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Daniel Begay, who is Navajo, had always been told growing up that traditional American Indian foods were good for him. But because most American Indians are lactose intolerant, "they aren't getting that same source of calcium from dairy products," Begay says. Turns out that it's a traditional cooking method that is key to his bone health. The Navajo burn juniper branches , collect the ash and stir it into traditional dishes. The most popular: blue corn mush . Begay, a graduate student at Northern Arizona University , analyzed the amount of calcium in 27 samples of juniper from all over the reservation. But first he had to ash the juniper outside his apartment in Flagstaff. Not quite the same as the rural reservation. "I let my landlord know beforehand. I said, 'Hey, I'm going to be building a fire in our yard, just so you know,'" Begay says. "I burned up a picnic table a little bit." His analytical chemistry professor , Jani Ingram, ...

Italy is known for some of the best foods in the world. It's home to some of the greatest bread, pasta, gelato, and wine, as we all know, but there are a lot of other delicious dishes that are lesser known, yet equally amazing. This past summer I got the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Italy, making my way around several parts of the country and trying a ton of amazing foods that honestly, I now wish I would've eaten more of. You simply have  to visit Italy at least once in your life — I insist. I understand that the number of food options can be overwhelming and you might be unsure what to eat in Italy. So, the following is a list that my fellow Spoon members and I have put together for you on 50 of the foods that you absolutely must try there (although, I'd certainly advise you try more if you can). 1. Tomatoes Tomatoes ( pomodori ) are a huge part of Italian food culture , as they're the backbone of the most terrific sauces, soups, salads, and more. The mos...

(Image credit: Studio Job + Seletti via Designboom) Is there anything more American than firing up the grill and tossing on a few brats and burgers to enjoy with with friends and family? Well, if that's your preferred way to spend summer afternoons , then we have good news: A new furniture collaboration celebrates the iconic foods of backyard grill masters everywhere. Italian brand Seletti is partnering with Studio Job for the 'UN_LIMITED EDITIONS' collection, which will debut at Maison & Objet in Paris. (Image credit: Studio Job + Seletti via Designboom) The fast food furniture pairs "Seletti's passion for unconventional projects, and Studio Job's cheeky creative approach ," says Designboom, and we have to agree. The loveseat is shaped like a hot dog bun, with a dog lumbar pillow (complete with mustard) and the hamburger bun chair with a patty shaped cushion look like they belong in a wacky art installation , a super kitschy diner themed pad ...