Advances in grape seed oil extraction techniques and their applications in food products

This paper explores the potential of grape seed oil as a valuable byproduct of winemaking. It examines the bioactive compounds in grape seed oil, including fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols, which provide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The study highlights various extraction methods, from traditional pressing to advanced techniques like ultrasound-assisted and supercritical fluid extraction, which optimize yield and quality. Applications of grape seed oil in food products, such as emulsions, chocolates, and meat products, are also discussed, emphasizing its functional and nutritional benefits. The paper concludes that further innovation and sustainable practices could maximize the utility of grape seed oil, making it a valuable resource for waste management in the wine industry and expanding its role in food applications.

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Tracking physical activity patterns linked to neck and back pain in viticulture workers: Insights from objective measures

e Lavor et al. (2024) examined the relationship between physical behaviors and musculoskeletal pain in viticulture workers, particularly focusing on neck, upper back, and lower back pain. Using accelerometers, they measured workers’ physical activities—lying down, sitting, standing, and walking—during work and non-work hours. The results showed high pain prevalence: 60% had lower back pain, 52% had upper back pain, and 46.7% had neck pain. Standing was predominant during work hours, while sedentary behavior was common during non-work hours. Increased sleep was correlated with less neck pain, whereas sedentary behaviors during non-work hours were linked to more upper back pain. No specific physical behaviors were associated with lower back pain, suggesting the presence of other factors, such as cumulative strain. This study emphasizes the need for occupational health interventions in viticulture, including ergonomic adjustments, promoting physical activity outside work, and encouraging good sleep hygiene to reduce pain.

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Wine bottle overcapping wax: An aesthetic or functional element?

This study examines the role of wax overcapping in wine bottles, questioning whether it provides functional protection against oxidation or serves primarily as an aesthetic feature. The study tested four types of waxes for their oxygen barrier properties and found that while certain waxes, like a commercial blend, showed low oxygen permeability, the addition of wax over high-quality cork stoppers did not significantly enhance protection. Wax proved slightly more beneficial for natural corks with variable oxygen ingress, especially defective stoppers, where leakage was limited. Overall, the study suggests that wax mainly serves aesthetic purposes when cork quality is high, although it may offer limited functional benefits in specific cases involving defective or untreated corks.

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Olive Oil Industry By-Products as a Novel Source of Biophenols with a Promising Role in Alzheimer Disease Prevention​

I am excited to share that this week’s post is about a review paper that I am proud to co-author, titled Olive Oil Industry By-Products as a Novel Source of Biophenols with a Promising Role in Alzheimer Disease Prevention. This study highlights the potential of olive oil by-products, which are often considered waste, as a valuable source of bioactive compounds that could play a key role in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. This research not only contributes to the growing body of knowledge on neurodegenerative disease prevention but also aligns with sustainable practices in the olive oil industry. Stay tuned to dive deeper into the exciting findings and implications of this study.

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Deep Planet: Pioneering AI for a Sustainable Future

Founded in 2018 by Oxford University scientists, Deep Planet is an AgriTech company leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address environmental challenges in agriculture, particularly in the wine industry. Their platform, VineSignal, offers precision tools for vineyard management, including optimal harvest timing, yield forecasting, disease detection, precision fertilization, soil carbon sequestration, and smart irrigation. These AI-driven solutions promote sustainability and resource efficiency, helping farmers and winemakers improve crop quality and minimize environmental impact. Deep Planet seeks partners to collaborate on advancing sustainable agriculture globally.

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4th Science & Wine World Congress – Energy, sustainability, and green transition in wine and olive oil production

The 4th Science & Wine World Congress, scheduled for May 28-30, 2025, in Porto, will gather experts and stakeholders in energy, sustainability, and agriculture. This year’s congress, held under the University of Porto’s auspices, will spotlight sustainable practices and the green transition in wine and olive oil production. Selected to coincide with World Energy Day on May 26, the congress emphasizes the significance of green energy solutions for these industries. Attendees can explore energy-efficient practices like renewable energy use, precision agriculture, and waste heat recovery, as well as innovative technologies like digital labeling and smart farming. These advancements not only reduce environmental impacts but also enhance product quality and efficiency.

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The Influence of Climate Change on Portuguese Wines

Climate change is having a profound impact on Portugal’s wine industry, a key part of its cultural and economic heritage. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events are creating challenges for traditional wine regions like Douro, Alentejo, and Dão. Warmer temperatures are accelerating grape ripening, leading to wines with higher alcohol content and lower acidity, while unpredictable rainfall causes water stress and increases the risk of disease. Extreme weather, such as heatwaves and hailstorms, can devastate vineyards, particularly in regions vulnerable to soil erosion. To adapt, winemakers are experimenting with heat- and drought-resistant grape varieties and implementing new vineyard management practices, but the costs of these changes are significant, especially for smaller producers. As the climate continues to shift, the quality and consistency of Portuguese wines are at risk, with potential economic and cultural consequences.

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South-Tyrolean pinot blanc identity: Exploration of chemical and sensory profile changes ascribed to vineyard locations and winemaking variables

This post explores a study on South Tyrolean Pinot Blanc wines, investigating how vineyard location and winemaking techniques impact their chemical and sensory profiles. The research examined Pinot Blanc from three vineyards at different altitudes and assessed the effects of pre-fermentative grape freezing and simultaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Findings revealed that higher-altitude vineyards, like Aldino (800 m.a.s.l), produced wines with superior sensory attributes such as clarity, color intensity, and overall quality. Winemaking techniques also influenced wine characteristics, with grape freezing and co-inoculation affecting sugar content, acidity, and aromatic profile. The study underscores the importance of terroir and winemaking practices in shaping Pinot Blanc’s unique identity, offering valuable insights for adapting to climate change and enhancing wine quality.

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Maximizing Wine Antioxidants: Yeast’s Contribution to Melatonin Formation

The paper “Maximizing Wine Antioxidants: Yeast’s Contribution to Melatonin Formation” explores how different yeast strains influence melatonin levels in wine, enhancing its antioxidant properties. Melatonin, a compound with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits, is naturally found in wine but at varying levels depending on yeast activity during fermentation. The study evaluated Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts in fermenting two white wine varieties (Aligoté + Fetească albă and Sauvignon blanc) and found that mixed yeast cultures, especially when combined with bâtonnage products, significantly increased melatonin content. This boost in melatonin was strongly linked to improved antioxidant activity, highlighting the potential for optimizing yeast selection and winemaking techniques to produce wines with enhanced health benefits. The findings suggest new opportunities for the wine industry to create nutritionally superior wines that appeal to health-conscious consumers.

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Understanding Tartaric Acid Stabilization in Wine: Techniques and Their Impact on Wine Quality

Tartaric acid is essential for wine’s acidity and stability but can form unappealing crystals. To prevent this, winemakers use stabilization methods like cold stabilization, ion exchange, and electrodialysis to remove ions that cause crystal formation. Alternatively, they add stabilizers such as gum arabic, metatartaric acid, and carboxymethyl cellulose to inhibit crystal growth. While these techniques are effective, they can impact wine’s aroma, flavor, and clarity. New methods, like combining treatments and using plasma technology, are emerging to stabilize wines more efficiently, preserving their quality and appeal.

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