Unraveling the evolutionary origins of umami and sweet taste preferences

The perception of taste is one of the most important senses and helps us identify beneficial foods and avoid harmful substances. For instance, our fondness for sweet and savory foods results from our need to consume carbohydrates and proteins. Given their importance as an evolutionary trait, researchers around the world are investigating how taste receptors originated and evolved over a period of time. Obtaining these insights into the feeding behavior of organisms can help them paint a picture of the history of life on Earth.