Researchers at the University of Jaén have become the first to win Castillo de Canena’s Luis Vaño Olive Oil Research Prize awarded to the best olive or olive oil-related research study in Spain.
The study, titled “ ‘The Influence of Minor Components Present in Virgin Olive Oils In The Prevention of Breast Cancer: In Vitro Study of Hydroxytyrosol and Tyrosol,” was conducted by José Juan Gaforio, Fernando Warleta and Cristina Sánchez of the University’s Department of Immunology.
“We have studied the effects of four compounds present in the olive skin; erythrodiol, ovaol, maslinic acid and oleanolic acidon with human breast cancer cells and the results show that the compounds have the potential to provide a natural defense against breast cancer,” researchers noted.
In a unanimous decision, the awards committee chose the project from among eight other research projects. The winners will receive €6,000 ($7,984) in prize money. The University of Jaén will publish their work in a monograph.
José J. Gaforio, Immunology Division, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén
.
“The results of this research has an important social and economic impact on Spanish society. Highlighting the healthy properties of olive oil is an element of the first order to encourage their use in other countries,” Gaforio told Science Watch.
Family-run olive oil company Castillo de Canena sponsored the award to encourage and stimulate scientific research and technological knowledge of olives and olive oils. The award was named in honor of Luis Vañó, president of Castillo de Canena and of the Spanish Arab Bank.
The award ceremony will be held on December 2 at the Castillo de Canena estate in Jaén.
Related Articles
Nov. 12, 2024
Olive Leaf Moth Threatens Brazilian Crops: Researchers Seek Solutions
Brazilian researchers have discovered a dual solution to combat the olive leaf moth: a new eco-friendly insecticide and the strategic use of local wasp species as natural predators.
Sep. 18, 2024
Project Turns Olive Waste Into Supercapacitors
A research project in Spain has concluded after developing an effective process to repurpose olive waste for several industrial applications.
Aug. 13, 2024
Olive Center to Host Inaugural Olive Oil Sustainability Conference
The International Olive Sustainability Conference will discuss sustainability, from farming and milling to marketing and certifications.
May. 28, 2024
Researchers Transform Olive Grove Waste Into Bioplastic
Turning olive tree leaves and branches into biopolymers would provide environmental, economic and social benefits to olive farmers.
Aug. 20, 2024
Leveraging AI to Enhance Olive Oil Quality, Efficiency and Trust
AI has been improving olive farming for a decade, enhancing efficiency, decision-making, traceability, and sustainability. Recent advancements include predictive pricing, pest control, and personalized marketing.
Aug. 7, 2024
Researchers Identify 30 New Olive Varieties in Aragón
Further investigation is underway to determine the varieties’ characteristics and identify whether any could be used to produce olive oil on a commercial scale.
May. 23, 2024
Olives with Higher Phenol Content More Resistant to Anthracnose
Researchers found that olive varieties that maintained high concentrations of certain phenolic compounds during ripening were less likely to develop anthracnose.
Nov. 27, 2023
Mediterranean Diet Helps Slow Age-Related Physical Decline, Study Finds
New research has shown that following a reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet and increasing physical activity slows age-associated muscle loss and reduces total and visceral fat.