TOP NEWS THIS WEEK
Rare Total Solar Eclipse Will Confuse Animals Across United States: On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the United States, plunging a 115-mile-wide path from Texas to Maine into midday darkness for over 2 minutes. Scientists are preparing to study how animals react to this event. During the 2017 eclipse, they observed bizarre behaviors like birds abandoning the sky, flamingos circling their young, gorillas marching, and other animals acting like it was nighttime. The sudden darkness disrupts the schedules of animals and can trigger mating, sleep, or other behaviors at the wrong times. Researchers will monitor animals at multiple locations and invite citizen scientists to document their observations. Read more on USA Today.
Fighting Inflammation with Flaxseeds: New research reinforces the anti-inflammatory benefits of flaxseeds. A study found that consuming ground flaxseeds can normalize elevated levels of pro-inflammatory compounds called oxylipins. Their levels tend to increase as we get older. However, after just 4 weeks of flaxseed consumption, older adults had oxylipin levels similar to younger individuals, suggesting flaxseeds could help “disrupt biological changes associated with inflammation and aging.” Flaxseeds’ benefits are attributed to their omega-3s, lignans, fiber, and peptides working together. Read more on NutritionFacts.org.
Fermentation Pioneer MicroHarvest Joins Food Fermentation Europe: German startup MicroHarvest has become the first biomass fermentation company to join Food Fermentation Europe (FFE). Using a rapid 24-hour fermentation process, the company can produce protein-rich food more efficiently than many alternative proteins. MicroHarvest will collaborate with other fermentation pioneers like Better Dairy and Imagindairy to drive innovation. Read more on Vegconomist.
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
Leicester Honored as Birthplace of Veganism
A new heritage panel has been installed in Leicester, UK, commemorating Donald Watson, who coined the term “vegan.” In the 1940s, Watson created the word alongside his wife Dorothy while living in Leicester, combining the first three and last two letters of “vegetarian.” Watson became a vegetarian at 14 after witnessing the slaughter of a pig on his uncle’s farm. He later started eating a plants-only diet after learning about milk and egg production. He lacked a concise way to describe it until he introduced the term “vegan.” The panel honors Watson’s role in establishing a new philosophy and lifestyle that rejects all forms of animal exploitation. Today, ethical veganism is a protected philosophical belief in the UK. Read more on BBC News.
QUICK BITES
Vegan Cabbage Soup (Stovetop, Instant Pot, or Slow Cooker): This hearty, flavorful cabbage soup is packed with a rainbow of veggies, including cabbage, carrots, green beans, and tomatoes. It’s seasoned with Italian herbs, and you can throw in some lentils for extra protein. Make this one-pot meal on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or slow cooker. Get the easy recipe on The Simple Veganista.
Strawberry Banana Bread (Gluten-Free, Vegan): Ripe bananas and fresh strawberries combine in this cake-like, fruity quick bread. It’s a great way to use up your ripe bananas, and it’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Bake a loaf of this sweet twist on banana bread from Jessica in the Kitchen.
DID YOU KNOW?
Miso Fermented in Space Tastes Different
In 2020, a Canadian researcher sent a batch of miso to the International Space Station to study how fermentation is affected in space. Miso, alongside other fermented foods, is alive with microorganisms that break down raw ingredients, giving the final product a desirable taste and texture. Upon the miso’s return, analysis showed its flavor, texture, and microbial makeup had changed compared to Earth-fermented controls. The experiment aimed to improve the flavor of space food, but also demonstrated how the being in space affected miso’s microbial makeup. Read more in Canada’s National Observer.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
What makes a life worth living?
Philosophers and animal advocates continue debating this question. What factors should be considered? Are exploited animals better off because any life is better than no life? Should we leave animals to die in nature rather than intervening? Share your perspective in the comments.
Stay informed and keep advocating for a more vegan world. See you next week with more updates!
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