A study on calcium bioavailability by researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station show that two calcium availability tests — a classic approach and a newer, speedier test — offer reliable results that can help poultry producers optimize calcium digestibility.

While both yogurt and hot spring bathing have been reported to positively influence the gut environment, the health effects of their combination had not been investigated. The researchers demonstrated that combining yogurt intake with hot spring bathing may have even greater beneficial effects on the gut microbiota and defecation status than yogurt alone.

A handheld sensor and innovative technique developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists could one day offer a noninvasive alternative to food diaries and blood tests when monitoring diet and health.

Urolithiasis is rising in prevalence, imposing a significant healthcare burden globally. Researchers from China analyzed global health database to reveal increase in total incidence and mortality from urolithiasis over the last 30 years. Age-standardized incidence and mortality rates were higher in males, particularly in countries with low socio-economic development. Notably, China has succeeded in reducing incidence rates of urolithiasis, and insights from their strategies will strengthen measures to reduce the disease burden in vulnerable regions.