INFORM October 2024

inform October 2024, Vol. 35 (9) • 19

about health risks. Further clinical studies on omega-3 supple mentation and a-fib risk could be of value. “It is better to look at blood levels than ask subjects about it,” said Harris. THE BIG PICTURE Questioning and reanalyzing study findings is all part of scien tific research. This means that although sometimes one study will contradict others, it is important for regulators and the public to consider all the evidence when assessing health risks. Regulators will continue to take the latest research together with existing knowledge to inform their professional judgment and make optimal decisions. Similarly, the public should look to the guidance given by NIH that cautions using a single study’s findings when assess ing health risks. Following best practices like those published by NIH to critically consume health media and independently studying research papers will help members of the public make informed decisions about their health and possible changes in our understanding of health risks. “You have to look at the big picture,” said Harris. George Hale is a freelance science and technology writer based in Pearland, Texas. He can be contacted at halegr@gmail.com.

AOCS EVENTS WATCH April 27-30, 2025. AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo, Portland, Oregon. Visit annualmeeting.aocs.org. AOCS MEMBER EXCLUSIVE EVENTS INFORM seminars will launch in 2025. These are online, microlearning experiences designed to help you gain new skills and connect with professionals who share your interests. Check for updates in upcoming issues of INFORM, at aocs.org, or contact us at general@aocs.org, +1 217-359-2344. Here are some topics we have planned for early next year: January: Plant-based, insects, single-cell organisms, pre cision fermentation… Learn about the latest emerging protein sources. February: Macronutrients in shelf-stable milk alternative beverages March: Overcoming sophorolipid formulation challenges April: How to program in R for predictive modeling

AOCS LABORATORY PROFICIENCY PROGRAM Verify your expertise and testing accuracy while continuing to meet critical regulatory requirements. SHOWCASE YOUR LAB’S EXCELLENCE WITH THE

ENROLL TODAY

DEADLINE SOON! Enroll by November 20 to access samples beginning in the third quarter of the 2024–2025 program year.

aocs.org/lpp