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UK Food Exports
Your exports, our buyers. |
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NEWS:
RESEARCH REVEALS AIR PATHS IN APPLES AND PEARS
(Source:
FDIN) |
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New research into the structure of apples and pears
could change the way the fruits are processed and
stored.
Scientists from Belgium's Catholic University of Leuven
and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)
have discovered air pathways which enable them to
'breathe'.
Using tomographic imaging techniques the team produced
three-dimensional pictures showing the pathways, proving
their existence for the first time.
They say it shows that apples and pears continue to
breathe after being picked and therefore must be given a
healthy supply of oxygen in order to prevent decay.
Co-author of the report Pieter Verboven explains: "The
micro-channels are so small that oxygen supply to the
fruit core is very limited and cells are quickly 'out of
breath' when oxygen levels fall below the safety
threshold."
The ESRF is a joint facility shared by 18 countries in
Europe and was founded in 1988.
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