Chip off the Cold Tuber
Potatoes cannot be grown year-round, but the makers of potato chips and similar snacks nonetheless require a constant supply of fresh spuds to meet demand. They cannot preserve potatoes in cold storage because low temperatures trigger a process called cold-induced sweetening, which converts starches into sugars.
Processing CIS-affected tubers loaded with sugars results in darkened fries and chips and the creation of acrylamide, a carcinogenic compound formed during high-temperature processing that is linked to health concerns, such as increased cancer risk.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified the gene responsible for CIS, and more importantly, how to turn it off. That opens up the possibility of developing potatoes that can be safely refrigerated and still produce the desired golden fries and chips.
The new CIS-resistant potatoes are expected to be commercially available in the near future, hopefully sooner than tater.
Body of Knowledge
Here's why the drains in your sinks and showers clog with hair: Outside of its flammability, human hair decays at such a slow rate that it's practically indestructible. It is impervious to cold, change of climate, water and other natural forces and resistant to many kinds of acid and corrosive chemicals.
Hair today, still hair tomorrow.
Get Me That, Stat!
It's estimated that roughly 10% of babies are born with some type of visible "birthmark," which can be raised or flat, red or brown, large or small. Vascular birthmarks are the result of overgrown blood vessels; others are simply cells that have different pigmentation from the rest of the skin. Moles are one type of pigmented birthmark.
Mark Your Calendar
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