Biochemical Nutrition

10/25/2025

This , we celebrate a milestone in science and humanity. ASM is proud to name the University of Pittsburgh a Milestones in Microbiology site—honoring Jonas Salk and his team at the Virus Research Laboratory (1948–1955), where they developed the world’s first safe and effective polio vaccine. Licensed in 1955, the vaccine reduced paralytic polio in the U.S. by 96% within a few years and changed the course of global health.

At today’s celebration and ceremony, ASM officially recognized the University’s designation and highlighted the newly opened Salk Legacy Exhibit, which chronicles the research and innovation that led to this historic breakthrough.

📸 ASM Archivist Colleen Puterbaugh is pictured at the Salk Legacy Exhibit next to an iron lung.

Learn more: https://asm.social/2F2

Pitt Public Health

09/25/2025

Historically plant based medicine!

📌 WORLD PHARMACIST DAY
World Pharmacist Day is a special occasion to recognize the vital role pharmacists play in advancing global health and patient well-being(see the generated image above). Their commitment to safe medicine use, expert advice, and compassionate care helps communities lead healthier lives every day(see the generated image above). On this day, appreciation is extended to all pharmacists for their dedication, professionalism, and ongoing contribution to public health(see the generated image above).

09/11/2025

David Baltimore (1938–2025), Nobel Prize–winning molecular biologist, has died at 87.

His discovery of reverse transcriptase transformed genetics and paved the way for advances in cancer and HIV research.

Beyond the lab, he was a mentor, leader, and advocate for diversity in academia.

Read the obituary: https://bit.ly/4mOlpue

07/05/2025

😉

06/23/2025

An educational journey that never ends.

11/26/2024

Giving Thanks.

In cold conditions many starchy vegetables turn the starches in their cells into a botanical 'anti-freeze' to avoid cold damage. That anti-freeze is sucrose, also known as sugar! Vegetables that all taste better/sweeter after frost; Kale & cabbage, chard, carrots, parsnips, brussels Sprouts, beets, leeks, turnips, swedes and celariac.

Artist GARY BUNT Parsnips, Sprouts & Greens

11/10/2024

Not a surprise, but progress, nonetheless.

Processed meat is linked to cardiovascular disease and death.

A 2021 study found people eating more than 150 grams (about 5.29 ounces) of processed meat per week increased their risk of heart disease and death by 46% and 51%, respectively, when compared to those who did not eat processed meat.

A meta-analysis of 43 studies on heart disease found a 26% increased risk of heart disease for 50 grams of processed meat consumed.

According to the World Health Organization, “Processed meat refers to meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavor or improve preservation. Most processed meats contain pork or beef, but processed meats may also contain other red meats, poultry, offal, or meat by-products such as blood. Examples of processed meat include hot dogs (frankfurters), ham, sausages, corned beef, and biltong or beef jerky as well as canned meat and meat-based preparations and sauces.”

References:
1. Iqbal R, Dehghan M, Mente A, et al. Associations of unprocessed and processed meat intake with mortality and cardiovascular disease in 21 countries [Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Study]: a prospective cohort study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021;114(3):1049-1058. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqaa448
2. Shi W, Huang X, Schooling CM, Zhao JV. Red meat consumption, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J. 2023;44(28):2626-2635. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehad336

05/18/2024

A molecular biologist at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences may have found a new "rule of biology."