PubHawk
IUBMB Life December 2017 PMID 29130618

The taste of toxicity: A quantitative analysis of bitter and toxic molecules.

Ido Nissim, Ayana Dagan-Wiener, Masha Y Niv

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Mentions

16
Peak: 1 in Nov 2019
across 5 sources since Nov 2019

Extended reach

270,995
potential audience

Total likes

9,698

Video views

266,325

Mentions per month

Nov 2019 – Mar 2023

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter4 posts
  • Facebook4 posts
  • News4 articles
  • Blogs3 articles
  • YouTube1 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions frequently emphasize that bitter taste is not a reliable indicator of toxicity, as seen in posts stating that non-toxic compounds can be bitter. The tone is appreciative and curious, referencing the research's broader physiological and evolutionary implications, which indicates thoughtful engagement without a strong push for immediate practical impact.

AgreementStrong agreement

The majority of posts express strong support for the article's key message that bitterness does not necessarily indicate toxicity.

InterestModerate interest

Posts show moderate interest by discussing the implications of the research and referencing related concepts like physiology and evolution.

EngagementHigh engagement

Comments actively reference the research findings, highlighting concepts like extraoral receptors and co-evolution, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While posts convey appreciation and recognition, there is limited evidence of wide-reaching influence or calls for immediate change.

Abstract in brief

  • The study explores the relationship between bitter taste and toxicity, finding that while many bitter compounds are toxic, a significant portion are not, and many toxic compounds are not bitter, indicating that bitterness is not a reliable indicator of toxicity.
  • By analyzing chemical datasets, the research shows that most bitter compounds are only mildly toxic and that certain types like flavonoids and alpha acids are more common in bitter molecules, whereas alkaloids are more prevalent in toxic compounds.
  • The findings also reveal no clear link between toxicity levels and the activation of bitter taste receptors, suggesting that bitterness may serve other physiological roles beyond signaling toxicity.]
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Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
TasteLabHUJI
@masha_niv · X

Great talks at @AchemsInfo by @amtorregrossa and @TasteProf! Happy about agreement on the bitter does not equal toxic idea :) thanks John Hayes for highlighting our work https://t.co/PzENzklcN2 . John Glendinning new one btw https://t.co/YRA5EZpsTB https://t.co/lMwOAcRhbG

Apr 23, 2022 · 5 likes · 1,321 followers View post →
TasteLabHUJI
@masha_niv · X

@RobertRoyBritt Interesting piece, thanks! And indeed bitter is not always toxic (and toxic is not always bitter) - and what it means for (co-)evolution.. https://t.co/y3yBMm2eNf

Nov 24, 2019 · 1 like · 1,321 followers View post →
TasteLabHUJI
@masha_niv · X

@ShaiCarmi @NPirastu ah, we showed that non-toxic can be bitter and that bitter is not necessarily toxic https://t.co/OsNwisBX6h and since bitter taste receptors are also extraoral, the toxicity detection is probably only part of their jobs

Jul 29, 2021 · 1,321 followers View post →
nicolas van pepehagen
@vanpepehagen · X

@Luna07717445 @margaritaevna95 @Alornthn https://t.co/GeIImdIACr https://t.co/2p6njCvI8R

Oct 22, 2020 · 707 followers View post →

All mentions

TasteLabHUJI
@masha_niv · X

Great talks at @AchemsInfo by @amtorregrossa and @TasteProf! Happy about agreement on the bitter does not equal toxic idea :) thanks John Hayes for highlighting our work https://t.co/PzENzklcN2 . John Glendinning new one btw https://t.co/YRA5EZpsTB https://t.co/lMwOAcRhbG

Apr 23, 2022 · 5 likes · 1,321 followers View post →
TasteLabHUJI
@masha_niv · X

@ShaiCarmi @NPirastu ah, we showed that non-toxic can be bitter and that bitter is not necessarily toxic https://t.co/OsNwisBX6h and since bitter taste receptors are also extraoral, the toxicity detection is probably only part of their jobs

Jul 29, 2021 · 1,321 followers View post →
nicolas van pepehagen
@vanpepehagen · X

@Luna07717445 @margaritaevna95 @Alornthn https://t.co/GeIImdIACr https://t.co/2p6njCvI8R

Oct 22, 2020 · 707 followers View post →
TasteLabHUJI
@masha_niv · X

@RobertRoyBritt Interesting piece, thanks! And indeed bitter is not always toxic (and toxic is not always bitter) - and what it means for (co-)evolution.. https://t.co/y3yBMm2eNf

Nov 24, 2019 · 1 like · 1,321 followers View post →