雀巢

While substantial research has examined the role of infant nutrition in early brain and cognitive development, the links between later childhood nutrition, brain development, and cognitive and academic skills remain less explored. In this work, we investigated for the first time the direct and indirect associations between nutrition intake, white matter microstructure and structural connectivity, and cognitive and academic outcomes. Using longitudinal data from typically developing children aged 2 to 14 years, we combined neuroimaging, dietary, and cognitive measures to test direct associations between nutrition and brain structure and connectivity, as well as cognitive and learning outcomes, and to assess whether brain development mediated these relationships. We found that specific nutrients, including DHA, sphingomyelin, iron, niacin, choline, and palmitoleic acid (omega-7), were associated with improved brain structure and connectivity, as well as better cognitive and learning outcomes. We also found that brain development partly mediated the association between childhood nutrition and learning outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show such a pathway in school-age children. These results add to the growing literature demonstrating the ongoing importance of nutrition beyond infancy in supporting childhood brain and cognitive development.

The production of F1 hybrid Arabica varieties is a key strategy to improve the resilience, competitivity and sustainability of coffee cultivation. Indeed, under both full sun and agroforestry systems, these varieties have performed better than traditional varieties in terms of higher yields, cup quality, and enhanced tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, including remarkable adaptation to the shady conditions of agroforestry. Until recently, somatic embryogenesis was a key cloning methodology that made it possible to start propagating the first selected F1 hybrid. However, this in vitro method of multiplication is complex and costly, technically demanding and hence limited to a few high-tech micropropagation laboratories. Horticultural vegetative propagation techniques such as rooted mini-cuttings have been developed to reduce the cost. They provided a scalable solution for larger-scale dissemination by spreading it across numerous regional nurseries at less cost but still too high, thereby contributing to the popularization and adoption of F1 hybrids. More recently, a major innovation for the global coffee sector was the arrival of new Arabica F1 hybrids with similar agronomic performances but produced by seed and using male sterility. The cost of seed propagation is low, similar to the production of seedlings of conventional pure lines plus seeds are easy to disseminate, while clonal methods ensure total genetic uniformity so, depending on the production goals, local constraints and the target market, the two approaches may be complementary. This methodological paper focuses specifically on F1 hybrid Arabica coffee seed production. Changes to breeding strategies and the different propagation techniques used to develop and disseminate F1 hybrid varieties are described, together with the advantages and limitations, with emphasis on biotechnological approaches, horticultural clonal propagation methods and recent advances in male sterility systems. Technical aspects aimed at improving the use of seed gardens and optimizing hybrid seed production in coffee are reviewed. F1 hybrid seed technology represents a promising development for coffee breeding and propagation, allowing access to high-performing and more resilient cultivars, hence supporting farmer’s transition toward climate-smart and sustainable coffee production systems.

Dairy products present a complex relationship with human metabolic diseases. Evidence suggests that fermented dairy products are consistently associated with a reduced risk of metabolic disorders, likely mediated by bioactive proteins, minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and fatty acids. Effects are highly context-dependent, influenced by product type, processing, individual physiology, and overall diet. Current evidence supports prioritizing unsweetened, fermented dairy within balanced dietary patterns for overall metabolic health. This review examines the association between dairy consumption and the risk of metabolic disorders, the role of bioactive dairy components, and their implications for metabolic health outcomes.

Provision of nutrition information is mandated for packaged foods, but few countries regulate serving sizes. Our objective was to develop a methodology to establish globally consistent portion size recommendations for both nutrient-dense and discretionary foods. A stepwise systematic approach incorporated portion values from serving size regulations (n = 10), food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG; n = 90, aggregated into 6 regions), and reported food intakes from Europe and Australia. Global Portion Values (GPVs) for 50 food groups were derived as the median of all data inputs. Consistency was evaluated using 25th and 75th percentiles and dispersion of input values (percent of median absolute deviations (MAD)/median). GPVs were calculated for 50 food groups organized into nine food categories: Milk/Dairy (n = 6 food groups), Protein Foods (n = 5), Mixed Dishes (n = 4), Grains (n = 7), Fruits/Vegetables (n = 5), Snacks/Sweets (n = 12), Sauces/Condiments (n = 5), Fats/Oils/Sugars (n = 4) and Beverages (n = 2). Data inputs for each portion value ranged from 6 to 18; only 4 foods had < 10 inputs; 21 had ≥ 15. Dispersion ranged from 0 to 33

The European Union's strategic agenda for 2024-2029 prioritizes a prosperous and competitive Europe, with soil health potentially playing a role in achieving this goal. However, the current state of European soils is of concern, with over 60 % of soils not in healthy condition, as reported by the European Union's Soil Mission Board and the EU Soil Observatory. This results not only in environmental issues, but also economic ones, as the costs of soil degradation in the EU are estimated to be higher than 50 billion per year, underscoring the need for soil health to be placed more prominently on the political agenda. Soil-related business models, including biotechnology, remediation of contaminated sites, carbon removals and farming, regenerative agriculture, and agritech solutions, can contribute to EU competitiveness. These business models may help address most of the challenges posed by soil degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss, while promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving ecosystem functioning. The EU's soil remediation market is valued at 8.5 billion, with an annual growth rate of 5 %. The EU Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation provides a framework for certifying carbon removals, with potential revenue of 6 billion per year. Regenerative agriculture, which prioritises soil health and ecosystem services, can increase crop yields, reduce dependency on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, and promote biodiversity. Agritech solutions, such as precision agriculture and artificial intelligence, can optimize farming practices, reduce costs, and improve environmental sustainability. Here we present the potential of soil-related business models to contribute to EU competitiveness, while addressing environmental and societal challenges. However, a number of challenges remain and need to be addressed as the need for acceleration, a clear policy framework, a closer collaboration of different actors in the food supply chain and a digital transformation are still needed.