Early Dietary Experience Shapes Salt Preference of Infants and Preschoolers
December 21, 2011 Monell researchers report that 6-month-old infants who have been introduced to starchy table foods – which often contain added salt – have a greater preference for salty taste than do infants not yet eating these foods. At preschool age, the same infants were more likely to consume plain salt. The findings highlight the potentially significant role of early dietary experience in shaping the salty taste preferences of infants and young children.
Nasal Congestion: More than Physical Obstruction
October 28, 2011 Nose feel congested and stuffed up? Monell scientists report that the annoying feeling of nasal obstruction is related to the temperature and humidity of inhaled air. The findings suggest that sensory feedback from nasal airflow contributes to the sensation of congestion. This knowledge may help researchers design and test more effective treatments for this familiar symptom of nasal sinus disease.
Undiagnosed TMAU May Explain Many Cases of Personal Malodor
August 31, 2011 Monell scientists report that approximately one third of patients with unexplained body malodor test positive for the metabolic disorder trimethylaminuria (TMAU). A definitive diagnosis offers relief to these individuals, as once the disease is identified, the debilitating symptoms can be ameliorated.
How Do You Stop Tasting?
August 5, 2011 New findings may lend insight into why some people are especially sensitive to bitter tastes. Scientists from the Monell Center have identified a protein inside of taste cells that acts to shorten bitter taste signals. They further report that mice lacking the gene for this taste terminator protein are more sensitive to bitter taste and also find it more aversive, possibly because they experience the taste for a longer period of time.
New Bitter Blocker Discovered
June 6, 2011 Bitter taste can cause rejection that interferes with food selection, nutrition and therapeutic compliance. This is especially true for children. Scientists from the Monell and Integral Molecular describe the discovery of a compound that inhibits bitterness by acting directly on a subset of bitter taste receptors.
