The ubiquitous presence of lactoferrin (LF) receptor in human as reported by the research group of Prof, Bo Lonnerdal, Univ. California, encouraged us to search for the unknown physiological roles of LF. Under the collaboration with Prof. Etsumori Harada, Tottori Univ., and his research group, we have found two novel biological activities of LF as the control of the lipid metabolism and the effect on the central nervous system. Relating to the lipid metabolism, LF could, in animal experiments, reduce triglyceride and total cholesterol both in blood and liver. LF increased plasma HDL-C and lowered LDL-C. In the central nervous system, LF showed anti-nociceptive activity mediated by ${\mu}$-opioid receptor in the rat spinal cord. LF enhanced analgesic action of morphine synergistically via nitric oxide synthesis. LF showed opioid-mediated suppressive effect on distress induced by maternal separation in rat pups.

Heat treatment is essential for hygienic safety and for extending shelf-life of milk. Heating of milk affects principally its physicochemical, nutritional and organoleptic properties. The most important changes are the decrease in whey protein solubility and the decrease in stability of casein micelles. Maillard reactions are also important and undesirable consequences.

Surface mould ripened soft cheeses such as Camembert are characterized by the presence of a felt-like coating of white mycelia due to the growth of Penicillium camemberti at the surface. The presence of this mould gives these cheeses a different appearance, as well as a typical aroma and taste. It also lead to a more complex ripening than in other varieties of cheese with simple flora. Theses cheeses are becoming increasingly popular with consumer and there is an increasing demand for them.