Wine’s Place in the Alcohol- Health Discussion

The U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory highlights the link between alcohol consumption and cancer, identifying it as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S. While alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer, the advisory raises questions about treating all alcoholic beverages equally, particularly wine.

Unlike other alcoholic beverages, moderate wine consumption, especially red wine, has been associated with potential health benefits, including reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases and longer lifespans, particularly within the Mediterranean diet. Studies show that moderate wine intake may not significantly increase cancer risk, unlike beer and spirits, and may even offer protective effects under specific conditions.

Public health efforts should aim for realistic, evidence-based policies. Prohibiting alcohol entirely is impractical, but encouraging moderate, mindful wine consumption within a balanced diet could help reduce harm while respecting cultural traditions. Education, not prohibition, is key to empowering individuals to make informed health decisions

Read More

Science & Wine: Reflecting on 2024 and Preparing for 2025

2024 was a remarkable year for Science & Wine, with website views reaching 19,700 (+20%) and 14,000 unique visitors (+19%), led by audiences from the United States, Portugal, and Italy. Top-performing content included insights on wine marketing trends, the impact of wine glass size on consumption, and the functionality of overcapping wax. Social media engagement flourished, with Instagram connecting with over 12,000 accounts and Facebook reaching 15,000 users, reflecting steady audience growth and impactful campaigns.

Looking ahead, the 4th Science & Wine World Congress (May 28–30, 2025) in Porto will focus on sustainability and the green transition in wine and olive oil production. With strong institutional support, practical workshops, and a focus on innovation, the congress will serve as a hub for collaboration and meaningful discussions on building a sustainable future for these industries.

Together, let’s make 2025 a milestone year for science, wine, and sustainability!

Read More

Intangible Heritage and Its Associative Objects as Exemplified by the Materiality of the Portable Material Culture of German Christmas Markets

a small text
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
This post honors the victims of the tragic Magdeburg Christmas market attack by celebrating the cultural significance of German Christmas markets and their iconic Glühwein (mulled wine). These markets, deeply rooted in tradition, are spaces of unity and joy, where Glühwein symbolizes warmth, togetherness, and resilience. Served in reusable, collectible cups, it reflects sustainable practices and offers visitors cherished mementos of their experience. The tragedy reminds us of the need to protect these spaces of celebration and foster peace. Let us honor the victims by preserving these traditions and committing to unity, kindness, and hope this holiday season.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More