Science Weekly - 11th June

Just over a handful publications but very interesting topics in this week's Science Weekly edition. From food science through benefits of Tai Chi to links between alcohol consumption and fertility in women.

Here are the highlights:

• Food scientists aim to make plant-based protein tastier and healthier
  
• Tai chi can mirror healthy benefits of conventional exercise
• Sugar overload may be a recipe for long-term problems
• Men with sensory loss are more likely to be obese
• Exercise likely to be best treatment for depression in coronary heart disease
• Women's mental health has higher association with dietary factors
• Drinking alcohol is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy

Food scientists aim to make plant-based protein tastier and healthier

As meat-eating continues to increase around the world, food scientists are focusing on ways to create healthier, better-tasting and more sustainable plant-based protein products that mimic meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs.

Source: University of Massachusetts Amherst

Tai chi can mirror healthy benefits of conventional exercise

A new study shows that tai chi mirrors the beneficial effects of conventional exercise by reducing waist circumference in middle-aged and older adults with central obesity.

Source: University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences

Sugar overload may be a recipe for long-term problems

A new study on the impact of sugar supports World Health Organization recommendations
Children who consume too much sugar could be at greater risk of becoming obese, hyperactive, and cognitively impaired, as adults, according to the results of a new study.

Source: Queensland University of Technology

Men with sensory loss are more likely to be obese

Men who suffer sensory loss, particularly hearing loss, are more likely to be physically inactive and obese than women, according to a new study.

Source: Anglia Ruskin University

Exercise likely to be best treatment for depression in coronary heart disease

A study indicates that exercise is probably the most effective short-term treatment for depression in people with coronary heart disease, when compared to antidepressants and psychotherapy or more complex care.

Source: RCSI

Women's mental health has higher association with dietary factors

Exercise could reduce negative association of certain food and mental distress in mature women
Women's mental health likely has a higher association with dietary factors than men's, according to new research.

Source: Binghamton University

Drinking alcohol is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy

A study of the associations between drinking alcohol and the chances of becoming pregnant suggests that women who want to conceive should avoid heavy drinking. In the second half of menstrual cycle even moderate drinking is linked to reduced chances of pregnancy.

Source: European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology