Modern space exploration mostly relies on shipments from Earth, but these rarely include fresh fruits or vegetables. Having reliable sources of fresh food—rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre—could help keep astronauts healthy on long missions.
A snack here, a ready-meal there. Ultra-processed foods are woven into everyday life, often without much thought. However, new research suggests the question is not only whether these foods contain too much sugar, salt or fat. It may also be whether the way food is processed changes its relationship with the brain.