The Malaysian Insider :: Features
The Malaysian Insider :: Features |
| Australian scientists develop coconut-tasting pineapple Posted: 06 Dec 2012 05:57 AM PST  Australian researchers have developed coconut-tasting pineapples that are also sweet and juicy. – shutterstock.com In what is thought to be a world first, the Department of Agriculture in Queensland state is in the final stages of developing the new variety of the fruit, to be known as the AusFestival pineapple. "Taste tests tell us that AusFestival is a winner – it has this lovely coconut flavour, which you won't find in any other pineapple in Australia," horticulturalist Garth Senewski told the ABC in comments aired yesterday. "It's sweet, low acid, very juicy." Senewski, who could not be reached for comment, said the researchers did not initially intend to create a pineapple that tasted like coconut. "When we're doing the breeding, we're not actually looking for a coconut-flavoured pineapple or any other particular flavour," he said. "We're looking for a nice flavoured pineapple. We're looking for a variety that is sweet, low acid and aromatic." The Department of Agriculture confirmed the development but said anyone hoping for a "pina colada" pineapple will have to wait as it will be two years before the first trees are planted commercially. – AFP/Relaxnews |
| Social media may be a weapon against childhood obesity Posted: 06 Dec 2012 05:00 AM PST  In a new scientific statement, American health experts call for more research into how social media can help fight childhood obesity. – Picture courtesy of ©bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock.com In a new scientific statement published in the journal Circulation, the group calls for more research into how to incorporate social media into programs fighting childhood obesity. However, the AHA acknowledges that current research on social media intervention has been mixed and that social media is also linked with a few drawbacks. "Teenagers are texting and using Facebook and other social media as their primary communication with their peers, and we need to find out what factors can be incorporated into social media that will increase the effectiveness of these interventions to initiate and maintain weight loss in kids and adolescents," says Jennifer S. Li, lead author, in an AHA press release. Yet, while the statement notes that children are drawn to social media, preferring texting over paper journals, Li and her team note that social media also plays a role in cyber bullying, sexting, and privacy issues. "Doctors need to understand digital technology better so that they can offer guidance to patients and their families on avoiding such issues, and will be aware of any such problems that occur," she says. The report was published December 3 online and will appear in the January 15 issue of the journal Circulation. According to a recent US survey of 13- to 17-year-olds by Common Sense Media, nine out of 10 teens have used social media, and more than half (51 per cent) use it daily. – Reuters Development of the new Galaxy S IV could be aimed for release by as early as April. – Reuters pic |
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