Did you know that by 2024, the consumption of plant-based protein powders and plant-based food in general has reached a market value at a staggering US$2.85 billion? But here's the truth: studies abroad raised some concerns. They found that the protein levels on labels didn't always match up with reality, and contaminants like lead and arsenic became a part of the mix.

Here in the UK, a groundbreaking study took place, unravelling the truth behind plant-based protein supplements. With meticulous analysis of products from store shelves to online platforms, this research delivers a reassuring verdict: UK supplements stand tall, meeting nutritional standards with flying colours.

However, more research is essential to deepen our understanding of plant-based protein supplements and their impact on health and the environment. While the initial study provides valuable insights into the quality and safety of UK supplements, further research is crucial for enhancing food security. In addition, research can explore the sustainability of these supplements and how they can be used to address nutritional deficiencies, ultimately contributing to global efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition.

My name is Alma, and I am a MSci student in Forensic and Analytical Science. I specialise in the application of analytical techniques for food quality control. Join me on my podcast as we explore the fascinating journey of plant-based protein, where quality triumphs over uncertainty.

#plant-based protein #food security #quality

This episode contains references to drug taking.

Ever been offered poppers while checking your coat in a nightclub? Maybe you have experience ‘odourising’ your recreational space. Have you ever wondered what they really contain?

Jack Hogan interviewed Abertay University researcher Heather Gulbrandsen to find out more. In our podcast listen to Heather explain her research into poppers and what she discovered. During her research she has discovered what poppers contain and if they degrade differently over time when stored in different places. She developed a method to calculate the percentage of isopropyl nitrite in poppers and monitored how the concentration changes with time and different storage conditions. She saw evidence of degradation across the 28 days in all storage conditions.

Listen to our podcast to find out what Heather discovered about the isopropyl nitrite concentration, what she found in the poppers and the best place to store them.

It says on the label "do not consume" and that is therefore the advice.

Deliberate Corrosive Substance Attacks (DCSAs), or "acid attacks", are on the rise both globally and in the UK with 472 instances being recorded in England and Wales in 2023 alone. This sparks the question: how well equipped are forensic scientists to tell the difference between corrosive damage and damage from other sources, such as fire? Research performed by Thuva Gyllenfjell examined the ability of existing forensic techniques used in fabric examination in order to determine this. The results? Not as straight forward as they sound. Examination of the damaged fabric showed some overlap in the defining features of acid and fire damage, making the identification of what had been responsible potentially more difficult than previously thought. This was particularly difficult in instances where the fabric was washed or wrinkled. This ground-breaking research now paves the way for future studies with one ultimate goal: create a clear-cut picture of what acid damage on fabric is truly identified by and helping bring attackers to justice! #StopAcidViolence #ForensicScience.