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Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Red food dye may fight Alzheimer's

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

We've all grown up with the assumption that red food dye in all foods is bad for us. But researchers in Germany have discovered that a compound found in one particular red dye, specifically orcein, can reduce the number of small toxic protein clumps thought to cause neuronal dysfunction and memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. Orcein, and a related substance called O4, can bind with the protein clumps and convert them into large, mature "plaques" which are not harmful to neurons.

Past research on Alzheimer's has centred around altering the structure of these toxic aggregates, but the discovery of orcein and O4's interaction with them may change this. Rather than killing or altering the aggregates, these compounds accelerate their formation, speeding them through the toxic stage into their mature, non-toxic plaque form.

Lead researcher Erich Wanker, who used orcein and O4 in his experiments, explains: "Up to now it has been considered to be very difficult to stop the formation of small toxic protein assemblies . . . We hope that our findings will stimulate research activities in this direction, especially in drug discovery."

The research is still in its early stages, and it cannot yet be determined if these compounds will yield significant results. And scientists may be looking for a way to get people to eat orcein, also known as natural red 28. Made from lichen, it is really purple and not commonly consumed any more. One medical purpose is to stain hepatitis B infected liver cells. BF

Current Issue

October 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

New Holland IntelliSense Tech Elevates Crop Efficiency

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

The IntelliSense system features a forward-looking sensor mounted at the cab’s center line, allowing the sprayer to assess crop quality up to 50 feet ahead. It operates in two main modes: variable rate application and spot spraying. In variable rate mode, the system uses sunlight... Read this article online

Horror movies filmed in rural Ontario

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

As picturesque as rural Ontario and its farm settings can be, the landscape can also create the perfect backdrop to send chills down a spine. With that at top of mind and in celebration of all things spooky and horror in October, here are some horror movies filmed around rural... Read this article online

Precision Harvesting with HeadSight and TrueSight

Monday, October 13, 2025

Modern harvesting relies heavily on precision and smart technology, and new systems for head height control and steering are making sure you are not leaving bushels in the field. These innovations ensure efficient crop collection, protect equipment, and reduce operator fatigue during... Read this article online

Boost Farm Yields with Better Residue Control

Monday, October 13, 2025

Effective crop residue management begins with the combine and continues through planting the next crop. Properly managing residues in corn, soybean, and wheat fields helps maintain soil structure, reduce erosion, and promote higher yields. The FieldCropNews.com Team from OMAFA have shared... Read this article online

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