EurekAlert! In the Spotlight

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

This month, we’re focusing on nutrition and the powerful role it plays in our lives. Here, we’ll share the latest research on how nutrients affect the body and brain, how scientists investigate diet and health, what these findings may mean for building healthier habits, and more.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 17-May-2026 12:15 ET (17-May-2026 16:15 GMT/UTC)

15-May-2026

Grape consumption linked to changes in gene expression and improved skin health

Western New England University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study published in ACS Nutrition Science suggests that eating grapes may provide broader skin health benefits than previously understood. Earlier clinical trials found that grape consumption helped increase the skin’s resilience to UV exposure in roughly 30–50% of participants. The latest research indicates those benefits may extend more widely across the population, suggesting grapes could positively influence skin health in nearly everyone.

15-May-2026

Customizable drinks could provide essential nutrients during space missions

American Chemical Society
Peer-Reviewed Publication

After the success of Artemis II, longer space journeys are expected, raising new health and nutritional challenges for astronauts. Current space foods rely on dried, shelf-stable items. A study published in ACS Food Science & Technology suggests fortified beverages could help fill nutrient gaps and add variety to astronauts’ diets. Researchers created drinks using emulsions that are stable in Earth’s gravity and microgravity. Their recipes deliver omega-3 fatty acids with customizable sweetness levels and flavors.

14-May-2026

Trial shows rapid weight loss is much more effective than gradual weight loss in achieving and sustaining clinically meaningful weight loss

European Association for the Study of Obesity
Reports and Proceedings

New research presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) in Istanbul, Turkey, shows that rapid weight loss (RWL) is much more effective than gradual weight loss (GWL) in both achieving higher weight loss and also sustained weight loss at one year. The study is led by Dr Line Kristin Johnson, Department of Endocrinology, Obesity and Nutrition, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway, and colleagues. The Centre is a collaborating centre with the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) (EASO-COM-Centre), which leads obesity advocacy and education efforts in Europe and organises ECO.

Meeting: European Congress on Obesity 2026 (ECO2026)

14-May-2026

A smarter way to measure how streams clean themselves

KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A widely used method for measuring how well streams absorb excess nutrients has a hidden flaw: it systematically overestimates uptake length under high-nutrient conditions. Researchers at Duke Kunshan University have derived a corrected zero-order analytical approach that better captures stream nutrient processing when nutrients are abundant, improving the accuracy of tools used to assess river health and guide restoration decisions.

Journal: HydroResearch
Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China

13-May-2026

American Society for Nutrition Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation announce 2026 awardees advancing nutrition and obesity science

American Society for Nutrition
Grant and Award Announcement

The American Society for Nutrition Foundation (ASN Foundation) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation today announced the latest recipients of the annual ASN Foundation-Novo Nordisk Foundation Henrik Dam and Flemming Quaade Awards, now in their second year. The awards recognize two scientists whose work is driving new insights and solutions in nutrition and obesity.

Meeting: NUTRITION 2026

12-May-2026

Program announced for NUTRITION 2026 to be held July 25–28

American Society for Nutrition
Meeting Announcement

Complimentary press passes are available for qualifying journalists to attend NUTRITION 2026, the annual flagship meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Join thousands of nutrition researchers and professionals to examine the latest science shaping national conversations July 25–28 in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C.

Meeting: NUTRITION 2026

12-May-2026

World IBD Day - algae-based foods as preventive nutrition to support treatments

European Science Communication Institute gGmbH

Ahead of World IBD Day on 19 May, footage from the EU-funded Algae4IBD shows how project is uncovering anti-inflammatory and gut-supporting compounds from microalgae and seaweeds, developing them into food prototypes for IBD patients and beyond.

Funder: HORIZON EUROPE Health