Scientific research contest to award $20K for winning analysis of new food data

The American Heart Association invites investigators to use the first set of data from the Periodic Table of Food Initiative to study the role of food in health and medicine

DALLAS, Aug. 2, 2024 - The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service as the world's leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health, announced the first data challenge inviting scientific researchers to use the food database from the Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI), the first of its kind to provide extensive detail on the molecular components of foods from around the globe.

The PTFI is co-managed by the American Heart Association and the Alliance of Bioversity and the Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), a global agricultural research center, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation.

The database includes comprehensive profiles of the biomolecules in food along with how and where they were grown. New research from this data will help scientists, policymakers, and food and health professionals better understand the roles that food and the environment play in medicine and overall health.

The PTFI has developed analysis techniques and an open-access platform that will help streamline the way that food data is collected and distributed. The analysis techniques include bioinformatics and state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technologies that identify biologically active molecules in food. The American Heart Association will make the new data available through the organization's Precision Medicine Platform, a cloud-based system that allows researchers to collaborate and analyze large datasets from any computer in the world using a secure environment and the power of machine learning.

Researchers will have access to data from the first 500 foods in the PTFI's database and can submit research proposals now through Nov. 1, 2024. The winning project is eligible to receive a $20,000 USD cash prize.

There is no cost to enter the data challenge. Finalists have the option to submit an abstract and/or present their research at one of the Association's nationwide scientific conferences or another clinical conference of their choice. Details about the data challenge are at https://precision.heart.org/ptfidatachallenge.

Participants are also encouraged to bring their own data to use in conjunction with the dataset provided. Each participant can upload data into their own private workspace. Potential topics for contest participants include:

• Identifying foods that provide the greatest diversity and quantity of components that are associated with lower risk of disease.
• Exploring the associations between specific food components and risk factors like sleep and blood pressure.
• Identifying foods that might replace dependency on supplements (i.e., for nutrient deficiencies).
• Identifying factors that impact the diversity and quantity of certain food components.

The Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are available here.

For more information, please join us for an upcoming online information session:

Aug. 8, 2024 at 1 p.m. ET (US and Canada)

[Webinar] PTFI Data Exploration Challenge Information Session

Register >

Sep. 18, 2024 at 1 p.m. ET (US and Canada)

[Webinar] PTFI Data Exploration Challenge Information Session

Register >

Additional Resources:

• AHA Research programs: Research at AHA
• Follow AHA/ASA news on X (formerly known as Twitter) @HeartNews

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public's health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people's lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. www.alliancebioversityciat.org

About Periodic Table of Food Initiative

The Periodic Table of Food Initiative is a global effort to map food quality of the planet's edible biodiversity based on biomolecular composition and associated metadata. The ultimate translational goal of the Initiative is to empower stakeholders across food systems. The Initiative is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and its public charity, RF Catalytic Capital, Inc., the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, Seerave Foundation, Fourfold Foundation, The Atria Health Collective, and is facilitated by the American Heart Association and the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT (International Center for Tropical Agriculture). foodperiodictable.org

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Monica Sales: [email protected]

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

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