Science for Society

Let’s educate and inspire YOUNG PEOPLE about how food is made

„By educating the next generation about food, we can also engage them with the benefits and opportunities of working in our food industry. This is becoming increasingly important as many parts of the industry are experiencing a shortage of labour” – says Laura Elphick Ecosystem Manager for EIT Food and part of the EIT Food Educators programme on the pages of „Baking Europe’s” magazine.

The EIT Food Educators programme is inspiring children to learn about healthy and sustainable food production and consumption. Resources have been created for teachers to use in the classroom, including lesson plans.

Food Educators 2023 Download

Raspberries help protect the liver

Raspberries contain high levels of antioxidants, which help protect the human body against many diseases, including cancer. Research by Bartosz Fotschki, PhD, from the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, has shown that in order to boost the pro-health effect of antioxidants from raspberries, combining them with prebiotics is recommended.

– Appropriate stimulation of intestinal bacteria, through prebiotic supplementation, increases the efficiency of the breakdown of raspberry polyphenols into chemical compounds with greater pro-health potential, e.g. with a beneficial effect on fat metabolism in the liver – emphasises study author Bartosz Fotschki, PhD, from the Department of Biological Function of Food of the IARFR PAS in Olsztyn.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT RASPBERRIES

Raspberries are one of the most popular fruit. They owe their success not only to their sweet, juicy taste, but also to their well-known pro-health properties.

As Bartosz Fotschki reminds us, these fruits are a rich source of bioactive compounds with strong pro-health potential, e.g. characterised by a high content of antioxidants, mainly phenolic compounds, e.g. cyanidins, anthocyanins, elagotannins and phenolic acids. Antioxidants are natural substances that can help protect the human body against the development of many diet-related diseases.

– In addition to their strong antioxidant properties, the polyphenolic compounds found in raspberries also exhibit other beneficial biological activities, including regulating inflammation, lipid metabolism, bile acid synthesis in the liver and the activity of the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract – indicates the scientist, who is involved in exploring the pro-health properties of biologically active compounds towards the prevention and alleviation of diet-induced metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease).

BOOST THE EFFECT

The pro-health effects of raspberries can be further enhanced, which is why Bartosz Fotschki examined how to influence the gastrointestinal bacteria to do more intensive 'work’ in breaking down the polyphenols from raspberries.

In his research, the scientist relied on the combination of a raspberry polyphenol preparation with the prebiotic effect of fructooligosaccharides (these are fibre products that support the growth of probiotic bacteria, which are essential for proper intestinal function).

– The results of the study confirmed an enhancement in the efficiency of metabolising polyphenols to chemical compounds with greater pro-health potential. The mechanism of action of this mixture combines an increase in the number of bacteria showing the ability to metabolise polyphenols in the gastrointestinal tract with an increased concentration of metabolites that reach the liver and regulate mechanisms related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation – the scientist points out.

The results of the research have been published in one of the leading journals in the discipline of food technology and nutrition: Food Research International.

In other words – by combining the consumption of raspberries with a prebiotic supplement, we boost the pro-health effects of the fruit, and this has a beneficial effect on liver metabolism, among other things.

– Further human studies are still needed, but the combination of polyphenols found in various products (e.g. juice, mousse, freeze-dried) with fructooligosaccharides could be a valuable dietary supplement to support health prevention and could already appear in many products with pro-health potential – concludes Dr. Fotschki.

The study was carried out as part of the project 'Raspberry polyphenols and their metabolites as regulatory factors in the mechanisms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease’ (UMO-2018/31/D/NZ9/02196), funded by the National Science Centre.

InformPack during the innovative workshop „SHOP&COOK” in Olsztyn

The participants of the „SHOP&COOK” workshop, which took place on June 28, 2023 in the Auchan hypermarket in Olsztyn, had the unique opportunity to test their knowledge of food packaging and its recycling. The two-day event was organized in cooperation with the Food Bank as part of the #SUCCESS project co-founded by European Knowledge and Innovation Community EIT Food. The aim of the workshop was to encourage consumers to increase the amount of plant-derived products in their diet and to raise issues related to reducing food waste. During the meeting, it was highlighted that in order to become a conscious consumer, we should recognize symbols on food packaging and know how and where we can dispose of it. The participants to „RECYCLE HERO” quiz also had the opportunity to ask questions to food packaging experts.

More information on the Food Bank in Olsztyn website.

Scientists investigate mechanism of long-term fetal cytomegalovirus infection

Scientists at the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn are investigating the mechanism of long-term infection of the fetus with cytomegalovirus. The virus is usually harmless for healthy people. The problem arises in immunocompromised patients and pregnant women, as it crosses the placenta and can cause serious congenital diseases.

– We are investigating the molecular basis for establishing long-term cytomegalovirus infection in neural cells. We hope to find out the factors responsible for the persistence of the virus in neural cells, and thus identify the causes of the observed damage to the nervous system associated with cytomegalovirus-induced congenital disease – emphasises Dr Magdalena Weidner-Glunde, leader of the research project and head of the Molecular Microbiology and Virology Laboratory of the IARFR PAS in Olsztyn.

THE DORMANT VIRUS

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is very common, with more than 80 % of the Polish population infected. The primary infection in healthy people is usually asymptomatic or shows the symptoms of a slight cold, but in immunocompromised patients, e.g. after transplantation (when immunity is deliberately lowered to prevent transplant rejection) or those with AIDS, it can cause serious illness.

– HCMV is also a cause of congenital disease, as the virus is able to pass from the bloodstream of the infected mother through the placenta to the fetus. The disease resulting from congenital cytomegalovirus infection is associated with infection of the central nervous system and consequent sensory-nervous damage. Symptoms associated with HCMV congenital disease can include hearing loss, visual impairment or even intellectual disability, explains the researcher.

The herpesviruses (such as herpes virus and chickenpox virus), once they enter our body, remain in our body for the rest of our lives. The response of our immune system to their presence – i.e. antibodies – can be detected by laboratory blood tests. They also allow us to determine whether a person has an active or latent infection.

In fact, the life cycle of herpesviruses comprises two phases: a latent (dormant) phase, from which the virus occasionally 'wakes up’ to enter the active (lytic) phase. – In the lytic phase, the virus actively multiplies by producing a large number of new viral particles. In contrast, in latency, viral protein synthesis is reduced to a minimum and there is no production of new viral particles, which prevents our immune system from effectively detecting the infection – explains Magdalena Weidner-Glunde.

HCMV has a circular genome (episome) that, during latent infection, has the ability to attach to host chromosomes and thus ensure the persistence of infection. – In other herpesviruses, it is known which protein is responsible for this binding of the viral genome to chromosomes. In the case of cytomegalovirus, we do not yet know this. In our research, we are investigating whether the viral protein IE1 is involved in the binding of the genome to the chromosomes and thus – determines the survival of the virus. Analysing the function of this protein will allow us to learn and understand how it is possible for the cytomegalovirus genome to survive in the cell for such a long time – points out Magdalena Weidner-Glunde.

LEARN THE DIFFERENCES IN CELL TYPES

Cytomegalovirus particles have different properties in terms of infection and multiplication in different cell types. So far, cytomegalovirus has been studied in its latent phase mainly in haematopoietic stem cells (from which, for example, red blood cells can arise). Recently, it has been shown that long-term HCMV infection can also take place in neural precursor cells (from which, for example, neurons are later formed). Long-term infection in these cells may be responsible for the sensory-neural damage that is symptomatic of HCMV-induced congenital disease.

Scientists from Olsztyn are also looking into comparing the mechanism of long-term virus infection in the two cell types in order to understand the differences and how cytomegalovirus disrupts the functioning of different cell types.

– For the active phase of virus infection, drugs are given to inhibit viral replication. However, there are still no drugs for the latent phase to help simply get rid of it. The results of our study will therefore be able to contribute not only to the understanding of the pathogenesis of congenital cytomegalovirus infections, but also to help develop new therapies – concludes the scientist. The research – led by Magdalena Weidner-Glunde, PhD – is being conducted as part of a project entitled “Exploring mechanisms of congenital human cytomegalovirus infection: replication, spread and latency establishment”, funded by more than PLN 3 million from the National Science Centre. The project is expected to end in May 2024.

Lab workshops

As part of the EIT Food „InformPack” workshop, about 50 students from secondary schools in Olsztyn visited laboratories located in the Division of Food Sciences of the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Young adepts of science listened to a lecture on responsible handling of food packaging, delivered by Dr. Joanna Fotschki, and then took part in experiments prepared by researchers working on a daily basis at the Department of Biosensors and the Laboratory of Microbiology. There, they had the opportunity to look at the role of food packaging in ensuring the safety of food products. Students also took part in workshops and an interactive game, thanks to which they could check how they deal with proper segregation of food packaging.

Educational meeting „Ketogenic diet and health” [video and photo]

What is the ketogenic diet and is it worth following it? We were looking for an answer to this question during the first educational meeting carried out as part of the ERA Chairs WELCOME2 project. Scientists from our Institute invited to a joint discussion representatives of the academic community, education, local politics, innovation, health care, as well as private individuals interested in the ketogenic diet in the context of health benefits.

Dr. Natalia Drabińska from the Department of Food Chemistry and Biodynamics of the IRZiBŻ PAS explained all the key aspects of this currently very popular diet and presented the NCN project she runs: „KETO-MINOX: The impact of an isocaloric, reducing ketogenic diet on metabolism, inflammation, selected nutritional parameters and stress of overweight and obese women. View the presentation

Dr. Piotr Kaczyński from the Department of Hormonal Action Mechanisms of the IAR&FR PAS presented facts and the latest research on the effect of ketogenic diet on human reproductive processes, especially in relation to fertility problems. View the presentation

Dr. Aleksandra Kocot from the University of Gdańsk gave a lecture on the impact of the ketogenic diet on sports performance.

Oliwia Czerniewska from BeKeto company talked about the products developed to diversify the keto diet, and explained in detail how (if necessary and recommended) to supplement while using the ketogenic menu. View the presentation

Dr. Marianna Raczyk from the WELCOME2 team introduced us to the concept of nutrigenomics and spoke about how our diet may affect various processes in the body. View the presentation

The meeting ended with a discussion panel, during which the participants of the meeting could share their questions and doubts. The experts were joined by dr hab. n. med. Elżbieta Jarocka-Cyrta, prof. UWM.

EIT Food InformPack at ScienceCom in Gdynia

On November 18, you will meet our scientists at #ScienceCom, a cyclical event connecting the world of science with society, organized by the Experyment Science Center in Gdynia.

This year’s edition is devoted to the topics of sustainable development of cities and society as well as responsible consumption and production.

Researchers from our Institute, Dr. Joanna Fotschki, Dr. Marta Kopcewicz and Marzena Lenkiewicz, MSc., as part of the EIT Food InformPack project, will prepare workshops on a rational approach to purchasing, managing and disposing of food packaging. We will find out how we, consumers, can give them a second life and contribute to building a circular economy.

Details on the event page.

Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research at the Olsztyn Green Festival 2022 [photo]

Thanks to EIT Food #InformPack, you tested your strength in the proper segregation of food packaging materials, deciphered the symbols placed by producers on packaging, and also learned about the original methods of waste processing.

In the EIT Food #FoodScienceClass zone, you moved to a science class where you detected the presence of starch in food, created molecular pearls and learned how to properly store food products.

Thanks to EIT Food #FarmingSimulator, you played the role of a modern farmer who uses technologies to run the farm in the most sustainable way possible, and by taking part in the quiz you learned the secrets of precision farming.

Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research at the Olsztyn Green Festival 2022

On August 13 and 14, you will meet our scientists in the education zone at the Olsztyn Green Festival 2022. Workshops, shows, quizzes, competitions and interesting conversations with experts dealing with the issue of food safety and healthy eating are waiting for you.

As part of the EIT Food #InformPack project, you will be able to take part in workshops and an interactive game that will help you check how you deal with the proper segregation of food packaging. You will decipher the symbols placed by producers on packaging, look at creative methods of waste processing and design your own shopping bags. You will be able to share with us your opinion on the ways in which you would like to receive information on a rational approach to purchasing, management and disposal of food packaging. Your opinion is very important, because it will help scientists and food producers to develop „tailor-made” educational campaigns supporting the development of pro-ecological awareness.

The EITFood #FoodScienceClass zone also includes activities developed with scientists that will be of interest to all consumers attending the festival. First, we will play with some chemistry. We will learn what starch is and examine its presence in food products, as well as make molecular pearls ourselves. Next, we will take a closer look at nutrition and food, and learn how to properly store food products in the refrigerator – so that they are safe and useful for consumption as long as possible. We have prepared attractive gifts for engagement in our shows and experiments. The #FoodScienceClass project aims to interest the youngest in a scientific career, to show them that food research can be an interesting, developing and satisfying career path. It is also an excellent platform for sharing the knowledge gained from the project on sustainable consumer practices with family and peers.

The EITFood #Farming Simulator project has prepared a lot of festival attractions for you, including the opportunity to play the role of a farmer and try your hands at precision farming, a chance to win gifts in a competition on sustainable food production methods, and take a commemorative photo in… a tractor. The main attraction of this zone will be Farming Simulator – a simulation game created by the Swiss company Giants Software. It is one of the most advanced and popular simulators in the world that allows players to learn all the secrets of farming, including precision farming. „Precision Farming”, a free add-on to the Farming Simulator game, popularizes precision farming solutions that enable farming based on the collection and processing of various data, obtained, among others, from thanks to satellite technology.

Institute at the 26th science picnic in Warsaw

At the end of May, the nutrigenomics team joined the 26th Science Picnic – Europe’s largest outdoor science-popularization event organized jointly by Polish Radio and the Copernicus Science Centre. It has been held every year since 1997.

Our team presented two original demonstrations:

Our team presented two original demonstrations?

Vitamin d and its importance in our diet

We taught our youngest attendees about the impact of food on gene expression and explained that genetic differences play a role in how we respond to food. We also prepared our participants for the coming months by showing them how different barriers, such as clothing or UV filter creams, affect vitamin D synthesis during sun exposure. The Science Picnic was commended by the European Commission in 2005 as one of 10 model European projects in the “Science and Society” field.