NCHU researchers discover nerve repair benefits of citrus oil

NCHU researchers discover nerve repair benefits of citrus oil

2026-05-11

Taiwan produces about 500,000 metric tonnes of citrus fruit annually, about half of which is discarded rind. But research coming out of National Chung Hsing University has discovered a valuable new use for the oil extracted from citrus peel. According to the researchers’ published findings, these essential oils can repair damaged nerve cells.

Deliciously sweet and tangy citrus fruits are chock full of vitamins and nutrients. Out of the 500,000 or so tonnes produced annually in Taiwan, about half is discarded as waste. In the heart of citrus country, researchers at National Chung Hsing University in Taichung used heat and condensation to extract about 3 milliliters of essential oil per kilogram of discarded rind and pulp. But in a research breakthrough, they’ve discovered a miraculous new use for this common product.

David Wang
NCHU Academy of Circular Economy dean
It can improve the functioning of mitochondria within the cells, helping them maintain their energy-producing capabilities.

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell. Terpinene, a chemical compound found in citrus oil, can essentially “recharge” the cell, promoting the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. Overall, it acts as protection for nerve cells, showing significant potential for biotech applications.

David Wang
NCHU Academy of Circular Economy dean
Terpinene increases ATP levels, which protects nerves from damage and aids in their recovery. This is a world-first discovery.

Turning citrus waste into scientific gold, this breakthrough featured in the Journal of Functional Foods has potential applications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, opening up a brand-new avenue for the circular economy.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#citrus #essentialoil #biotechbreakthrough #nerverepair #circulareconomy #research #NCHU #Alzheimersresearch #sustainability #agriculture

為國爭光! 中興大學研發"柑橘皮萃精油"可修復神經細胞

2026-05-11

農業廢棄物變黃金!本土柑橘，年產約50萬公噸，果皮就佔掉一半，透過中興大學最新發現，從柑橘果皮萃取出來的精油，內含生技高應用價值，能修復受損神經細胞，研究結果也登上國際期刊。

酸中帶甜的好滋味，富含維他命等營養素，柑橘家族，台灣年產大約50萬公噸，果皮大約就佔了25萬噸，在最大產地，台中市，中興大學做了這個研究，透過儀器加熱冷凝，每公斤的果皮、果渣，大約可萃取出3c.c的精油，市面常見的產品，被發現有這個妙用。

[[中興大學循環經濟研究學院院長王升陽]]
“可以讓我們細胞裡面的粒線體，可以有比較好的功能，維持產生能量的功能。”

學者指出，粒線體就像是細胞內的發電廠，柑橘精油內的"松油烯"，可以讓細胞重新充電，並且促進多巴胺與正腎上腺素生成，整體能達到保護神經細胞的效果，具有高生技應用價值。

[[中興大學循環經濟研究學院院長王升陽]]
“松油烯可以讓三磷酸腺苷變多，可以保護神經不要損傷，或是損傷之後的恢復，這個是世界首次發現的。”

柑橘廢棄物變黃金，相關研究成果，已經登上國際期刊"功能性食品"，未來可望應用在阿茲海默症、帕金森氏症等，神經退化疾病預防，成為循環經濟的新出路。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

Cabinet pledges to remedy slashed items on original special defense budget bill

Last Friday, the opposition-controlled legislature passed a smaller NT$780 billion special defense budget, a NT$470 billion decrease from the Cabinet’s original proposal. Items slashed from the NT$1.25 trillion proposal included Direct Commercial Sales from US companies and local contract manufacturing. It also added a provision for annual review by the legislature. Critics said the final budget came at the expense of 90,000 job opportunities, and that the annual review stipulation could risk missing payment deadlines. Meanwhile, Premier Cho Jung-tai pledged to make up for the slashed items and programs, whether to be included into the general budget, or in a new legislative bill.

- You posted that you wish there wasn’t a special defense budget in the first place. Do you really believe that the listed procurements aren’t urgent at all?
- Huh? Hold on, let me check in first.

KMT legislator and co-convener of the Foreign and National Defense Committee Ma Wen-chun refused to elaborate on her personal opposition against a special defense budget on top of the regular annual budget.

Ma Wen-chun
Legislator (KMT)
We do support having a national defense budget, but not to have it all earmarked under the special budget.

The approved budget bill has a cap of NT$780 billion—down from the cabinet’s proposed NT$1.25 trillion. The ruling DPP expressed regret over the decision, saying that it comes at the expense of an estimated 90,000 job opportunities and the local drone industry. An unnamed US White House official was reportedly disappointed by the smaller budget. In response, Premier Cho Jung-tai pledged to deliver on the slashed items and programs.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
The necessity of national defense is more than the budget itself. We must regain the people’s confidence and international partners’ trust. The government will definitely deliver on these promises. The fragmented special budget comes as a huge blow to national defense and security, and so we must cooperate more closely with international partners. I hope that ruling and opposition parties alike can have a clear understanding of the reality.

Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Taiwan plays a key role in the face of the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy, especially regarding the First Island Chain. I also hope that Taiwan’s legislature can make amends and that ruling and opposition parties can work together.

Cabinet officials are calling on opposition parties to cooperate for the greater national interest. Meanwhile, the ruling party also points out that the annual review stipulation in the approved special defense budget bill could risk missing the May 31 deadline for US-made HIMARS system and threaten future procurements. The Cabinet is considering adding that and other slashed items either to the general budget or by proposing a new legislative bill for approval. That could be feasible, according to the DPP’s co-convener of the Foreign and National Defense Committee, Chen Kuan-ting.

Chen Kuan-ting
Legislator (DPP)
It’s true that some opposition party legislators seem to be more conservative and rational. They are not so quick to oppose our proposals. I hope that the KMT will support their more rational legislators, because otherwise, they’ll lose swing voters’ support.

Thirty-eight civic groups are organizing a rally on May 23 in support of the original special defense budget bill, and to protest against KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun and Legislator Fu Kun-chi, who were behind an even paltrier NT$38 million budget proposal.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#國防特別條例 #defense #taiwanpolitics #drones #defensebudget

2026-05-11

China blocks Taiwan’s participation in WHA for 10th year in a row

2026-05-11

4 British tourists suffer CO poisoning at Jiufen guesthouse

2026-05-11

Taichung bus driver helps four passengers in wheelchairs

While Taichung’s buses are certainly not known for their punctuality, sometimes the drivers have a good reason for being late. When four passengers in wheelchairs were boarding a bus at once, the compassionate driver helped them one by one. Although it made the bus late for its next stop, passengers praised the driver’s kindness and consideration.

Four people in wheelchairs were getting on a bus at the same stop. Before picking them up, the bus driver let other passengers know the situation.

- I’m very sorry, but because there are people in wheelchairs who need the driver’s assistance, it may hold us up for about five minutes.

The driver helps push the wheelchairs onto the bus one at a time. Two were able to get into seats and store their chairs, while two others settled in the wheelchair area. Thanks to the driver’s help, they all found a comfortable spot on board.

Chan Chih-kai
Bus driver
The other two couldn’t get up, so they stopped in this area.

When they reached their stop, the driver helped them safely get off the bus, making sure they had a smooth journey. Now 47 years old, Chan Chih-kai has been driving buses for 21 years. He’s always had a passion and enthusiasm for service.

Chan Chih-kai
Bus driver
Because people with disabilities face many difficulties when going out, they’re always worrying about something. So, I encourage them to be brave and go out.

Passenger
Finds delay OK
I can understand that feeling. The delay wasn’t long. It’s within the acceptable range.

Passenger
Appreciates driver’s kindness
Everyone should show kindness and help the disadvantaged.

Assisting these four passengers delayed the bus by about five minutes, so how can they make up the time?

Chan Chih-kai
Bus driver
We have to shorten our own rest time, giving that time to the passengers. For example, spend less time using the restroom.

Mr. Chan has won four Golden Driver Awards and even hosted the awards ceremony, showing his talent for spreading joy and compassion.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#bus #driver #busdriver #wheelchair #disabled #Taichung #kindness #compassion #GoldenDriverAwards

2026-05-11

Accomplished chef reconnects with old mentors through Threads

Recently, many people have been posting on Threads looking for old friends or teachers they’ve lost touch with. The owner of a Spanish restaurant posted a list of his former mentors on Threads, hoping to get back in touch with the chefs who inspired him 20 years ago. With the help of others online, he tracked down and reconnected with one of his most cherished mentors. Thanks to the power of the internet, these two chefs were able to renew their student-teacher bond.

From pan-fried pork chops to barbequed chicken thighs, Rex is an expert chef. Next he adds homemade chorizo sauce, orange zest, a squeeze of lemon, and Spanish paprika.

- We first cook it slowly at a low temperature, then sear it over high heat, so you can see the Maillard reaction forming on the surface.

Rex started working in the restaurant industry at age 16, and now he runs his own Spanish restaurant. He’s always cherished the teachers and mentors who guided him along the way.

Rex
Restaurant owner
All the chefs at Chinese restaurants had really short tempers and spoke really loudly. For me at 16, it was kind of... I had to be really careful and meticulous every day. It was really scary, but they were willing to teach me a lot, which has made my Western cooking more solid than others, with more elements and ideas.

He hopes to get back in touch with his old mentors so he can cook for them and thank them. He put this hope out into the world, posting it on Threads.

Rex
Restaurant owner
There were lots of people willing to help, and one of my old mentors reached out to me. When he contacted me, I was really moved.

With the help of the online community, Rex was able to reconnect with his old mentor and share just how far he’s come. Although working in a restaurant was intense as a 16-year-old, he’s grateful for the teachers who gave him a chance.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#restaurant #chef #Spanish #cooking #kitchen #mentor #teacher #student #reconnect #Threads

2026-05-11

Owners gather to let trained macaws fly free

Having pets is very common, with many families welcoming cats and dogs into their home. Birds are also an increasingly popular choice, especially intelligent, colorful ones like macaws. Owners usually keep a chain on their leg to prevent them from flying away and to keep them safe. But some train their parrots to fly free and return home on command.

Dozens of pet macaws take to the skies, seizing a rare chance to fly free. When the whistle sounds, they fly back. Keeping pet birds is increasingly popular, especially macaws, which are highly intelligent, affectionate, and interactive. They can even learn simple words and phrases. Considering their birds’ well-being, these owners took advantage of the good weather to go outdoors and let them fly.

Mr. Fu
Macaw owner
Let them move around! They used to be free, and if we just keep them at home chained up like this, it’s mistreating them. That’s not okay.

But before these birds can be allowed to fly free, they must first be trained to return on command and adjust to the environment, which can take more than a month. As macaws can be quite expensive, ranging from NT$60,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars, many owners put tracking devices on them so they don’t get lost.

Mr. Huang
Macaw owner
My bird can fly free. It has a GPS. It’s great at charming people and very smart. It understands what you say and is even good at talking.

Forming a community, these owners come together to let their birds fly free and talk about their shared experiences.

Ms. Liu
Macaw owner
There’s no way to enjoy the sun at home. You have to train them, make sure they’re stable, and only release them in a safe location. My macaw hasn’t been trained properly, so I won’t let it fly free.

Soaring through the sky is a parrot’s natural instinct. When done safely, letting them fly helps them exercise and stay healthy, and can even make their feathers more vibrant.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#macaw #parrot #bird #pets #petbird #flyfree #training #birdtraining #talkingbird

2026-05-11

Biker straps dog to back while speeding down highway

Pet lovers are outraged about a video posted online of a fluffy dog dangling from its owner’s back while riding a motorbike speeding down the highway. The video was taken on Provincial Highway 74 and shows the pup strapped up, swinging in the strong wind as the heavy bike zips by. Police say that the precarious pet transport didn’t actually break any rules, while a veterinarian says the set-up could cause the dog to suffer severe injuries.

A biker on a large motorcycle zooms by, but look at the back of the driver! It’s not a plushy, but a real dog with four legs dangling in the wind, head shaking left and right and fur flying in the wind. Many have taken issue with the pup transport.

Member of public
Disapproves of biker
The dog looks terrified. It’s just strapped there with a belt. It’s so dangerous.

Member of public
Disapproves of biker
It looks quite dangerous. Why not put the dog in a backpack, or in a transport cage?

The video was captured on Provincial Highway 74 in Taichung, in the stretch from Wuri to Changhua. The biker strapped the doggy to his back to go out for a fast ride. A veterinarian says he shouldn’t carry the dog like that.

Lee Wei-min
National Chung Hsing University
The dog could get a spinal injury. And if the straps aren’t secure enough, the ribcage and sternum will get shaken around. The four limbs are dangling in the air, and not touching anything, which makes the dog feel unsafe and stressed.

The veterinarian couldn’t help but shake his head at the video. The setup wouldn’t be able to withstand an emergency brake at such high speeds. What’s worse, the vibration of traveling at high speeds could be lethal to small dogs.

Lee Wei-min
National Chung Hsing University
It’s a small dog, so just take it out in a transport cage.

The Wuri Precinct reviewed footage of the incident, but stated that it did not seem like the dog was strapped on too loosely. As such, the biker had not violated any regulations. Still, for extra safety, it would be best to use a pet carrier.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#petcarrier #dog #puppy #biker #motorbike

2026-05-11

Biker shocked seeing police wave gun at traffic checkpoint

A biker traveling in Taichung got quite the shock at a traffic control checkpoint, where he found himself up against a police officer with a gun in his hand. The motorist says the police officer was standing in the middle of the road, and waved the gun at him in order to pull him over for a routine inspection. A video of the exchange has sparked much debate online about whether the police officer should be handling a gun in such a situation. Let’s hear from the biker involved.

Voice of Mr. Tang
Biker
I think it’s fine that I got pulled over, but raising the gun like that… did that comply with regulations on when and how to use firearms? Especially the way that he pointed the gun at me and waved to the side. It’s crazy. Is pointing a gun at someone like that OK? He was just standing in the middle of the road when he stopped me. What if I hadn’t been able to brake in time and we had an accident?

Biker
Commenting on incident
It’s overkill. I’d be OK if they use a baton. But a gun… is almost as if they were dealing with a criminal committing an offence. It’s beyond reason.

Lin Chung-sheng
Police officer
At the time, one officer was taking notes, while another was maintaining order. Considering the situation, the officer drew this weapon and signaled the biker to stop, which is in line with the principle of proportionality.

The road where the incident took place is on mountainous terrain and is full of hairpin bends, which makes it popular with motorcyclists. But the loud noise of the motorbikes has been a headache for nearby residents, especially on weekends. On the day of the incident, the police had been dispatched to the area after a noise-related report. The precinct in change of the operation says that the handling of firearms was justified, as there was a large number of people and vehicles at the scene. At the same time, the precinct says it will further train officers to prevent similar incidents in the future.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#firearm #gun #policecheck #biker #motorbike

2026-05-11

Escape room worker almost dies in scary hanging act with real rope

An escape room actor playing a ghost that died by hanging nearly actually died during her work shift this past Sunday. The incident happened at Rostart Games’s Xinyi branch in Taipei, where 29-year-old Ms. Wu tied a real rope around her neck instead of a prop. After performing for the players, she did not come out of the escape room with the rest of the team, which is when she was found to have actually strangled and in a coma. Fortunately, she regained vital signs later at the hospital. Ms. Wu’s family alleged that Rostart Games fail to adhere to safety standards, which was later found to be true by the city’s labor department. As a result, the branch was forced to suspend operations and could be fined up to NT$300,000.

Police inspect Rostart Games’s Xinyi branch in Taipei, where an employee stumbles while answering questions one day after another employee suffered a near-fatal accident at work.

Wu Wen-yi
FTV reporter
We’re at the location of the incident. The venue was supposed to open at 9:30 a.m., but it’s already been an hour, and it’s still not open.

On the evening of May 10, a 29-year-old female employee of Rostart Games Xinyi was playing the role of a ghost who had died by hanging. After the escape room game ended, she did not come out with the rest of the team. That’s when she was discovered in a coma with a real rope around her neck.

Voice of frequent escape room player (anonymized)
Familiar with employee’s act
She gave a little performance, and when players were scared enough, she performed hanging herself, which ended when an elevator appeared and we went on to the next scene. I believe the hanging scene lasted one minute at most. She of course, showed struggling motions, but she also had the typical horror makeup, so it was hard to tell whether she really felt unwell or if it was just an act.

Following the accident, a social media user claiming to be the employee’s brother wrote that what happened wasn’t an accident, because his sister had mentioned that her workplace does not thoroughly adhere to safety standards by using only professional props, and that the rope she performed with was a real rope.

Deputy head
Sanzhangli Police Station
Our initial assessment rules out external intervention. However, Ms. Wu’s family decided to sue the business operator on her behalf for causing injury by negligence and for severe injury caused by negligence.

Fortunately, the employee was successfully resuscitated and escaped death. Prosecutors and police continue to investigate the cause of her injury.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#escaperoom #occupationalsafety #safetystandards #compliance #labor

2026-05-11