Urban estuaries can support thriving ecosystems despite bustling human activity. Noting that bird populations can serve as a key indicator of environmental health, research published in Conservation Science and Practice examines trends in the New York–New Jersey Harbor, home to the largest breeding population of colonial nesting wading birds in the northeastern United States.

Drinking alcohol may lead people to overconsume savoury ultra-processed foods, according to new research from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, with researchers suggesting this may contribute to excess energy intake and weight gain. 

The study found these readily available, artificially flavoured savoury foods can act as “protein decoys”, effectively tricking the protein hunger system into seeking foods that taste like protein but do not deliver it. As a result, people may eat more of these foods to satisfy the signal, leading to higher overall intake of fats, carbohydrates, and total energy.