They can't use smartphones or Wi-Fi, but bacteria have evolved some seriously complex strategies to communicate with one another. And the resulting interactions are a delicate balance of cooperation and, in some cases, competition. Biologists have uncovered a new way that bacteria lay siege to neighbouring cells by hijacking two factors involved in protein synthesis. [ + ]

Specialty foods and beverages could provide a path to profit. In the US, specialty food industry sales hit $127 billion in 2016 with strong growth recorded by traditional and non-traditional specialty food retailers, foodservice operators and distributors. [ + ]

As foodpro 2017 nears, it’s clear that innovations from across the industry will feature heavily across the show floor. In what will be the largest show yet, many of the technologies to be showcased at foodpro will create serious change for the food manufacturing industry. [ + ]

Renewable biofuels are so environmentally warm and fuzzy. Plant the corn, grow it in the sunshine and fresh air, harvest it and then turn it into ethanol for use as fuel. Really, you can just about hear the birds singing. But is this the most economically and environmentally advantageous way to use corn? How about using corn as a food? [ + ]

Yuk! Food poisoning. One of the first symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection is often diarrhoea. Is this just a symptom of the disease or does diarrhoea play a role in pathogen clearance? [ + ]

A new technology captures waste energy from refrigerated food delivery trucks as they slow down and then uses it to power secondary systems, such as air conditioning or refrigeration units, when the vehicles are stopped and idling. [ + ]

I'll give you a hint — it's not mining! You're right, it's us — the food and beverage manufacturing sector. [ + ]

One in three Australians are eliminating gluten, dairy or meat from their diets according to a diet survey conducted by the CSIRO in September last year. [ + ]

Danish packaging manufacturer for the ready meal, 'food-to-go' and fresh meat markets Færch Plast is in the process of being acquired by global private equity investor Advent International. [ + ]

Ready meals are one thing — but ready wine for cats? Cat wine is a thing! [ + ]

An absorbent pad that is effective in the pre-packed state and during the cooking where it will absorb fat and juices released is now a reality. [ + ]

Tanya Barden is taking on the role of CEO at the Australian Food and Grocery Council. [ + ]

The Court of Justice in the European Union has just decided that non-dairy products can't be called milk in the EU. [ + ]

A recent milk study on UHT milk is helping scientists better comprehend Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and type 2 diabetes, leading to opportunities to improve treatments for these age-related diseases. [ + ]

New Zealanders have taken to crowdfunding to try to save the Cadbury factory in Dunedin. [ + ]