Thursday, August 20, 2015  
Tucker-Falconer studies ability to taste fatty acids | Convocation welcomes Class of 2019
Robin Tucker-Falconer (left) and Brittany Wynn, a graduate student in food and nutrition from Perrysburg, in the College of Health and Human Service's new sensory tasting lab.
Is fat the sixth taste?
Tucker-Falconer study explores possible taste/weight connection

High-fat foods are known for their textures—the smooth, creamy feel of ice cream or the crunch of a crispy French fry. The fatty acids in high-fat foods may also possess a taste. If so, is the ability to detect fatty acids in foods associated with weight problems? As obesity levels around the world continue to rise, researchers are looking for causes. Dr. Robin Tucker-Falconer is part of a team that explored whether people's ability to taste fatty acids was related to their weight status.

Tucker-Falconer, a food and nutrition faculty member in the Department of Public and Allied Health, and her partners have conducted the largest study to date of subjects' ability to taste the essential fatty acid linoleic acid.

"This study adds to the research that suggests 'fat' could eventually be added to the list of primary tastes we learned about in biology class: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami/savory," she said.

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Convocation welcomes Class of 2019

The University community is invited to help welcome the class of 2019 to the BGSU Family during the 2015 Convocation, in celebration of the students' beginning their university academic experience. The convocation will be held Sunday (Aug. 23) starting at 11 a.m. in the Stroh Center.

Faculty and staff may participate in the procession that kicks off the celebration. Dress is BGSU business casual (orange and brown). Individuals who choose to participate are asked to assemble at 10:30 a.m. in the Athletic Hall of Fame in the front of the Stroh Center; entry is through the doors near the Falcon statue.

Those who choose not to participate in the procession are welcome to watch in person or by live stream.

Find more information or register online.



OBITUARIES
Doris King Barr, 88, died Aug. 14 in Florida. She worked in the bursar's office from 1963-87.

Robert Mazur, 77, a professor emeritus of art, died Aug. 15 in Bowling Green. He taught at BGSU from 1965-98. A memorial service will be held on campus in May 2016. Memorial gifts may be given to the scholarship fund in his memory at the BGSU Foundation.

IN BRIEF

President Mary Ellen Mazey will present her State of the University address on Aug. 28 in the Donnell Theatre at the Wolfe Center for the Arts. Her talk will also be viewable by live stream.

Get the details In Brief.