This research shows that estrogen directly influences fat taste perception by acting on estrogen receptors within fat-responsive taste cells. Sex differences in fat preference persist even without gut–brain signaling, indicating hormonal regulation at the sensory level. These findings may inform obesity research and strategies to improve dietary behavior and health outcomes.

Malaria still kills hundreds of thousands annually, while drug and insecticide resistance spread. This research shows that limiting mosquito sugar supply alters their evolution, reducing malaria parasite burden over generations. Targeting mosquito sugar metabolism offers a novel, sustainable strategy for controlling malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Over 11 million U.S. homes rely on toxic lead pipes. Bioderived polyethylene offers a safer replacement, but long-term durability must be ensured. This research studies how chlorine degrades pipe materials and how molecular branching improves resilience. Accelerated aging tests link polymer structure to performance, guiding design of longer-lasting, reliable water infrastructure.

Maternal undernutrition in rural Ethiopia remains highly prevalent at 38 percent. This thesis identifies key drivers including gender inequality, poor nutritional counseling, and cultural food taboos. Using human-centered design, a “couples forum” intervention was developed and validated, showing strong feasibility and cultural acceptability as a promising community-based solution.

This study explored food choices among high school students in Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressing a major lack of local data. Through surveys and interviews, it revealed that students care about health and sustainability but need involvement in shaping solutions. Meaningful change requires listening to youth and making healthier choices easier.

This study examined how intestinal parasite diversity changes with habitat dryness using Guinean baboons and West African crocodiles as models. Through DNA metabarcoding of 258 samples, multiple parasite species—including some zoonotic—were identified. Results showed that parasite richness decreases with increasing aridity, especially in terrestrial hosts, highlighting ecological and public health implications in climate-sensitive regions.

This research investigates how a gonorrhea protein is processed in E. coli using cellular signal sequences, which act like "ZIP codes" directing the protein to its proper location. By identifying effective signal sequences, the study informs potential molecular targets for earlier detection and better treatment, aiming to prevent gonorrhea-related infertility and improve women's reproductive health.

This research investigates how ethanol improves the fitness of sterilized male mosquitoes used in the Sterile Insect Technique. By examining behavioral and genetic responses to radiation, the work aims to optimize mosquito population control strategies and reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.

This research quantifies years of life lost due to preventable injuries such as road traffic accidents, falls, and drowning. By identifying injuries with the greatest impact on premature mortality, it aims to guide public health policies toward targeted prevention strategies that save lives.

This research investigates heavy metal contamination in fish from the Arabian Gulf. Using advanced laboratory techniques, trace elements such as arsenic, lead, and mercury are measured in edible tissues to assess food safety and determine whether local fish consumption poses risks to human health.