Some like it sweet, others not so much: It’s partly in the genes

Twin study suggests a common genetic pathway underlies sweet taste perception of natural and non-caloric sweetenersA new study from the Monell Center and collaborating institutions suggests that…

Immune system protein regulates sensitivity to bitter taste

The bitter taste of illnessNew research from the Monell Center reveals that tumor necrosis factor (TNF), an immune system regulatory protein that promotes inflammation, also helps regulate…

Children’s preferences for sweeter and saltier tastes are linked to each other

Scientists from the Monell Chemical Senses Center have found that children who most prefer high levels of sweet tastes also most prefer high levels of salt taste and that, in general, children prefer sweeter and saltier tastes than do adults. These preferences relate not only to food intake but also to measures of growth and can have important implications for efforts to change children’s diets.

Humans can use smell to detect levels of dietary fat

New research from the Monell Center reveals humans can use the sense of smell to detect dietary fat in food.

Early Dietary Experience Shapes Salt Preference Of Infants And Preschoolers

Researchers from the Monell Center report that 6-month-old infants who have been introduced to starchy table foods which often contain added salt have a greater preference for salty taste than do infants not yet eating these foods…