Public health concerns around romaine lettuce have prompted researchers at Cornell University to explore improved safety measures. A new study published on July 16, 2025, in Scientific Reports outlines effective strategies to mitigate the risks of E. coli contamination. Over the past two decades, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented at least 42 foodborne illness outbreaks linked to romaine lettuce, highlighting the ongoing challenge this popular leafy green poses to consumer safety.

The study, co-authored by Renata Ivanek, a professor in the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, and Martin Wiedmann, a food safety expert, emphasizes a multifaceted approach to safeguarding romaine. Their research focuses on interventions that address contamination both before and after harvest. “Interventions should concentrate on reducing produce contamination through irrigation water, ensuring that washing processes during processing effectively minimize bacterial presence, and enhancing temperature control throughout distribution,” said Wiedmann.

Ivanek noted the importance of industry collaboration in developing these strategies. “We aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the system to account for various risk factors and their interactions,” she explained. This holistic analysis involved insights from an advisory council of industry leaders.

One major finding of the research is that a significant portion of contamination arises from untreated surface water used in overhead spray irrigation systems. To reduce this risk, the study suggests employing water treatments or transitioning to furrow or drip irrigation systems. While spray irrigation is beneficial for germination and cooling, it increases the chances of water contacting the leaves directly. “Drip or furrow irrigation methods significantly lower the risk of contamination,” Ivanek stated, although she acknowledged the potential cost implications for growers considering a switch.

The research also examined postharvest practices, particularly in processing facilities. Ece Bulut, a former research associate involved in the study, highlighted the complexities of washing romaine. “While washing processes are crucial, there are still gaps in understanding the optimal amounts of cleaning agents and the timing involved to ensure maximum effectiveness,” Bulut noted.

Additionally, maintaining appropriate cold storage temperatures throughout the supply chain is critical. Ivanek described a “perfect storm” scenario where contamination events coincide with improper temperature control during transport, leading to bacterial growth.

The push for increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. through his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, underscores the urgency of enhancing food safety measures. Many leafy greens, including romaine, are consumed raw, making them particularly vulnerable to foodborne pathogens.

The comprehensive practices outlined in this study aim to guide decision-makers in refining food safety management practices across the supply chain. “The American food supply chain is notably safe compared to other countries,” Ivanek emphasized. “Our goal is to explore how we can make it even safer and identify areas where additional efforts are needed.”

The findings from this research are expected to influence future guidelines and practices within the industry, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers. For more information, refer to the study by Ece Bulut et al., titled “Risk assessment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 along the farm-to-fork fresh-cut romaine lettuce supply chain,” in Scientific Reports.

Ancient erotic art stolen from Pompeii over 80 years ago has been officially returned to Italy, as announced by the nation’s cultural heritage police. This 2,000-year-old mosaic, featuring a half-naked couple, was taken during World War II by a Nazi officer.

The mosaic, which depicts a man reclining in bed with a female partner standing in front of him, provides a glimpse into the themes of domestic intimacy that began to emerge in ancient Roman art. It was recovered following diplomatic negotiations between Italy and Germany and is set to be displayed in Pompeii, alongside numerous other archaeological treasures.

The piece was originally stolen from the vicinity of Pompeii, located near Naples, by a German army captain tasked with military logistics in Italy. After taking the mosaic, the officer gifted it to a civilian, who retained it until his death. His heirs subsequently contacted Italian authorities to facilitate the artwork’s return upon realizing its true origin.

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the German-born director of the Pompeii archaeological park, remarked on the cultural significance of the mosaic. He noted that while earlier Roman art predominantly focused on heroic myths and deities, this piece reflects a shift towards more relatable themes of love and intimacy. Zuchtriegel pointed out the male figure’s expression, indicating a sense of ennui, which adds depth to the portrayal of domestic life.

The mosaic is set on a slab of travertine and is dated to between the late 1st century B.C. and the 1st century A.D.. It will join hundreds of other artifacts in Pompeii, a city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The eruption preserved many aspects of Roman life, including a wealth of sexually explicit artworks that have been documented in the ruins.

Pompeii’s history is marked by the catastrophic volcanic eruption that led to its burial under layers of ash. The thermal energy released was significantly greater than that of the nuclear blasts at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The site was lost for nearly 1,500 years until its rediscovery in the late 16th century, followed by extensive excavations in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Many artifacts recovered from Pompeii, including the mosaic, highlight the city’s vibrant culture, which included a well-documented affinity for brothels, alcohol, and explicit art. Hundreds of such works are housed in the Secret Museum at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. This collection includes phallic statuary and graphic depictions believed to have served as advertisements for local establishments.

In the early 19th century, the explicit nature of some pieces led to the closure of certain museum areas, which remained restricted until their reopening in 2000. The ongoing excavations continue to yield significant findings, shedding light on the lives of those who once inhabited this ancient city.

As the mosaic returns to its rightful home, it serves as a reminder of the rich and complex tapestry of Roman life that was so suddenly interrupted by disaster. The story of this artwork, from its theft during a tumultuous period to its eventual repatriation, reflects the enduring significance of cultural heritage and the efforts made to restore it.

Bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia, have demonstrated a remarkable hunting strategy that involves using marine sponges to help them catch fish. By placing a sponge on their beak, resembling a clown nose, these dolphins can navigate rocky seabed channels without injuring themselves. This clever technique stirs up fish such as barred sandperch, making them easier to catch.

Recent research published in the journal Royal Society Open Science highlights the complexities of this behavior. While the sponge serves as a protective tool, it also interferes with the dolphins’ advanced echolocation abilities, which they rely on for navigation and hunting. Co-author Ellen Rose Jacobs, a marine biologist at the University of Aarhus in Denmark, explained, “It has a muffling effect in the way that a mask might. Everything looks a little bit weird, but you can still learn how to compensate.”

Jacobs utilized underwater microphones to analyze how dolphins in Shark Bay continued to use echolocation clicks while hunting with sponges. Her studies revealed that despite the distortion caused by the sponges, these dolphins effectively adapted their hunting strategy. The research shows that, for those dolphins skilled in sponge hunting, this method is highly efficient.

The sponges used by these dolphins vary significantly in size, ranging from that of a softball to a cantaloupe. Mauricio Cantor, a marine biologist at Oregon State University who was not involved in the study, likened the challenge of sponge hunting to “hunting when you’re blindfolded — you’ve got to be very good, very well-trained to pull it off.”

This specialized hunting technique is rare; the study noted that only about 5% of the dolphin population in Shark Bay engages in it, which amounts to around 30 dolphins, according to Jacobs. The learning curve for this skill is steep, with dolphins requiring many years to master it. Boris Worm, a marine ecologist at Dalhousie University in Canada, emphasized that not all dolphins choose to pursue this complex skill.

Dolphin calves typically stay with their mothers for three to four years, during which they learn essential survival skills. The delicate art of sponge hunting is transmitted exclusively from mother to offspring, as noted by co-author and marine biologist Janet Mann from Georgetown University. This unique cultural behavior highlights the importance of social learning among dolphins and the significant role maternal guidance plays in their development.

The findings of this research not only shed light on the innovative behaviors of dolphins but also underscore the intricate relationships within marine ecosystems. As more studies emerge, they enhance understanding of the adaptability and intelligence of these remarkable creatures.

Researchers at Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, have identified a simple yet effective way to communicate non-verbally, using a specific sequence of eye movements. This discovery could have significant implications in social interactions, allowing individuals to express their needs without saying a word.

The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, reveals that to indicate a desire for something, a person should look at an object, establish eye contact with another individual, and then return their gaze to the object. This sequence was shown to prompt the highest likelihood of others interpreting the gaze as a request for assistance.

The research involved 137 participants who engaged in a block-building task with a virtual partner. During the task, they had to discern whether their partner was inspecting or requesting one of three objects. Lead author Dr. Nathan Caruana emphasized that the context of eye movements plays a crucial role in effective communication.

“We found that it’s not just how often someone looks at you, but the context of their eye movements that makes that behavior appear communicative and relevant,” Dr. Caruana explained. Participants were quickest to recognize a request when eye contact occurred between two shifts of gaze towards the same object.

The implications of this research extend beyond casual interactions. The findings may enhance communication in high-pressure environments, such as competitive sports, military operations, or noisy settings. Furthermore, the team discovered that similar responses occurred when robots employed the same gaze behavior, suggesting a broader application of these principles in human-robot interaction.

“Understanding how eye contact works could improve non-verbal communication training in various settings,” Dr. Caruana noted. This research could be particularly beneficial for individuals who rely heavily on visual cues, including those who are hearing-impaired or autistic.

In a related vein, previous studies have also highlighted the utility of eye contact in different scenarios. For instance, Dr. Neeltje Boogert, a research fellow in behavioral ecology at the University of Exeter, indicated that focusing one’s gaze on seagulls can deter them from approaching food. “Gulls find the human gaze aversive and are less likely to approach your food when you’re staring them down,” she stated.

The importance of eye contact and gaze direction in communication is further illustrated by several eye signals and their meanings. Normal eye contact, for example, indicates engagement and attentiveness, while prolonged eye contact can suggest attraction or aggression. Conversely, limited eye contact may signal discomfort or disinterest.

Additionally, pupil dilation can reflect emotional states, with dilated pupils often indicating interest or attraction, whereas constricted pupils may be associated with negative emotions. Understanding these nuances can enhance interpersonal interactions, making individuals more attuned to the unspoken cues present in social exchanges.

This research not only sheds light on a fundamental aspect of human interaction but also opens avenues for improving communication strategies across various fields. By mastering the art of non-verbal cues, individuals may enhance their ability to connect with others, whether in everyday situations or specialized environments.