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<h2>&nbsp;"Diets high in ultraprocessed foods create streaks of&nbsp; in human muscles that may lead to osteoporossis, a new study found"&nbsp;</h2>CNN Health | By: Sandee LaMotte - April 14, 2026<h2>Introduction</h2>The image looks like a slice of highly marbled flesh, reminiscent of a high-end steak with abundant fine-grained streaks of fat. But that’s not dinner. It’s an MRI scan of the thigh of a 62-year-old woman who obtained 87% of her annual calories from ultraprocessed food.🔬The biological effects of ultra-processed foods extend beyond nutrient composition, reflecting how <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-formulations-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-formulations-bruce-a-cosgrove">botanical systems formulation design</a> and <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove">compound interactions</a> influence physiological outcomes →&nbsp;“This participant’s diet was mainly comprised of cold cereals, chocolate candy or candy bars, regular soft drinks or bottled sugary drinks,” said Dr. Zehra Akkaya, a researcher and consultant in the Clinical and Translational Musculoskeletal Imaging Research group at the University of California, San Francisco.Hidden streaks of fat hiding between and within muscle fibers can signal serious health problems. 👉 Continue Reading: <a data-mce-href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/14/health/ultraprocessed-foods-knee-osteoarthritis-wellness?utm_medium=email&amp;bt_ts=1776208767070&amp;bt_ee=2v%2FC5iFAoPLhk3r%2B6fomo8doqTosJIY%2FgPPULEp%2BNGyzeQ4hwqI6LQNLR%2Fse3ydw&amp;utm_source=cnn_In+Case+You+Missed+It+-+ICYMI&amp;bt_alias=eyJ1c2VySWQiOiAiMGExMDVlZmEtMDJmOS00NWI3LWE2MGMtZGUzMTA4ZWI5Zjc2In0%3D" href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/14/health/ultraprocessed-foods-knee-osteoarthritis-wellness?utm_medium=email&amp;bt_ts=1776208767070&amp;bt_ee=2v%2FC5iFAoPLhk3r%2B6fomo8doqTosJIY%2FgPPULEp%2BNGyzeQ4hwqI6LQNLR%2Fse3ydw&amp;utm_source=cnn_In+Case+You+Missed+It+-+ICYMI&amp;bt_alias=eyJ1c2VySWQiOiAiMGExMDVlZmEtMDJmOS00NWI3LWE2MGMtZGUzMTA4ZWI5Zjc2In0%3D">Ultraprocessed foods are turning human thighs into well-marbled steaks</a> →&nbsp;<h2>Research Context </h2><blockquote>This article contributes to <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile">Bruce A. Cosgrove</a>'s broader research into Applied Botanical Chemistry and the scientific principles underlying Botanical Systems Formulations™ → The research examines how plant-derived compounds, phytochemical interactions, bioavailability, dose architecture, and delivery design can inform structured approaches to botanical formulation and health-focused applications.🧬 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-science-explained-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-science-explained-bruce-a-cosgrove">Explore Botanical Systems™ Science</a> →Botanical Systems™ Science provides the scientific framework for examining phytochemical interactions, bioavailability, and systems-level plant chemistry.🌿 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-formulations-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-formulations-bruce-a-cosgrove" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Download the Free Botanical Systems Formulation Protocol</a>™ →</blockquote>

Ultraprocessed foods are turning human thighs into well-marbled steaks

<h2>🌿 "It’s never too late to start eating healthy to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias”</h2>CNN Health | By: Sandee LaMotte - April 08, 2026<h2>Introduction</h2>A high-quality, plant-rich diet—including whole grains, vegetables, and fruits—has been associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment, even when adopted later in life.&nbsp;Much of this protective effect is attributed to <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove">botanical formulations for healthy aging</a>&nbsp;found in plant-based foods →&nbsp;A large study published in Neurology followed nearly 93,000 participants (average age 59) across diverse populations, including African American, Japanese American, Latino, Native Hawaiian, and White groups. The findings indicate that diet quality plays a significant role in long-term cognitive outcomes. &nbsp;Plant-derived compounds influence neurological health through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic regulation.However, the benefits depend on how these compounds are delivered and combined within dietary systems and these interactions are central to structured <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-formulations-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-formulations-bruce-a-cosgrove">applied botanical systems formulations™&nbsp;</a> designed to support metabolic and neurological resilience → &nbsp;👉 Continue Reading: <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/eating-plants-lower-risk-dementia" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/eating-plants-lower-risk-dementia">Eating more plants linked to lower risk of dementia, even in older age</a> →<h2>Research Context </h2><blockquote><h3>This article contributes to <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile">Bruce A. Cosgrove</a>'s broader research into Applied Botanical Chemistry and the scientific principles underlying Botanical Systems Formulations™ →</h3>The research examines how plant-derived compounds, phytochemical interactions, bioavailability, dose architecture, and delivery design can inform structured approaches to botanical formulation and health-focused applications.🧬 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-science-explained-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-science-explained-bruce-a-cosgrove">Explore Botanical Systems™ Science</a> →Botanical Systems™ Science provides the scientific framework for examining phytochemical interactions, bioavailability, and systems-level plant chemistry.🌿 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-formulations-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/botanical-systems-formulations-bruce-a-cosgrove">Download the Free Botanical Systems Formulation Protocol</a>™ →</blockquote>

Eating more plants linked to lower risk of dementia, even in older age

<h2>🌿 Ecuador Four-Stage Action Plan for Botanical Lixiviant Systems</h2>Author: Bruce A. Cosgrove, BSc, MSc | Independent Scientific Researcher | Publication Preprint: ResearchGate | January, 2026Structured Research RecordDOI:<a data-mce-href="https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.10793.66400" href="https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.10793.66400">10.13140/RG.2.2.10793.66400</a> →Structured Record:<a data-mce-href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q140776452" href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q140776452">Wikidata</a> →&nbsp;<h2>Introduction</h2>An estimated 15–20 million artisanal and small-scale gold miners produce 20–25% of global gold supply, valued at approximately USD $30 billion annually, largely through mercury-based extraction methods (UNEP Global Mercury Partnership, 2023). &nbsp;Mercury exposure presents severe risks to human health. As a potent neurotoxin, it affects neurological, immune, digestive, and endocrine systems, contributing to conditions such as memory loss, tremors, neuromuscular impairment, and long-term cognitive decline (WHO, 2024). &nbsp;Environmental impacts are equally significant. Mercury released during processing enters air and water systems, where it is converted into methylmercury, accumulating in ecosystems and food chains and affecting biodiversity and human populations alike. &nbsp;🌿 These conditions highlight the need for <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove">Botanical extraction systems</a> capable of eliminating mercury use while maintaining efficient gold recovery in artisanal mining environments → &nbsp;Manipueira Gold Recovery Technology in 2025 introduced an ESG-aligned four-stage botanical transformational strategy designed to replace mercury and synthetic cyanide systems in Ecuador's Souther mining districs used to recover gold in both artisanal-and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) with manipueira (cassava-wastewater)- a plant-based alternative that enables safer, faster, and more sustainable gold recovery. &nbsp;&nbsp;👉 Continue Reading:<a data-mce-href="https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.10793.66400" href="https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.10793.66400">Four-stage ESG aligned transformative strategy Action Plan</a> →<h2>Research Context </h2><blockquote>This article contributes to <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile">Bruce A. Cosgrove</a>'s broader research into mercury-free gold recovery, alternative extraction chemistry, and environmentally compatible mineral-processing systems →The research examines plant-derived lixiviants, alternative complexation chemistry, solution behavior, mercury-reduction strategies, and lower-toxicity approaches to gold extraction and artisanal and small-scale mining.🌿<a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/mercury-free-botanical-gold-recovery-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/mercury-free-botanical-gold-recovery-bruce-a-cosgrove"> Explore Mercury-Free Botanical Gold Recovery</a> →Explore the research, publications, and applied chemistry behind botanical and alternative approaches to mercury- and cyanide-dependent gold-processing systems.📚 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove">View Scientific Research, Publications &amp; Preprints</a> →</blockquote>

Mercury-Free Botanical Gold Recovery  | S. Ecuador

<h2>&nbsp;🌿 A Review and Sustainable Alternative to Sodium-Based and Cyanide-Containing Gold Leaching Agents: Glycine–Thiosulfate Hybrid System&nbsp;</h2>Author: Bruce A. Cosgrove, BSc, MSc | Independent Scientific Researcher | Posted - Sustainable Technology eJournal (SSRN) | November 2025Structured Research RecordDOI:<a data-mce-href="https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5801183" href="https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5801183">10.2139/ssrn.5801183</a> →Structured Record:<a data-mce-href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q140790682" href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q140790682">Wikidata</a> → &nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Introduction</h2>Solution chemistry governs the interactions between solutes and solvents that enable gold dissolution and recovery in hydrometallurgical systems. These interactions determine extraction efficiency, selectivity, and environmental impact.&nbsp;Traditional gold processing relies on cyanide leaching due to its effectiveness in dissolving gold. However, its toxicity has driven the development of alternative systems, including thiosulfate, chloride, and glycine-based leaching agents. These approaches improve selectivity, reduce environmental burden, and maintain competitive recovery rates.&nbsp;👉 Gold solubility and extraction efficiency depends on <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/glycine-thiosulfate-mercury-and-cyanide-free-gold-extraction" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/glycine-thiosulfate-mercury-and-cyanide-free-gold-extraction">ligand interactions</a> and system design, which are increasingly being explored in <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/botanical-gold-leaching" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/botanical-gold-leaching">botanical-based extraction systems</a> and key parameters such as pH and redox potential, which regulate reaction kinetics and metal complex stability →Gold recovery is fundamentally governed by <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/solution-chemistry-sustainable-gold-processing" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/solution-chemistry-sustainable-gold-processing">solution chemistry</a> and ligand interactions.&nbsp;Optimizing these conditions enhances recovery while minimizing waste and chemical exposure →&nbsp;👉 Continue Reading: <a data-mce-href="https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5801183" href="https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5801183">A Review and Sustainable Alternative to Sodium-Based and Cyanide-Containing Gold Leaching Agents: Glycine–Thiosulfate Hybrid System</a> → &nbsp;<h2>Research Context </h2><blockquote>This article contributes to <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile">Bruce A. Cosgrove</a>'s broader research into mercury-free gold recovery, alternative extraction chemistry, and environmentally compatible mineral-processing systems →The research examines plant-derived lixiviants, alternative complexation chemistry, solution behavior, mercury-reduction strategies, and lower-toxicity approaches to gold extraction and artisanal and small-scale mining.🌿 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/mercury-free-botanical-gold-recovery-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/mercury-free-botanical-gold-recovery-bruce-a-cosgrove" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Explore Mercury-Free Botanical Gold Recovery﻿</a> →Explore the research, publications, and applied chemistry behind botanical and alternative approaches to mercury- and cyanide-dependent gold-processing systems.📚 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove">View Scientific Research, Publications &amp; Preprints </a>→</blockquote>

The Role of Solution Chemistry in Advanced Gold Processing Techniques

<h3>🌿 An Examination, Solution, and Transformative Strategy to Replace Mercury and Cyanide Salts in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Southern Ecuador</h3>Authors: Bruce A. Cosgrove &amp; Moreno-Chavez, J.,| Independent Scientific Researcher | Posted - Environmental Chemistry eJournal | January 31, 2025,&nbsp; Structured Research RecordDOI:<a data-mce-href="https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5049829" href="https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5049829">10.2139/ssrn.5049829</a> →Structured Record:<a data-mce-href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q140791373" href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q140791373">Wikidata</a> → &nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Introduction</h2>Manipueira, the liquid byproduct of cassava (Manihot esculenta) processing, contains cyanogenic glycosides—primarily linamarin—which hydrolyze to release hydrogen cyanide under aqueous conditions.🌿 Cassava-derived systems represent a shift away from <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/mercury-contamination-artisanal-mining-health-perspective" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/mercury-contamination-artisanal-mining-health-perspective">mercury-dependent processes</a> toward scalable <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/cassava-derived-lixiviant-sustainable-gold-recovery-using-manipueira" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/cassava-derived-lixiviant-sustainable-gold-recovery-using-manipueira">botanical extraction methods</a> →&nbsp; &nbsp;This study evaluates cassava wastewater a.k.a. Manipueira, as a functional natural lixiviant for gold mobilization in artisanal mining systems, providing a viable alternative to mercury amalgamation and synthetic cyanide salts. &nbsp;When applied within controlled processing frameworks, this plant-derived system enables targeted gold dissolution while reducing toxic exposure and environmental contamination. The four-stage ESG-aligned framework developed for the Portovelo–Zaruma Mining District, Ecuador, demonstrates a scalable pathway for implementation. &nbsp;👉 Continue Reading:&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5049829" href="https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5049829">An Examination, Solution, and Transformative Strategy to Replace Mercury and Cyanide Salts in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Southern Ecuador</a> →&nbsp;<h2>Research Context </h2><blockquote>This article contributes to <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile">Bruce A. Cosgrove</a>'s broader research into mercury-free gold recovery, alternative extraction chemistry, and environmentally compatible mineral-processing systems →The research examines plant-derived lixiviants, alternative complexation chemistry, solution behavior, mercury-reduction strategies, and lower-toxicity approaches to gold extraction and artisanal and small-scale mining.🌿 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/mercury-free-botanical-gold-recovery-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/mercury-free-botanical-gold-recovery-bruce-a-cosgrove">Explore Mercury-Free Botanical Gold Recovery</a> →Explore the research, publications, and applied chemistry behind botanical and alternative approaches to mercury- and cyanide-dependent gold-processing systems.📚 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">View Scientific Research, Publications &amp; Preprints</a> →</blockquote>

Cassava-derived Lixiviant: Sustainable Gold Recovery Using Manipueira

<h2>The Impact of Mercury on Artisanal Mining Communities &nbsp;</h2>Author: Bruce A. Cosgrove, BSc, MSc | Independent Scientific Researcher&nbsp;<h2>Introduction</h2>Artisanal gold mining relies heavily on mercury-based amalgamation, a process where mercury is mixed with crushed ore to bind gold, then heated to release the metal. While effective, this method exposes miners and surrounding communities to mercury vapor, a potent neurotoxin affecting neurological, immune, and developmental systems.👉 Mercury contamination remains one of the most persistent challenges in artisanal mining systems, driving the need for <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove">safer extraction alternatives</a> →&nbsp; &nbsp;Mercury contamination extends beyond immediate exposure. Once released, it enters air and water systems, where it is converted into methylmercury, a highly toxic compound that accumulates in aquatic ecosystems and food chains. Communities dependent on these resources face chronic exposure through drinking water and diet.Despite these risks, mercury remains widely used due to its low cost and accessibility. However, the long-term consequences—including reduced productivity, increased healthcare burden, and environmental degradation—undermine the economic stability of mining communities.👉 The environmental consequences of mercury use are closely tied to <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/illegal-miners-peru-environmental-devastion" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/illegal-miners-peru-environmental-devastion">ongoing illegal mining</a> activities and the persistence of <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/mercury-contamination-artisanal-mining-health-perspective" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/blog/mercury-contamination-artisanal-mining-health-perspective">outdated extraction methods</a> → &nbsp;These challenges highlight the need for mercury-free extraction capable of reducing toxic inputs while maintaining practical gold recovery processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Global initiatives such as the Minamata Convention aim to reduce mercury use, promoting safer alternatives and sustainable extraction methods have been formalized through international agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;The path forward requires integrating safer chemical systems with education, policy, and local implementation strategies to support both environmental protection and economic resilience. &nbsp;<h2>Research Context </h2><blockquote>This article contributes to <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-independent-scientific-researcher-profile" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Bruce A. Cosgrove</a>'s broader research into mercury-free gold recovery, alternative extraction chemistry, and environmentally compatible mineral-processing systems.The research examines plant-derived lixiviants, alternative complexation chemistry, solution behavior, mercury-reduction strategies, and lower-toxicity approaches to gold extraction and artisanal and small-scale mining.🌿 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/mercury-free-botanical-gold-recovery-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/mercury-free-botanical-gold-recovery-bruce-a-cosgrove">Explore Mercury-Free Botanical Gold Recovery</a> →Explore the research, publications, and applied chemistry behind botanical and alternative approaches to mercury- and cyanide-dependent gold-processing systems.📚 <a data-mce-href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove" href="https://bruceacosgrove.com/bruce-a-cosgrove-scientific-publications-bruce-a-cosgrove">View Scientific Research, Publications &amp; Preprints</a> →</blockquote>

Mercury Contamination in Artisanal Gold Mining

BACosgrove Scientific Researcher, Inc.

The Company is a science-driven research and innovation incorporated Company advancing sustainable chemistry, environmental health solutions, and clean-technology applications. Founded by chemist and entrepreneur Bruce A. Cosgrove, the company develops and validates evidence-based alternatives that reduce toxic exposures while supporting circular-economy and ESG-aligned outcomes across industrial and wellness sectors.

Botanical Chemistry Blog | Bruce A. Cosgrove

Ultraprocessed foods are turning human thighs into well-m...

Eating more plants linked to lower risk of dementia, even...

Mercury-Free Botanical Gold Recovery | S. Ecuador

The Role of Solution Chemistry in Advanced Gold Processin...

Cassava-derived Lixiviant: Sustainable Gold Recovery Usin...

Mercury Contamination in Artisanal Gold Mining