Author Dr Emma Davies

Dr Emma Davies

Dr Emma Davies is a science writer and editor with a PhD in food chemistry from the University of Leeds. She writes about all aspects of chemistry, from food and the environment to toxicology and regulatory science.

Recent articles by Dr Emma Davies
Aerial view of hands with knife cutting celery on wooden cut board

Are negative-calorie foods real?

Often touted as having zero, or even 'negative-calories', celery does indeed contain calories so it isn't a magical weight-loss food.
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A triangle of aged cheese sits on top of a big round.

What's the world's oldest cheese?

The oldest cheese samples that survive today were found in the necks of Bronze Age mummies in China
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Illustration of a person pouring beer into a glass from their stomach.

Could I brew alcohol in my body?

It's possible to brew alcohol in your gut if you have auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), which can make you appear drunk without having a drink.
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A bowl of chickpeas

The secret super carb: How 'resistance starch' can transform your gut health

Whatever age you are, this group of foods is a must in your diet
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A bottle of oil being poured over a plate of vegetables

What makes the Mediterranean diet so good for us?

Why simple changes to your everyday meals can be the path to better health.
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A steak resting on a wooden chopping board with seasoning on it

When's the best time to salt a steak?

One of the great questions of our time, answered.
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An illustration of a bird flying surrounded by red meat.

What caused the Kentucky Meat Shower?

It's raining meat! Hallelujah!
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An illustration of a cockroach drinking a cup of coffee on a chair.

Is it true there are ground-up cockroaches in packets of pre-ground coffee?

Fancy a cup of roach? Sorry, joe. A nice cup o' joe.
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Why do Olympians bite down on gold medals? © Getty

Here's what Olympic gold medals are actually made from

And why do Olympians bite them?
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Olympic volleyball

Here’s why sand doesn’t stick to Olympic volleyball players

The hidden science of beach volleyball.
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A person stood in front of a yellow background looking off to the right of the frame with a red chilli in their mouth.

Why do I love spicy food, when it doesn’t always love me? What can I do?

Can you handle the heat?
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A person holding a plate with two hands. On the plate is toasted bread with melted cheese inside.

Why does melted cheese taste so good?

Another round of cheese on toast, please.
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A woman's arm reaches towards a body of calm water, dipping her fingertips into it to create ripples on the surface

Is water actually wet? Scientists aren't sure

We dive into the surprisingly deep scientific debate.
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Lots of pumpkins sat on bales of hay and straw with a giant pumpkin displayed on a platform in the middle

The world’s largest pumpkin is ridiculously large… But is far from its biological limit

Pumpkins keep getting bigger thanks to time spent in cell division, specialised tissue, and selective breeding.
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A bright red strawberry with a green strawberry top looks vibrant against a white background

Why are strawberries red?

Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of certain diseases. The redder the berry, the more antioxidants it has.
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A red fast food container full of french fries stands behind a pile of potato crisps

Why is salty food so satisfying?

Salt is a flavour enhancer and is used in highly processed foods which are satisfying to eat.
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Colourfully glazed ring-doughnuts covered in sprinkles stacked atop a wooden table.

Should I eat dessert with breakfast to help me diet?

Eating a high carbohydrate and high protein breakfast may help you lose weight, according to some studies.
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Closeup of Trovants or the living stones of Bozioru, in mystical Buzau County, Romania

What are trovants?

The staggering science behind trovants, the rocks that can grow, move – and reproduce.
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Where should you store your eggs? © Getty Images

Where should you store your eggs?

Are you storing your eggs wrong?
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