In the first half of 2024, the DTU National Food Institute has delivered advice and research that promotes health, prevents disease, and creates new and more sustainable foods. Additionally, the institute established a new center to explore the influence of gut bacteria on health and disease, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, and a new EU reference laboratory for antibiotic resistance. The institute also welcomed Tine Rask Licht as the new Head of Institute. Check out the highlights from the first half of 2024:
New lactic acid bacteria isolated from berries and flowers – Researchers have identified several new lactic acid bacteria from plants, insects and different fermented foods which potentially, in the future, can be used in more plant-based products. The results were generated through accessing the FOODHAY research infrastructure at DTU.
Study ranks the causes of foodborne diseases in Denmark – A new study provides an overview of research on the burden of foodborne diseases in Denmark, ranking for the first time the disease risks from both foodborne pathogens and chemicals based on their impact on public health. The research shows that campylobacter was the leading cause of the burden of foodborne diseases I Denmark.
Watch or rewatch webinar on FOODHAY research findings – Representatives from the food sector participated in a webinar on 8 February 2024, delving into a range of research conducted using equipment from the Open Innovation Food & Health Laboratory, FOODHAY. Watch or revisit the recorded presentations from the webinar.
A Danish-Swedish public health consortium has been designated reference laboratory for antibiotic resistance in the EU – Denmark and Sweden will jointly establish an EU reference laboratory for antibiotic resistance, which will contribute with scientific and independent expert knowledge within diagnostics and infection preparedness. DTU National Food Institute is a partner in the consortium that operates the laboratory.
Data scarcity challenges identification of endocrine disruptors – Lack of data from the chemical industry in the EU often prevents the assessment of whether substances, for example, used in consumer products, are endocrine disrupting. As a result, the researchers recommend updating the information requirements in the EU legislation, REACH. They also propose various approaches for evaluating chemical substances to ensure that all available information is fully utilized.
Gut bacteria may play a key role in the development of diseases – A new Danish research initiative funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation will uncover possible causal links between gut bacteria and obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Dietary fibres make our gut bacteria behave healthily – We get healthy dietary fibres from consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. But why are the fibres so good for us? A team of researchers has discovered that dietary fibres play a crucial role in determining the balance between the production of healthy and harmful substances by influencing the behaviour of bacteria in the colon.
New Head of DTU Food – The new Head of DTU National Food Institute, Tine Rask Licht, is both a researcher, author, and knight of the Order of Dannebrog.
DTU National Food Institute wishes you a great summer!
