Researchers at the University of Southern California are exploring a critical aspect of food processing: the chemical reactions between disinfectants and food itself. These interactions can create new compounds whose effects on human health remain poorly understood.

According to Adam Simpson, an assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering at USC Viterbi School of Engineering, food processing is often treated as an industrial process that involves manipulating chemical groups within food matrices. This manipulation can lead to the incorporation of chemicals into food itself.

Food safety testing typically focuses on detecting known contaminants like pesticides or PFAS on a food's surface or within its tissues. However, Simpson's research takes a different approach by examining transformation products - new compounds formed when processing chemicals react with proteins, fats, and other components of food.

The creation of these transformation products highlights the complex chemistry involved in food processing, which can have significant implications for human health. Further study is needed to fully understand the risks associated with these newly formed compounds.

The structure of food is a complex entity known as the food matrix, which determines how disinfectants interact with food at the molecular level. This interaction can lead to the formation of new compounds that may not be immediately apparent.

Research has shown that chlorine-based disinfectants can alter amino acids and fats in food, resulting in the creation of chlorotyrosines and fatty acid chlorohydrins. These compounds can become embedded within proteins and fats until digestion takes place, potentially leading to undetected residues.

When tree nuts are bleached with sodium hypochlorite, a common disinfectant ingredient, researchers have found that it produces fatty acid chlorohydrins. A recent study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials examined these compounds' effects on cells.

The study's findings suggest a potential health risk to consumers, but further research is needed to understand how the body metabolizes these compounds and whether they cause long-term harm.

As part of ongoing research, Simpson's lab has partnered with the Southern California Center for Chronic Disease Research and Prevention to test synthesized fatty acid chlorohydrins on hepatocytes, which are the primary functional cells of the liver.

The research aims to understand how food-safety chemicals interact with different types of food.

Simpson's findings suggest that disinfectants do not have a uniform effect on all foods, and this could explain why some studies produce conflicting results.

A recent study looked at the impact of chlorine treatment on chicken, beef, fish, and raw milk, expecting to see an increase in chlorotyrosines and fatty acid chlorohydrins.

However, the researchers found that these compounds were already present in significant amounts in meat and fish before treatment, with standard chlorine doses adding little more.

This unexpected result highlights the complexity of food chemistry and the limitations of extrapolating findings from one type of food to another.

The formation of these chemical byproducts can be influenced by various factors, including how food is prepared.

The use of chemicals in food processing has raised concerns about their impact on human health. However, the triple-washed label, which implies a certain level of cleanliness, does not necessarily guarantee that the food has been treated with standardized processes.

Chemical concentrations and contact times can vary significantly among different processors and products. This lack of standardization raises questions about the effectiveness of these treatments in ensuring food safety.

Researchers are now examining the potential long-term effects of transformation products on human health. These byproducts, formed when chemicals interact with food, may pose a risk to consumers even if they are present in low quantities.

The use of chemicals primarily for aesthetic purposes has been questioned by some experts. For instance, tree nuts and whey protein are often bleached with chlorine or similar oxidants to enhance their appearance, despite having no nutritional value.

The debate surrounding the use of chemical oxidants in food processing centers on balancing short-term safety against potential long-term health risks. While these chemicals may be effective in preventing foodborne illnesses, their impact on human health over time is still not well understood.

Experts emphasize that eating fresh produce, whether organic or nonorganic, is generally a healthier option than relying solely on processed foods. However, the use of chemical oxidants during processing can leave a hidden chemical memory" in the food's chemistry, which may have unintended consequences for human health.

The study found that when tree nuts are treated with sodium hypochlorite to remove bacteria and extend shelf life, a toxic compound called fatty acid chlorohydrin forms as a byproduct.

This chemical can leach into the food's chemistry, potentially leading to unintended health consequences for consumers.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-food-safety-chemicals-react.html

The study found that even when physician-influencers are promoting products, their followers still see them in a positive light. This is particularly striking given that many of these individuals have not verified the medical credentials of the influencers they follow on TikTok. It appears that the mere presence of a doctor on social media can carry significant weight with young consumers.

The researchers attribute this phenomenon to the fact that people are already inclined to trust experts, and the addition of a doctor's social media presence amplifies this effect. "We're already trained to respond positively to credentialed experts," said Suzanne Makarem, co-author of the study and associate professor of marketing at VCU.

Makarem notes that the fact that these doctors are choosing to use their influence for educational purposes can actually increase their credibility in the eyes of their followers. "They're taking the time to educate me," one respondent is quoted as saying about a physician-influencer they admire.

The researchers have dubbed this phenomenon the "mere social media presence effect." This suggests that simply having a doctor's endorsement on social media may carry more weight than advice from a person's own medical professional.

Gen Zers have been found to rely heavily on social media for health information, a trend that is significantly more prevalent among this age group than in previous generations.

Researchers analyzed 330 TikTok videos featuring 11 U.S.-based medical doctors who have gained significant influence and following on the platform. These "mega influencers" use their online presence to share health-related content with their millions of followers.

The study's findings suggest that these physician-influencers are distinct from other social media personalities, as they tend to present themselves in a more professional manner while still sharing personal details about their lives. They often wear medical attire, even when discussing non-medical topics, which appears to have a significant impact on their credibility with followers.

Followers of these physicians seem to be swayed by the accoutrements of medicine that they display online, such as stethoscopes and diplomas hanging on walls. The researchers found that followers were willing to accept the physicians' credentials at face value, even if they had not been verified.

The physician-influencers also use their platforms to promote their own products and services, demonstrating a clear financial motivation for their actions. By showcasing themselves exercising, using supplements, and promoting books they have written, these influencers are able to build trust with their followers while generating income.

Young followers on TikTok are not deterred by the financial motivations behind their favorite doctors' online presence.

They tend to view these physicians as genuine experts who genuinely care about their health and wellbeing, rather than just trying to make a profit.

The researchers found that followers of these TikTok doctors have high levels of adherence to their advice, with many buying products or following treatment plans recommended by the influencers.

This level of trust is likely due in part to the personalized nature of social media, where users can engage directly with the people they admire and feel like they're getting tailored guidance.

When asked about their experiences with traditional healthcare providers, followers often report feeling disconnected and unvalued.

Physicians who have hesitated to join social media may want to reconsider their stance, as a significant number of health and wellness influencers on platforms are unconventional medical professionals.

According to research, conventional medical professionals such as doctors, dentists, and nurses make up only about 17% of the health and wellness influencers online. This is despite the potential benefits of using social media to connect with patients and promote their work.

Physicians who do decide to join social media can be effective in promoting their expertise and values, and may even find that it helps them build stronger relationships with their patients.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-popular-tiktok-docs-big-gen.html

The star, designated S301, has been found to be traveling at more than 8% of the speed of light, making it one of the fastest-moving stars ever recorded.

This remarkable discovery sheds new light on the mysterious heart of our galaxy, the Milky Way, and provides a unique opportunity for scientists to study this region up close.

The extreme velocity of S301 is not an isolated phenomenon, but rather part of a larger pattern of high-speed stars circling around the black hole at the center of our galaxy.

This superhighway of stars is likely due to the intense gravity in the vicinity of the black hole, which would normally rip apart the clouds of gas and dust that give birth to new stars.

The existence of these stars is a surprise because they should not be able to form under normal conditions, given the extreme environment surrounding the black hole.

Astronomers are eager to learn more about this remarkable system, as it could reveal hidden properties of the black hole at the center of our galaxy and test gravity in one of the universe's most extreme environments.

The region surrounding the Milky Way's central black hole is notoriously difficult to observe due to the Earth's atmosphere distorting our view and massive clouds of dust and gas obscuring visibility.

Astronomers have struggled to resolve individual stars in this area, but recent advances have allowed them to peer through the veil and pick out stars near the galactic centre for the first time.

Gillessen notes that even with very good eyesight, tiny objects like these stars can be easily overlooked, much like a glow worm next to the headlight of a car.

The problem is further compounded by the need for an extremely large telescope to resolve such distant and faint objects, with some estimates suggesting a mirror diameter of 30-40 meters would be required.

However, astronomers are impatient and unwilling to wait for the construction of such massive telescopes, which could take years or even decades to complete.

To overcome this challenge, researchers have turned to adaptive optics technology, which involves using a deformable mirror that can adjust its shape hundreds or thousands of times per second to compensate for atmospheric distortions.

The European Southern Observatory in Germany is home to an adaptive optics mirror that has revolutionized our understanding of the Milky Way's mysterious heart.

This cutting-edge technology uses a deformable mirror just 2 millimeters thick, which can be shaped by magnetic forces to create tiny surface deformations hundreds or thousands of times per second. This allows for incredibly precise adjustments to compensate for atmospheric distortions.

The mirror has enabled researchers to capture images that were previously unimaginable, with resolutions that seem almost magical. However, the real breakthrough came in 2002 when a star called S0-2 was discovered, which would go on to dominate the field for years to come.

S0-2 is an incredibly fast-moving star that comes within just 17 light hours of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy. At its closest point, it reaches speeds of around 7,650 kilometers per second, which is almost 3% of the speed of light.

By tracking S0-2's orbit, researchers could begin to weigh whatever was sitting at the heart of the galaxy. The data suggested that Sagittarius A* had to be an enormously massive and compact object, compelling evidence that it was indeed a black hole.

The next major leap forward came in 2018 when S0-2 made another close pass by Sagittarius A*. This time, researchers used interferometry, a technique that combines light from multiple telescopes to create the effect of one much larger observatory. The result was unprecedented precision in tracking the star's orbit and pinning down the mass of the black hole.

The work has been instrumental in earning its lead researchers a Nobel prize in 2020, but it's just the beginning of unraveling the mysteries of our galaxy's behemoth black hole.

The S stars' unusually short lifetimes suggest they cannot have migrated into the galactic centre gradually over millions of years.

According to lead researcher Gillessen, these stars are incredibly young, with a lifespan shorter than the time between the dinosaurs' extinction and the present day.

This raises questions about how such young stars ended up in the vicinity of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's centre.

One theory proposes that these S stars began as binary systems in more distant orbits, which then drifted too close to the black hole.

If they were torn apart by the intense gravitational forces near the event horizon, one star would be flung out of the galaxy at high speed while the other was drawn into a perilously tight orbit around Sagittarius A*.

This process could have accelerated their journey to the galactic centre, allowing them to reach their current locations within the relatively short time frame of their lifespan.

A cluster of stars called IRS-13E has caught the attention of astronomers studying the Milky Way's mysterious heart. Located near the galactic centre, this star cluster may harbour a black hole at its core, potentially capable of accelerating nearby stars to their extreme velocities.

While the presence of a black hole in IRS-13E remains unconfirmed, scientists are intrigued by the possibility that it could be responsible for the rapid movement of these stars. Further investigation is needed to determine if this theory holds up, as the region surrounding the galactic centre is notoriously difficult to study.

The process of studying a black hole like Sagittarius A*, located at the heart of the Milky Way, is akin to trying to understand the inner workings of the sun without getting too close. While we can observe the matter swirling around it and even capture images of its shadow using advanced telescopes, the black hole itself remains invisible.

Black holes are relatively simple entities, with only two key properties: mass and spin. Fortunately, scientists have already determined the mass of Sagittarius A*, thanks to the work of researchers Genzel and Ghez. However, determining the spin of this massive black hole is a more complex task.

Astrophysicist Ziri Younsi notes that measuring the spin of a black hole is an extremely challenging task. While it's possible to estimate the spin of distant black holes through various methods, these approaches are not applicable for Sagittarius A*. The event horizon of this black hole remains elusive, much like trying to pin down its spin.

The Event Horizon Telescope captured a stunning image of Sagittarius A* in 2022, revealing the swirling patterns of magnetic fields surrounding the black hole. However, the picture is more of an artistic representation than a precise measurement, as it relies on indirect observations and complex algorithms.

Measuring the spin of Sagittarius A* directly remains one of the biggest challenges in astrophysics today. One possible solution lies in observing stars that orbit close to the black hole, allowing scientists to gauge its influence and ultimately determine its spin.

The gravitational pull of the Milky Way's central black hole has been found to have an unusual effect on nearby stars, causing them to move in a way that can reveal information about the black hole's spin.

When the black hole rotates, it creates an "imprint" on the surrounding space-time fabric, affecting the orbits of nearby stars. This phenomenon is known as precession, and by measuring its effects precisely, scientists can infer the black hole's spin rate.

Researchers are particularly interested in studying stars that orbit close to the black hole, such as S2, which has a highly elliptical path around the galaxy's center. By monitoring this star's motion over time, they hope to gain insights into the black hole's behavior and its impact on the surrounding environment.

Recently, scientists have spotted another nearby star, S301, using the Very Large Telescope in Chile. This star is notable for being only 8 billion kilometers from the black hole at its closest approach, making it an ideal candidate for studying the black hole's effects. With a orbital period of just 7 years, S301 offers a more sensitive probe of the black hole's gravity and spin.

While measuring the black hole's spin may seem straightforward, it requires precise calculations and long-term observations to account for any errors or uncertainties. According to researchers, combining data from over 30 years is necessary to accurately measure these effects, which can be easily distorted by minor discrepancies in measurement.

Ultimately, determining the spin of Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way's central black hole, will provide a unique window into the galaxy's behavior and help resolve long-standing mysteries about its dynamics.

New Scientist: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2590428-impossibly-fast-moving-stars-are-revealing-the-milky-ways-mysterious-heart/?utm_campaign=RSS|NSNS&utm_content=home&utm_medium=RSS&utm_source=NSNS

The research, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, aimed to identify safe havens for life to thrive across the universe. The team used supercomputers to generate a vast number of simulated universes, allowing them to analyze various cosmic environments and their potential effects on life.

Our solar system is situated in one of these habitable zones, often referred to as Goldilocks zones. These regions are characterized by conditions that are neither too extreme nor too mild, making them suitable for life to emerge and sustain itself.

The existence of such zones highlights the significance of our location within the Milky Way galaxy. While other areas may pose dangers or be inhospitable to life, our cosmic surroundings appear relatively tranquil compared to these regions.

The concept of habitable zones takes on a new meaning when considering the immediate surroundings of stars. For liquid water to exist, temperatures must be just right, not too hot or too cold. This delicate balance is achieved in what's known as the circumstellar habitable zone.

As we expand our search for life-supporting regions, we look within our own galaxy, the Milky Way. Young stars that are too close to the galactic center face intense competition from nearby stars, while those farther away may lack essential chemicals necessary for life. This balance of proximity and isolation is crucial for a star's habitability.

The sun itself finds itself in a favorable position within the Milky Way, situated in what's referred to as the galactic habitable zone. This suggests that our planet's location is not unique, but rather part of a broader pattern that may be repeated elsewhere in the galaxy.

By zooming out even further, we can explore other galaxies and their potential for supporting life. To achieve this, researchers utilized the EAGLE project, a comprehensive simulation of the universe that models the expansion of space, gravity's influence, and the behavior of gas, stars, and black holes across vast distances.

The ingredients necessary for life are complex and multifaceted. While hydrogen and helium produced during the Big Bang are fundamental elements, they alone do not provide the building blocks for life as we know it. Instead, researchers focus on stars that have seeded the universe with heavier elements essential for life.

Studies of exoplanets suggest that Earth-like rocky planets require a specific concentration of these heavier elements to support life. However, an overabundance of them can lead to the formation of hot Jupiters, gas giants that roam through planetary systems and devour smaller rocky planets in their path. This is a scenario best avoided.

Researchers have turned their attention to modeling the factors that are detrimental to life. Supernovae, massive explosions triggered by the collapse of big stars, can sterilize their surroundings, making them inhospitable to life. Even more catastrophic events, such as gamma-ray bursts, can have a devastating impact on a much larger scale.

Some scientists believe that one such event may have been responsible for the Ordovician mass extinction 450 million years ago. This theory suggests that a nearby explosion triggered by a supernova or other cataclysmic event may have had far-reaching consequences for life on Earth.

A galaxy's neighborhood can also pose risks to life, particularly if it is overcrowded and prone to close encounters between stars. This could disrupt the stability of planetary orbits, making it difficult for life to thrive.

The simulation has revealed that certain regions of the universe are more conducive to supporting life. While it's uncertain whether life would actually emerge in these areas, they do offer the most favorable conditions for its development. These locations have been identified through a thorough analysis of various factors, including cosmic radiation and planetary stability.

The results also suggest that our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is relatively well-suited to support life. This finding isn't solely a reflection of our fondness for our home neighborhood; rather, it's an indication that the conditions in the Milky Way are indeed favorable. The simulation has taken into account various types of galaxies and their potential for supporting life.

The universe appears to have created numerous opportunities for life to thrive. However, there is evidence to suggest that this process may be slowing down as the rate of catastrophic events, such as supernovae explosions, increases. These destructive occurrences can have a devastating impact on planetary development.

In contrast to younger galaxies, which are still going through energetic and tumultuous periods, our Milky Way and similar galaxies seem to have entered a more stable phase. Even after billions of years of existence, the likelihood of an extreme extinction event in our galaxy remains relatively low, with fewer than one star in a thousand experiencing such a catastrophic occurrence.

The likelihood of life existing in smaller galaxies is significantly lower due to their crowded and energetic environments.

These galaxies are vastly more numerous than large ones like the Milky Way, making them a dominant feature of the universe.

In essence, buying property in the Milky Way can be considered a secure investment from an astronomical perspective.

Phys.org: https://phys.org/news/2026-10-life-cosmos-universe-supercomputer-yields.html