top 10% of universities, placing 148th in the QS World University Rankings 2024. We are ranked 5th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2024, 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and 8th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
Bath is rated in the world’s top 10 universities for sport in the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2023. We produce some of the world’s most job-ready graduates and were named University of the Year for Graduate Jobs by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024, as well as ranking as one of the world’s top 90 universities for employer reputation according to the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Research from Bath is helping to change the world for the better. Across the University’s three Faculties and School of Management, our research is making an impact in society, leading to low-carbon living, positive digital futures, and improved health and wellbeing. Find out all about our Research with Impact: www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/research-with-impact/
One size does not ft all: Optimizing size‑inclusive model photography mitigates ft risk in online fashion retailing
Three-step plan to cut overlooked methane emissions could help us stop global warming faster
Methane, the second most important greenhouse gas, has been neglected—but now scientists lay out a new plan and a new tool to cut emissions down to size
Frontiers
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Methane emissions are growing faster than projected, mainly from fossil fuels and wetlands
To control the climate crisis, we must tackle methane emissions now. Methane has contributed about half the global warming we’ve experienced so far, and emissions are climbing rapidly. An international team of climate researchers writing in Frontiers in Science set out three imperatives to cut methane emissions and share a new tool to help us find the most cost-effective ways of doing so.
“The world has been rightly focused on carbon dioxide, which is the largest driver of climate change to date,” said Professor Drew Shindell of Duke University, lead author. “Methane seemed like something we could leave for later, but the world has warmed very rapidly over the past couple of decades, while we’ve failed to reduce our CO2 emissions. So that leaves us more desperate for ways to reduce the rate of warming rapidly, which methane can do.”
Reduce, coordinate, and incentivize
Methane is the second most potent greenhouse gas, but only about 2% of global climate finance goes towards cutting methane emissions. These emissions are also rising fast, due to a combination of emissions from fossil fuel production and increased emissions from wetlands, driven by the climate crisis. To slow the damage from climate change and make it possible to keep global warming below 2°C, we need to act immediately, following the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% from their 2020 level by 2030.
The scientists lay out three critical imperatives for action, backed by analyses of satellite remote sensing data, reported methane emissions, and the interaction of abatement options with market forces. Firstly, we need to bring methane emissions down. Secondly, we need to coordinate efforts to tackle methane and carbon dioxide emissions—only cutting carbon dioxide won’t stop warming quickly enough, but only cutting methane just delays global heating. Thirdly, we need to incentivize and enforce methane abatement.
This is a life-saving, cost-effective measure. Estimates indicate that every tonne of methane emitted in 2020 caused US$470-1700 of damages. But this may be a significant underestimate: taking into consideration the effect on air pollution that damages human health, the true cost could be up to $7,000 per tonne—and rising.
“The benefits of methane mitigation nearly always outweigh the net costs,” explained Shindell. “Many methane mitigation options provide net economic gains even without accounting for environmental impacts.”
Methane doesn’t accumulate in the atmosphere in the long term, so emissions reductions take effect more quickly. If we could cut all methane emissions tomorrow, in 30 years more than 90% of accumulated methane—but only around 25% of carbon dioxide—would have left the atmosphere.
“The most important mitigations are the available mitigation options across all sectors that aren’t too expensive, because we really need to do everything to reach climate targets such as 1.5 or 2C warming,” said Shindell. “Controlling methane from only one sector wouldn’t be enough. We need a broad portfolio of actions.”
The right tools for the job
The most impactful opportunities to fight methane will depend on the measures a country has already taken and the industries it relies on. So the authors created an online tool to identify the most effective measures for abatement in different countries. For big fossil fuel producers, regulating production, incentivizing the capture of methane, or charging companies for methane emissions could be the most effective options. For others, focusing on emissions from landfills could offer the biggest rewards. Individuals can help by making lifestyle changes and by thinking about the environment when they vote.
“People can make sure they avoid overconsumption of beef and dairy, and compost their organic waste whenever possible,” said Shindell. “If it’s not possible where they live, they can vote for those who’ll create programs for composting in their towns. They can also vote for those who will make polluters pay for methane emission rather than letting them profit while society picks up the tab for the damages they’re inflicting.”
“There are uncertainties, of course,” cautioned Shindell. “We don’t yet have enough data to fully parse out the contributions of individual factors to the recent surge in the observed growth rate, for example. But it is imperative to rapidly reduce methane emissions to reduce the accelerating climate damages so many people around the world are suffering.”
Methane mitigation is often cost-effective, but needs support by regulations and methane pricing
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The reviewer FOC declared a past co-authorship with the author SS to the handling editor.
Human odorant receptor for geosmin identified for the first time
A nose for earthy notes
Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München
Geosmin is a volatile compound of microbial origin with a distinct “earthy” to “musty” odor that can affect the quality of water and food. A research team led by Dietmar Krautwurst from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich has now identified and characterized the human odorant receptor for geosmin for the first time.
Geosmin is responsible for the typical odor that occurs when rain falls on dry soil. This odorant is produced by microorganisms in the soil and is also found in plants such as cactus flowers and red beet.
Many creatures react very sensitively to geosmin, whereby the odorant can have a repellent or attractive effect. For example, it warns fruit flies of spoiled food. Camels, on the other hand, are attracted to water-rich areas. “This shows that geosmin acts as a chemical signaling substance in the animal kingdom and certainly also in humans,” explains first author Lena Ball from the Leibniz Institute.
Geosmin can impair food quality
"While the smell of geosmin suits red beet, its presence in foods such as fish, beans, cocoa, water, wine or grape juice is problematic. In these, it greatly impairs sensory quality and acceptance,” explains Stephanie Frank, food chemist at the Leibniz Institute. Even low concentrations of 4 to 10 ng/L are sufficient for a person to perceive the odor in water. This corresponds to about one teaspoon of geosmin in the water volume of 200 Olympic swimming pools.
Although geosmin has been known since 1965 and is important for food production, it was previously unknown which odorant receptor humans use to perceive geosmin. The team headed by principal investigator Dietmar Krautwurst has now carried out a bidirectional receptor screening and identified and functionally characterized the corresponding receptor for the first time.
Only one human odorant receptor for geosmin
Of 616 human olfactory receptor variants tested, only the OR11A1 receptor responded to physiologically relevant concentrations of the odorant. The team also investigated whether the identified receptor reacts to other food-relevant odorants. Of the 177 substances tested, only the earthy-smelling 2-ethylfenchol was able to significantly activate the receptor. This compound, is also of microbial origin.
"As geosmin is an important signaling substance in the animal kingdom, we also investigated how the odorant receptors of the kangaroo rat, mouse, rhesus monkey, Sumatran orangutan, polar bear and camel, which are genetically most closely related to the human receptor, react to geosmin. We wanted to find out whether the highly selective recognition of geosmin by the same receptor has been preserved over 100 million years of mammalian evolution,” reports doctoral student Lena Ball. As the team's comparative studies show, the human receptor, together with the monkey receptors, is one of the less sensitive sensors. In the experiment, the kangaroo rat's odorant receptor reacted around 100 times more sensitively to geosmin than the human receptor.
"The new findings on the highly sensitive odorant receptors of some animals once again emphasize the biological relevance of geosmin as a signaling substance. They could also help to develop novel detection systems that can be used to monitor food quality during production and storage or to control the water quality of freshwater reservoirs,” concludes Dietmar Krautwurst.
Publication: Ball, L., Frey, T., Haag, F., Frank, S., Hoffmann, S., Laska, M., Steinhaus, M., Neuhaus, K., and Krautwurst, D. (2024). Geosmin, a Food- and Water-Deteriorating Sesquiterpenoid and Ambivalent Semiochemical, Activates Evolutionary Conserved Receptor OR11A1. J Agric Food Chem. 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01515. pubs.acs.org/doi/epdf/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c01515
More Information
Human odorant receptors
Humans possess a total of around 400 different odorant receptor genes, which in turn encode around 600 different allelic receptor variants in the nasal mucosa. The latter are responsible for the perception and differentiation of various odors. However, there is still a need for research to determine the exact number and function of all receptor variants. At present, it is only known for around 20 percent of human odorant receptors which odorants they can detect.
Test system used for screening
According to Dietmar Krautwurst, the cellular test system developed by the Leibniz researchers and used for receptor screening is unique in the world. He and his team have genetically modified the test cells so that they act like small biosensors for odorous substances. The researchers determine exactly which odorant receptor variant the test cells present on their surface. In this way, the researchers can specifically investigate which receptor reacts how strongly to which odorant. The Leibniz Institute has extensive collections of odorants and receptors, which it uses for its research work.
Information About the Institute:
The Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich (Leibniz-LSB@TUM) comprises a new, unique research profile at the interface of Food Chemistry & Biology, Chemosensors & Technology, and Bioinformatics & Machine Learning. As this profile has grown far beyond the previous core discipline of classical food chemistry, the institute spearheads the development of a food systems biology. Its aim is to develop new approaches for the sustainable production of sufficient quantities of food whose biologically active effector molecule profiles are geared to health and nutritional needs, but also to the sensory preferences of consumers. To do so, the institute explores the complex networks of sensorically relevant effector molecules along the entire food production chain with a focus on making their effects systemically understandable and predictable in the long term.
The Leibniz-LSB@TUM is a member of the Leibniz Association, which connects 96 independent research institutions. Their orientation ranges from the natural sciences, engineering and environmental sciences through economics, spatial and social sciences to the humanities. Leibniz Institutes address issues of social, economic and ecological relevance.They conduct basic and applied research, including in the interdisciplinary Leibniz Research Alliances, maintain scientific infrastructure, and provide research-based services. The Leibniz Association identifies focus areas for knowledge transfer, particularly with the Leibniz research museums. It advises and informs policymakers, science, industry and the general public.
Leibniz institutions collaborate intensively with universities – including in the form of Leibniz ScienceCampi – as well as with industry and other partners at home and abroad. They are subject to a transparent, independent evaluation procedure. Because of their importance for the country as a whole, the Leibniz Association Institutes are funded jointly by Germany’s central and regional governments. The Leibniz Institutes employ around 21,300 people, including 12,200 researchers. The financial volume amounts to 2,2 billion euros.
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The research team led by Prof. Simone Dohle hopes that the study results will provide a scientific basis for sustainable changes to hospital menus, which would contribute to a healthier diet in general.
Food in hospitals often does not enjoy a good reputation. The proportion of meat on the plate in particular is too high and often does not meet the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), which advocates a more plant-based diet in hospitals (https://www.station-ernaehrung.de/dge-qualitaetsstandard/gestaltung-der-verpflegung). Clinics can do a lot to motivate patients to choose a healthier menu, as two new studies by Bonn University Hospital (UKB) and the University of Bonn show. Around 2,000 people took part. The results can now serve as a basis for decision-makers in hospitals to make culinary changes. The results of the study will be published in the current August issue of the Journal of Environmental Psychology.
The research team led by Prof. Simone Dohle, Head of the Health and Risk Communication Lab at the Institute of Family Medicine at the UKB, conducted two online studies that are representative of the German adult population that consumes meat at least once a week. Both studies were based on a menu from a German university hospital. The studies involved a hypothetical scenario: divided into two groups, the study participants were asked to imagine they were in hospital. Every day for two weeks, they had to indicate which of the three available dishes they would choose if they were in hospital. One group was given a menu with two meat-based dishes per day, the other a menu with one meat-based dish per day. This resulted in the study participants from the second group eating more plant-based meals.
The Bonn researchers went further in their experiment and marked the meals with certain labels such as "colorful and healthy". Combined with a high availability of vegetarian dishes, however, this reduced satisfaction with the menu. Renaming the meals from "wholefood, light food and vegetarian food" to "Menu 1, Menu 2 and Menu 3" had no effect on the preferences and satisfaction of the study participants.
The results suggest that menu design elements can influence the food choices and satisfaction of meat eaters in healthcare settings, but this should be investigated in further studies in clinics.
Prof. Dohle, who is a member of the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) "Sustainable Futures" at the University of Bonn, comments on the results: "Food choice architecture can help to move people towards healthier and more sustainable dietary options. For patients who receive standard hospital meals and have not been prescribed a specific diet, more vegetarian options in the menu could encourage healthier menu choices. Further elaboration of the menu description, on the other hand, is not necessary and could even reduce satisfaction. We hope that our study results will now provide a scientific basis for sustainable changes to hospital menus that would contribute to a healthier diet in general."
