The Digest’s Top 10 Innovations for the week of May 10th, 2018

#6 Arizona researchers find biobased solution for safer melons

In Arizona, scientists have received a $610,000 grant to extend their research efforts in food safety. Sadhana Ravishankar, associate professor in the University of Arizona’s School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Science, and  Aishwarya Rao, research analyst, are using essential oils, plant-based extracts, and spice powers to reduce or eradicate harmful, foodborne bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella.

The grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Specialty Crops Research Initiative will be used to produce safer melons. It is part of a larger, $4.5-million award to Texas A&M and collaborating entities.

Melons—particularly cantaloupes, have caused a number of outbreaks in the last 10 years. Essential oils and plant extracts with antimicrobial activity include oregano, cinnamon, lemongrass and clove bud oil, as well as olive, apple, grape seed, green tea, black tea and decaffeinated black tea extracts.