Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Journal of Surfactants and Detergents Part 3 review article available: Surfactant formulation for enhanced oil recovery

As the year comes to a close, take the time to read this highly-anticipated review, part of series of reviews on how to attain ultralow interfacial tension and three-phase behavior with a surfactant formulation for EOR. Part 3 focuses on the practical procedures to optimize the laboratory research according to the current state of the art in surfactant mixing. Read the review here, and also read highly downloaded Part 1(1,400 downloads and 46 citations) and Part 2 ( 3,100 downloads and 32 citations). The three reviews were led by JSD Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Jean-Louis Salager, and Ana M. Forgiarini from the FIRP Laboratory in Merida, Venezuela. 

Also, read JSD Open Access articles, including the following highly-downloaded articles: 


Monday, November 21, 2016

Thankful for our INFORM readers! November/December highlights

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday here in America, I thought it would be appropriate to thank our INFORM readers, authors, and advisory board. Read the highlighted articles below from the most recent issue.

  • Generational Training Divide: Can the skills gap between older, more experienced workers who are retiring and the next generation of workers be bridged? The cover story of the November issue of INFORM magazine looks at the strategies oils and fats processors are using to enhance knowledge transfer and ease the transition from one generation to the next. 
  • Food Emulsifier Fundamentals: Learn how synthetic and natural emulsifiers are evaluated and selected for food applications by reading this review article. 
  • Essential fatty acids from six microalgae species
  • Industrial design of oil and food processing plants in Latin America
  • Using microfluidics tools to understand emulsification 
  • Patents
  • Extracts & Distillates
Enjoy and thank you for reading!

Monday, November 7, 2016

Quality Reference Materials on Sale in November!

Save 25% on all AOCS Quality Reference Samples during the month of November.

All samples are analyzed by participants in the AOCS Laboratory Proficiency Program, and shipped with peer-reviewed reports that include the consenus mean values, z-scores, and standard deviations for various components.

Use promo code QRMSALE at checkout for 25% off your Quality Reference Sample order. Valid through November 30, 2016. While supplies last. Note: sale does not apply to Certified Reference Materials (CRMs).

If you have any questions or need to make special arrangements, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for choosing AOCS.

Best regards,
Dawn Shepard
Laboratory Proficiency Program Manager 

AOCS Technical Services
+1 217-693-4810 | technical@aocs.org | aocs.org/labservices




Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Statistics and "Doubts About GMOs"

Last Saturday, an article in The New York Times summarized the results of the newspaper’s “extensive examination” of United Nations data, and a recent National Academy of Sciences report, which concluded that  “genetic modification in the United States and Canada has not accelerated increases in crop yields or led to an overall reduction in the use of chemical pesticides.”
                For the most part, the reaction to The Times article has paralleled the contentious rhetoric of the US Presidential election, so this thoughtful evaluation of the newspaper’s statistical analysis by an “independent” is refreshing. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Review of AOCS Press book: Oxidative Stability and Shelf Life of Foods Containing Oils and Fats


Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry recently published a review of the AOCS Press title on oxidative stability and shelf life. Read the review here and if you have a copy of the book, let us know your opinion of the title. Numerous leaders in this field came together for the book, including co-editors Min Hu and Charlotte Jacobsen; and chapter authors Karen Schaich, Fereidoon Shahidi, Jill Winkler-Moser, and Hong-Sik Hwang.




Friday, October 7, 2016

Read October INFORM! Articles on cannabis analytics, ionic liquids, lab proficiency winners, and more

Like it or not, increasing legalization of adult recreational and medical cannabis has created a need for robust and reliable analytical testing to protect consumers. The October issue of Inform magazine includes a review of cannabis analytics, as well as feature articles on modeling and simulation studies that optimize deodorization, best practices for cleaning oxidative-stability-index equipment, ionic liquids in flow applications, hot new flavor trends in Latin America, and a listing of AOCS laboratory proficiency winners. Read the entire issue and share articles with colleagues.  

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Free download: Review explores fatty acid binding protein and influence on liver lipid metabolism

A recent paper published in Lipids by a group led by Friedhelm Schroeder at Texas A & M University demonstrates deletion of liver fatty acid binding protein (FABP1) does not impact brain endocannabinoid levels in female mice (Lipids 51:1007-1020).  This is critically important as this group has identified that brain endocannabinoids and arachidonic acid mass are both increased in male mice in which FABP1 is deleted (J. Neurochemistry 138:407-422).  Further, this group recently reported that FABP1 is a novel endocannabinoid binding protein (Biochemistry 2016 In Press).  These observations are critically important as it links liver FABP1 to the modulation of brain signaling molecules involved in satiety and in pain sensation.  Further, the potential link between an FABP1 polymorphism in humans to brain endocannabinoid function adds tremendous clinical relevance as does the potential for differences in metabolism that are gender specific.  For more about the FABP1 T94A mutation and its influence on liver lipid metabolism, see the recent review in Lipids (Lipids 51:655-676). The review article is available for a free download until November 11, 2016.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Open access: Structured Lipids for Food and Nutraceutical Applications

The AOCS Lipid Library now includes the free article, "Structured Lipids for Food and Nutraceutical Applications," authored by Molly J. Sproston, Ebenezer A. Ifeduba, and Casimir C. Akoh, from the Food Science Department at the University of Georgia. This educationally-focused article describes what structured lipids are; how they are produced; and their nutritional and functional benefits. It also includes several figures in addition to a chart that provides an overview of various structured lipids.     



Friday, September 9, 2016

September Inform includes 2016 Annual Meeting Session Highlights

Advances in hard surface cleaning; algal butter vs. shea stearin as cocoa butter equivalents; the functionality and stability of monounsaturated vs. polyunsaturated oils in baking, frying, and confectionary; and polyphenol-coated active packaging films that control lipid oxidation in oil-in-water emulsions are just some of the fascinating topics summarized in Inform magazine’s review of the best science presented at the 2016 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. The September issue also includes articles about the storage stability of nuts, including a fun quiz, phase change materials, CLA-rich cheeses from Uruguay, and replacing PHO in doughnuts. Follow this link to the September issue.

Start preparing for the 2017 AOCS Annual Meeting by viewing the Call for Abstracts, including Hot Topic symposium presentations and more. Abstract reviews begin November 1, so submit your abstract soon!

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Lipid Library Seeks New Editor-in-Chief - Applications due Sept. 15, 2016

The AOCS Lipid Library is one of the leading online sources of information related to lipid science and technology today. This Open Access site, averaging nearly 300,000 visitors each year, is intended for students, technologists, scientists, and laypersons who want to learn more about lipid chemistry and technology, but in a less-technical, abbreviated format that is easy to read and understand.

The Editor-in-Chief sets the overall direction of the Lipid Library and works closely with an editorial board to identify new topics, potential authors, and works to keep the site up-to-date with the latest technical information. Topics of interest include biochemistry, chemistry, processing, and biotechnology. The EIC, in conjunction with associate editors, solicits new articles, assists in editing, and helps oversee and maintain quality standards. The site is managed and supported by AOCS. Currently, Lipid Library is overseen by two EICs, and these EICs will provide training and support for the next leader(s) for a short period of time, if desired.

For consideration, please send an email to AOCS Director of Content Development, Janet Brown (janet.brown@aocs.org), with a letter of intent that includes your interest in and vision for the position, by September 15, 2016. If you have questions about the work, please reach out to the current EICs, John Harwood and Randall Weselake. This is a volunteer position and regular attendance at the AOCS Annual Meeting is strongly recommended. Thank you for your consideration!

Friday, August 5, 2016

Free download of ten top-cited JSD articles for a limited time

Through September 30, 2016, the ten top-cited Journal of Surfactants and Detergents (JSD) articles from 2015 are available for a free download. Thank you to the JSD editorial team and congratulations to the authors of these papers.  














  






 

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Free download until Sept. 10! Northern Great Plains Lipid Conference articles in Lipids

This topical collection in Lipids from the 2015 Northern Great Plains Lipid Conference (NGPLC) is featured on a Springer Chemistry Special Issues site. All articles are now available for a free download until September 10, 2016. Some of the papers are full research articles, while others are timely, topical reviews focused on lipid biochemistry and metabolism. Lipids plans to publish papers from the 2016 NGPLC in mid-2017. Many AOCS members and meeting presenters have contributed to the new conference, as explained in this editorial.





Thursday, July 21, 2016

Podcast: World Conference on Fabric & Home Care

Keith Grime details what is in store for attendees including; conference development, topics and trends that will be addressed, and the diversity of the world-class presenters  including executives, academia, and authors. The conference theme, Reinventing for the New Normal, reflects the need to discuss our commerce and technology decisions in light of the profound shifts that impact all businesses worldwide. Insights will be offered on topics such as:

  • Big Data
  • Design Driven Innovation
  • Disruptive Appliances, Circular Economy
  • Death of Ownership
  • Frugal Innovation
  • Smart Homes
  • Digital Strategies. 

With the fresh new feel, there are also several new features including an Executive Forum on Resources and Innovation, a Technology Showcase, and interpretation of presentations into Mandarin. The exhibition has also grown and will create a hub for creating connections. Listen Now. 



Wednesday, July 13, 2016

The case of yellow mealworm oil, monitoring, and rapid analysis all in the July/Aug issue of Inform

Insect oils and fats are already used as ingredients in feed. The July/August issue of Inform considers whether dry fractionation could make insect oils more versatile for food applications. This issue also reviews technologies based on vibrational spectroscopy that can continuously monitor edible oil parameters on the production line, and takes a look at matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) and its applications in edible lipids analysis. 

View, read, and share the digital edition of Inform magazine by clicking the link to the current issue. Bookmark it now! 

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Top 5 Visited pages at LipidLibrary.com


In the past year (June 2015 - June 2016), over 200,000 individuals visited the AOCS Lipid Library website looking for various resources related to lipid science and technology. Find out what others were most interested in by viewing the list of the top five visited pages on this open access site:
1.       Lipid Library homepage


Monday, June 20, 2016

Book Review: Handbook of Lipids in Human Function: Fatty Acids

Laurence Eyres, AOCS member and one of the leading fats and oils specialists in New Zealand, took the time to review the Academic Press and AOCS Press book, Handbook of Lipids in Human Function: Fatty Acids this spring and wrote the following review.

Handbook of Lipids in Human Function sets out to review the current research in human and animal models that define the roles and research status of fatty acids in major areas of health and disease. The areas covered include cardiovascular disease, failing cognition, mood, diabetes and obesity. The majority of the authors are relative newcomers from various institutions around the world. This makes for a new and fresh critical look at many of the issues that give rise to controversies such as saturated fat, trans fats omega-3/omega-6 ratio and antioxidants.

The preface by the editors in this substantial book by AOCS summarizes the perceived need for this type of comprehensive research orientated book. They comment that the time is right to stop and take a close look at the concept that non-essential nutrients such as cholesterol, saturated fats and glucose, which make up a major proportion of our daily energy intake, are primary risk factors of chronic degenerative disease. The book initially presents current research relating to health issues whose impact may be modified by adopting personalized diets and lifestyle. They emphasize focusing on the whole of diet and not individual nutrients.

The large volume of material is presented in 29 stimulating chapters and brings together the research and work of an international team of experts. The book is designed to bridge the gap between traditional approaches to dietary interventions and leading edge integrated health strategies.
New and interesting material around genetic influences are a theme of the book.

Addressing cardiovascular and neurological diseases as well as cancer, obesity, inflammatory conditions, and lung disease, the authors correlate lipid sources with specific conditions, providing important insights into preventative as well as response-based actions designed to positively impact health outcomes.

Cardiovascular disease
The Chapter by Poledne on the effects of individual saturated fatty acids is very timely and most interesting and matches the recent article in Inform magazine (March 2016) with its conclusions. He describes how the recent dietary guidelines arising out of 30 years of research still maintain advice on keeping saturates low. There is a good discussion about why epidemiological data are so inconsistent mainly due to dietary records being inaccurate. Chowdhury et. al. (famous now because of media misinterpretation) point out that not all saturated and omega-6 fats are bad. This chapter is one of the longest in the book at around 100 pages whilst the majority are between 20-30 pages.

Inflammation
Inflammation and its causes is a theme that runs through several chapters but one by Lawrence approaches the whole subject of dietary fats and inflammation. He points out that saturated fatty acids such as lauric, myristic and palmitic are directly related to pro-inflammatory status, whilst in contrast long chain PUFA contribute to an anti-inflammatory status.

Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers from Germany in an informative chapter review the history of this disease from its first description in 1907 by Alois Alzheimer to a deep understanding of the deterioration processes so distressing to a growing population around the world. Mett et al.  informative chapter discusses how glycerophospholipids and other lipids are related to the amyloid precursor protein (APP) which has been the subject of most investigation of this cruel disease.

Mood and cognition/brain function
This area is closely related to the section on cognitive decline and is all about the vital role of lipids in brain structure and function. There are 4 chapters on this related topic.

Diabetes and obesity
Type 2 diabetes is a fast growing problem for the western world. Several chapters are devoted to the causes and potential solutions.

Audience
The recommended readership for this book includes food scientists, lipidologists, health researcher’s clinicians and nutritionists. Industry will find it hard but not impossible to assimilate the messages contained in the various chapters, as they seem to have become accustomed to comprehensive summary reviews. Having said that it is best for anyone making key decisions to scrutinize the source literature instead of relying on writers who can introduce their own biases. The good thing about this handbook is that most of the work reported is brand-new and takes quite a different perspective than traditional and classical nutritional publications.

I really enjoyed working my way albeit slowly through the book; although it is so detailed, it will be some time before I have explored all the chapters. The wide multidisciplinary approach taken by all the authors in the book offer invaluable information about where to start reflecting on new knowledge in this field about lipids in human function.

It is mildly amusing that a number of the chapters regularly conclude with a sentence about “more research is needed to verify the hypotheses.” Nutrition is a constantly changing and evolving science.

Reference:
Chowdhury, Rajiv; et al. (March 18, 2014)."Association of Dietary, Circulating, and Supplement Fatty Acids with Coronary Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis". Ann Intern Med.

Publisher Academic Press/AOCS Press Release date December 2015
Editor(s): Watson, R.R.  &   De Meester ,F.D.
Print Book ISBN :9781630670368
EBook ISBN :9781630670351
Pages: 842 with 29 chapters and 67 contributors.


Thursday, June 16, 2016

Free for a limited-time: Ten top-cited Lipids articles from 2015

Below is a listing of the top-cited Lipids articles published in 2015, based on data from Web of Science. These articles are available for free viewing until July 30, 2016. Thank you to the Lipids editorial team and congratulations to all the authors of these papers! Well done. 

Be sure to sign-up for Table of Contents Alerts to stay in-the-know regarding every issue of Lipids. 


Monday, June 6, 2016

June INFORM highlights: Authenticate beef in 10 minutes; Laundry strategies that use less detergent; Emulsions with a cleaner label

The June issue of Inform magazine includes a feature article about a rapid screening approach to authenticate beef in 10 minutes based on the triglyceride composition. Other articles include using ultra-high pressure homogenization to produce reduced-fat emulsions with a “cleaner” label; crystallizers that optimize trans-free margarine production; laundry strategies that use less detergent but clean better, save money, and lower environmental impacts; and a front-end loading approach to capital projects that reduces overall costs, achieves shorter delivery periods, and results in fewer changes. It also includes two handy tables summarizing the fatty acid composition, scientific name, and seed oil content of 25 alternative triglyceride feedstocks (plus the industrial applications of the major fatty acid categories). You can access each free issue of Inform as soon as it becomes available by clicking http://www.informmagazine-digital.org/informmagazine/current. Bookmark it now! 

Monday, May 23, 2016

Read top-cited JAOCS articles from 2015. Free for a limited time!

Below is a listing of top-cited articles published in 2015 based on data from Web of Science. This selection of articles, available for free viewing until July 8, 2016, includes several papers investigating the industrial applications of oils and some that explore new analytical procedures. Thanks goes to the JAOCS editorial team and congrats goes out to the authors of these papers! Well done. 


Friday, May 13, 2016

Coconut oil and more in May 2016 issue of Inform

The May 2016 issue of Inform includes referenced articles on the health benefits of coconut oil; the advantages and disadvantages of enzymatic aqueous oil extraction; and a comparison of the results from chemical analysis, thermal behavior, microstructure studies, and rheological characterization that provide new insights into the gelling behavior of natural waxes. In addition, it includes a listing of patents; a curated list of recommended journal articles; and an update from Leslie Kleiner about palm oil production in Brazil.

You can read each issue as it becomes available by clicking http://www.informmagazine-digital.org/informmagazine/current.

Monday, May 2, 2016

AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo Tuesday May 3, 2016


Please join us for a complimentary cup of coffee or hot tea in the Expo for a networking break from 9:40-10:20 am.

 Registration
  • 7:00 am-6:30 pm Hall A/B. 
AOCS Pavillion
(AOCS Information Services, Bookstore, Silent Auction, Computer Stations and Charging Station)
  • 9:30 am -6:30 pm Hall A/B.
The Expo
  • 9:30 am -6:30 pm Hall A/B.
Poster Viewing
  • 9:30 am -6:30 pm Hall A/B. Authors will be present 5:30-6:30 pm.
Expo Networking Reception
Develop important connections with other industry professionals from around the world in the Expo Hall. This reception is open to all Annual Meeting full-conference attendees and Tuesday-only registrants. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.
  • 5:00 pm -6:30 pm Hall A/B.

AM Quick Links

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org (or stop by AOCS Information Services in the Expo Hall) to share Annual Meeting news and photos and get a prize!



Sunday, May 1, 2016

AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo Monday May 2, 2016

Monday is a very busy day at the 2016 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo!

In addition to our Technical Sessions Monday also offers Hot Topic Symposia as well as Special Sessions.

Please join us for a complimentary cup of coffee or hot tea in the Expo for a networking break from 10:00-10:30 am.

 Registration
  • 7:00 am-5:00 pm Hall A/B. 
AOCS Pavillion
(AOCS Information Services, Bookstore, Silent Auction, Computer Stations and Charging Station)
  • 9:30 am -5:00 pm Hall A/B.
The Expo
  • 9:30 am -5:00 pm Hall A/B.
Poster Viewing
  • 9:30 am -5:00 pm Hall A/B.

AM Quick Links

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org (or stop by AOCS Information Services in the Expo Hall) to share Annual Meeting news and photos and get a prize!



Saturday, April 30, 2016

AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo Sunday May 1, 2016

Welcome to the 2016 AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo!

We will be posting a general summary of activities for the preceding day every evening.  For more specific information, please refer to your printed program or the Annual Meeting website.

 Registration
  • 10:00 am-7:30 pm Hall A/B.
Salt Lake City Highlights Tour*
*Tickets required. Inquire at Registration.
  • 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm South Foyer
AOCS Pavillion
(AOCS Information Services, Bookstore, Silent Auction, Computer Stations and Charging Station)
  • 5:30 pm -7:30 pm Hall A/B.
The Expo
  • 5:30 pm -7:30 pm Hall A/B.
Poster Viewing
  • 5:30 pm -7:30 pm Hall A/B.
Presidents Welcome Reception
Reconnect with colleagues, network with new business contacts, and meet with exhibitors during this reception in the Expo Hall. This event is open to all Annual Meeting full-conference attendees and Short Course registrants. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.
  •  5:30 pm -7:30 pm Hall A/B.

AM Quick Links

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org (or stop by AOCS Information Services in the Expo Hall) to share Annual Meeting news and photos and get a prize!



Friday, April 29, 2016

Your Guide to the AOCS Annual Meeting and Expo

Whether you are a first time attendee or a seasoned veteran here are some tips for navigating the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo.

Plan your Schedule in Advance -There are lots of things to do at the AOCS Annual Meeting. From the technical program to the exhibition, networking events and committee meetings, carefully planning your schedule can maximize your Annual Meeting experience.

The App

Designed to enhance your Annual Meeting experience, The App allows you to:
  • Build your meeting itinerary
  •  Participate in live polling
  • Search presentations and abstracts
  • Contribute instant presenter and session feedback
  • View attendee, exhibitor, and sponsor profiles
  • Search the interactive Expo 2016 floorplan
  • Connect with other attendees
Login details for The App are being distributed to registered meeting attendees now. To access, download the app directly to your mobile device, or type the provided web address in your computer’s internet browser.

Need help? Before the meeting, you can email ellen.snipes@aocs.org for troubleshooting tips and tricks. Once you’re in Salt Lake City, stop by the Help Desk in Hall A/B near the Registration Desk.

2. Get ready to Network!
All networking events are held in the Expo Hall and are complimentary to full program registrants, students, and exhibit personnel.

Salt Lake City Forecast

On average, Utah weather is quite temperate. Utah is a semiarid state with dry, high country air and plenty of sunshine.

The average temperature in May is 72/46F°(22/8 C°).

Sunday, May 1
Partly Cloudy      High 63°F/17°C       Low 44°F/6°C
Monday, May 2
Partly Cloudy       High 67°F/19°C       Low 45°F/7°C
Tuesday, May 3
Partly Cloudy       High 69°F/20°C       Low 46°F/7°C
Wednesday, May 4
Partly Cloudy       High 71°F/21°C       Low 46°F/7°C

Visitors Center & Info

Stop in the Salt Lake Visitors Center inside the Salt Palace Convention Center for assistance building your itinerary, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, concert and attraction tickets, or regional travel. Things to do!

The Visitors Center has free maps, brochures, Wi-Fi, iPad stations, wireless printing, and more. The center is open 9:00 am–5:00 pm Sunday and Monday and 9:00 am–7:00 pm Tuesday-Saturday.

AM Quick Links

Contact your bloggers at tips@aocs.org (or stop by AOCS Information Services in the Expo Hall) to share Annual Meeting news and photos and get a prize!

We hope this helps you plan your Annual Meeting experience. Please check back, as we will be posting daily activity reminders as well as a guide to promotions, contests, and special events.




AOCS April Newsletter Highlights

Unilever CEO Confirmed to Speak at AOCS Conference

Paul Polman will deliver the keynote address, Leading in a World of Exponential Change, during the new Executive Forum on Resources and Innovation during the World Conference on Fabric and Home Care, October 4–7, in Singapore. Two more thought-provoking presentations and a panel discussion will follow, moderated by Ernie Rosenberg, President and CEO, American Cleaning Institute (ACI).

The Forum follows two days of presentations by top-level speakers covering the latest in technology, products, and trends, with several new topics addressing the exciting, disruptive forces that are accelerating change and the speed of innovation in the industry.

Also new is the Technology Showcase, to provide more innovative science, simultaneous interpretation to Mandarin for the oral presentations, and increased business interaction during the Exhibition.

Register by June 1 to save $600 and reserve your seat at this premier industry event!

AOCS Award Winners Announced

Congratulations to the following award winners:

Award of Merit
Dilip Nakhasi, Stratas Foods, USA

Supelco/Nicholas Pelick—AOCS Research Award
Julian McClements, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA

Stephen S. Chang Award
John Harwood, Cardiff University, UK

George Schroepfer Medal
Steven Kelly, Swansea University, Wales

For more information on our awards program or to view other award winners, please visit our website (PDF).

Top Five Downloaded Articles on inform|connect

Want to know what industry professionals are accessing from the inform|connect global community?
  1. Innovations in Oilseeds and Novel Biomass Oils
  2. Fact or Fiction: Animal fat making a big comeback
  3. Management of Contaminants in Edible Oils and Fats
  4. Future Impact of Technological Changes in Oilseed Processing & Oil Refining
  5. Overview of the Global Vegetable Oil Market- When will vegetable oil prices rise again?

If you have a professional, intellectual, or business interest in biobased products and technologies, then we invite you to join and receive daily updates of the latest trending topics.

Fish Oil Supplements and Human Health: Still being debated

Omega-3s have been hailed as the panacea for all of Western society's ills, from cardiovascular disease to cancer to cognitive decline. However, clinical trials of fish oil supplements containing DHA and EPA have produced mixed results, and researchers are still divided on whether omega-3 fatty acid supplements are beneficial, neutral, or even harmful to human health. The cover story of the April 2016 issue of Inform reviews the scientific evidence on both sides of the divide. You may also view the full issue of Inform online.

AOCS Technical Services Updates

AOCS at work
Richard Cantrill, AOCS Chief Science Officer, served as secretary at the 6th Plenary meeting of ISO/TC 34/SC 16, Horizontal Methods for Molecular Biomarker Analysis in Shanghai on March 15–17. The meeting was hosted by the Dr. Pan Liangwen Technical Center for Animal, Plant and Food Inspection and Quarantine, Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of China, Shanghai. The agenda discussed aspects of standardization for the identification and determination of molecular markers.

Inter-laboratory comparison proficiency test for cannabis testing labs
AOCS is pleased to be contributing to the nationwide proficiency testing program offered by Emerald Scientific. AOCS will generate the reports following ISO 13528:2015 guidelines and will assist labs in evaluating their results. Participating in proficiency testing provides evidence for accreditations and leads to safer, more consistent products for patients.


AOCS Press News 

Free article from JSD provides review of gemini surfactants
"Gemini surfactants have been researched for several decades, but they have never really been commercialized for industrial applications because they are difficult to synthesize and purify," says JSD Editor-in-Chief George Smith. In Smith's JSD recent pick, the review "Constructing Surfactant Systems with the Characteristics of Gemini and Oligomeric Surfactants through Noncovalent Interaction," Yilin Wang and colleagues from the Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences in China have shown that it is possible to construct gemini surfactants through noncovalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding, metal-ligand coordination, and electrostatic attraction. The reversibility of the interactions through pH, light, salt, and temperature allows for easy control of the gemini surfactant structure using commercially available monomer surfactants. The article will be available online, free of charge, until May 16.

Thank you JSD editors and reviewers
This month, we recognize the editors and reviewers of the Journal of Surfactants and Detergents (PDF). AOCS appreciates the work of 300+ editors and reviewers of JSD whose time, effort, and expertise made 2015 a successful year. Under the leadership of new Editor-in-Chief George A. Smith, over 126 articles were published, and the rate of original submissions grew. We look forward to their contributions in 2016 as we build to our 20th Volume Celebration in 2017. 

Top downloaded 2015 articles from AOCS journals
This collection of articles features the 20 most-downloaded articles published in each of the three AOCS journals, JAOCS, JSD, and Lipids, in 2015. Congratulations to all the authors whose articles made the list and even more importantly, a big thank you to the editorial boards for their expertise and tireless dedication in facilitating the publication of this important research.

Welcome, AOCS China Section!

AOCS is pleased to announce the formation of the AOCS China Section, petitioned by 35 members and approved by the Governing Board last month. The China Section’s goal is to serve as the resource for high standards, ensuring quality and safety of edible and non-edible oils in China. For leadership information, membership roster, and an application to join, visit the Section’s webpage.

AOCS Analytical Division Co-Organizes Conference Focusing on Analytical Chemistry, Laboratory, and Industrial Pretreatment 

The AOCS Analytical Division, along with Iowa Water Environment Association (IAWEA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA), has organized a one-day conference designed specifically for bench chemists and front-line laboratory staff. View the program and registration details for this cost-effective learning opportunity.

Lab Proficiency Program deadline approaching

Enroll by May 20, 2016 to participate in a full year of testing and fulfill the proficiency testing accreditation requirement. Full-year LPP participants are eligible to apply for the Approved Chemist program. AOCS Approved Chemists are in high demand, and are highly respected throughout the industry. Use your status as an AOCS Approved Chemist to promote your technical expertise and attract new business. Download your application today! (PDF)  

Now available! 9th Volume in Oilseed Monograph Series: Industrial Oil Crops

AOCS members Thomas A. McKeon, Douglas G. Hayes, David F. Hildebrand, and Randy J. Weselake collaborated on editing this 2016 title, which presents the latest information on important products derived from seed and other plant oils, their quality, the potential environmental benefit, and the latest trends in industrial uses. It gives a comprehensive review of key oil crops that provide products used for fuel, surfactants, paints and coatings, lubricants, high-value polymers, safe plasticizers, and numerous other products. The title is available in both print and ebook versions.

AOCS Members receive a 30% discount and free shipping by entering the code AOCS30 during check out. Visit the Academic Press and AOCS Press website to learn more about this title and other AOCS Press and Elsevier titles. Remember, the 30% discount works on all Elsevier Science and Technology titles.


Upcoming AOCS Meetings 
AM16
107th AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo
May 1–4, 2016
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
WMU
World Conference on Fabric and Home Care—Singapore 2016
October 4–7, 2016
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore

Save up to $600 when you register by June 1.
AOCS
AOCS
Upcoming Industry Meetings 
Industry Event
18th Annual Nanotech 2016 Conference & Expo
May 22–25, 2016
Washington D.C., USA
Industry Event
Cleaning Products Latin America 2016
June 21–23, 2016
Sao Paulo, Brazil

Save $300 with promo code AOCS16.
AOCS
AOCS
Industry Event
IFT16: Where Science Feeds Innovation
July 16–19, 2016
Chicago, IL, USA

Register by June 3 to save up to $150!
Industry Event
OFIC 2016
October 19–21, 2016
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Call for posters is now open!
 
 

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

AOCS/ASABEUnited Soybean Board Webinar Collaboration- Survey on Biobased Products Research-Deadline May 11

For a second year, AOCS is collaborating with the United Soybean Board (USB) to co-host a webinar on the exciting field of biobased products in June.  We are pleased that the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers is also part of this effort.

Professionals and students in a number of AOCS disciplines are actively engaged in the rapidly growing biobased products field.

We need your help. Please take the short survey on biobased products at http://bit.ly/20Idyy7; and tell us about yourself, your research, and your campus and community outreach.  Your feedback will help focus future webinars on the areas of greatest interest.  Your response is appreciated by May 11.

NEW, FOR STUDENTS!  iPad Mini Drawing
AOCS student-members who join the no-cost Collegiate Biobased Network (http://www.soybiobased.org/CBN/join) will be entered into a drawing for an iPad Mini.

Because biodiesel and dozens of other biobased products contain soy, USB works to increase awareness and understanding of these products and their environmental, energy security and economic benefits. For more information, visit www.soybiobased.org.
Thanks, and we look forward to sharing more information with you soon on this exciting webinar event.

Monday, April 4, 2016

This Month form Inform Magazine, April 2016

Sink or swim: fish oil supplements and human health
Mixed clinical trial results leave researchers divided on the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

TD-NMR and chemometrics for fat analysis in food through packaging
Time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) is a promising technique for measuring fat content through packaging.

Critical design phases for upgrading oilseeds facilities
Considering a facility upgrade? Use the step-by-step process outlined in this article to guide you through the five critical design phases.

The flaxseed portfolio of natural health ingredients
Can flaxseed production and consumption be expanded as a source of ω-3 oils? This article looks at the nutraceutical and functional aspects of flaxseed and highlights several commercial products.

Multi-spectral hand-held devices for edible oil and general food inspection
Autonomous, multi-sensory, wireless measurement systems incorporated into kitchen utensils make it possible for ordinary consumers to distinguish a range of ingredients from one another and from adulterated samples.

Top-grade oil
Learn how seed quality affects the 11 steps used to process canola as well as the final quality of the refined oil and meal pellets.

Pennycress: What's the catch?
Field pennycress has not lived up to its potential, but scientists are using advanced breeding technology to improve the plant's viability as a biofuels feedstock.

Method of producing DHA-rich oil using lipase
Researchers describe how they used lipase produced by Candida rugosa to produce a DHA-rich oil that is lower in saturated fats and cholesterol.


Find out more about Inform Magazine.

 

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Popular JAOCS articles published in 2015

Below are the top 20 Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society downloaded articles published in 2015. Congratulations to all the authors below and thank you to Editor-in-Chief Richard W. Hartel and the editorial board for their expertise and tireless dedication to the journal.