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Researcher finds evidence supporting sucrose can help manage painful procedures in infants

A recent Cochrane review found that administering sucrose to infants undergoing venepuncture is an effective and safe way to manage pain. The study recommends using sucrose as a first-line pain management strategy before the procedure, especially when other options like skin-to-skin contact or breastfeeding are not available.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateMar 5, 2026

Sugar comforts newborn babies during painful procedures

A new Cochrane review found that sucrose can effectively reduce pain in newborn babies during painful procedures like venepuncture. The study examined 29 clinical trials involving over 2,700 babies and showed that a small amount of sucrose given before the procedure significantly reduces pain when combined with non-nutritive sucking.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 3, 2026

Dietary sucrose determines activity of lithium on gene expression and lifespan in drosophila melanogaster

Researchers found that lithium's efficacy in enhancing longevity and altering body composition is influenced by the sucrose content of the diet. The study reveals a significant overlap between the transcriptional responses to increasing dietary sucrose and adding lithium, suggesting a joint mechanism at play.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Sugar-based catalyst upcycles carbon dioxide

A new sugar-based catalyst has successfully converted carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a building block for producing fuels that can replace gasoline. The catalyst, made from an inexpensive and abundant metal, offers a potential solution for disposing of captured carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

How a moth’s taste preferences change with age

Researchers discovered that cotton bollworm larvae use Gr10 to detect sucrose in low-sugar tissues, while adults primarily rely on Gr6 to sense a variety of sugars. This finding could lead to new approaches for pest control and increase crop yields.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 7, 2023

Cleveland Clinic study finds common artificial sweetener linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke

A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that high levels of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers studied over 4,000 people and found those with higher blood erythritol levels were at elevated risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2023

Unraveling the selective transport of sugar and hormone that underlies male fertility in plants

The study reveals that SWEET13 transporter is necessary for pollen production, highlighting the importance of sucrose transport. Researchers used molecular docking and simulation to understand how SWEET13 selectively transports sucrose over gibberellin.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 25, 2022

NIST finds a sweet new way to print microchip patterns on curvy surfaces

Researchers have found a way to transfer precise micro Patterns onto unconventional surfaces, including curved surfaces and fibers. This technique, called REFLEX, could open up new possibilities for the development of new materials and microstructures in fields such as electronics and biomedical engineering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

Study: Carbs, sugary foods may influence poor oral health

A recent study has found a link between high carbohydrate intake and the diversity of oral bacteria in postmenopausal women. The researchers also discovered associations between sugar consumption and certain types of gum disease, such as gingivitis. These findings suggest that diet may play a role in the development of periodontal dise...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2022

Both sucrose and high fructose corn syrup linked to increased health risks

A University of California, Davis study found that consuming sucrose and high fructose corn syrup can increase liver fat and decrease insulin sensitivity, highlighting the need for consumers to read labels carefully. The study also found no significant differences between the effects of sucrose and high fructose corn syrup.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Healthy sugar origin in stingless bee honey revealed

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that stingless bees produce a rare, healthy sugar called trehalulose, which is not found in other honey or as a major component in other food. Stingless bees convert sucrose to trehalulose and produce honey rich in trehalulose in their gut.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Sweet taste reduces appetite?

A study found that consuming lactisole-supplemented sucrose increased energy intake and reduced serotonin levels in male subjects, suggesting a role for the sweet taste receptor in satiety regulation. The effect was not observed with glucose supplementation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNutrients·DateNov 10, 2020

Nucleus accumbens recruited by cocaine, sugar are different

Researchers found that the nucleus accumbens recruited by cocaine use are largely distinct from those recruited by sucrose, offering a potential solution for treating substance use disorders without affecting biologically adaptive seeking of reward. The study identified specific neuronal ensembles and cell types involved in each response.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 28, 2020

Low-calorie sweetener derived from lactose gets manufacturing boost from yeast

A new strain of yeast can produce tagatose in much larger quantities than traditional enzymatic manufacturing techniques, making it a cost-effective alternative to sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. The glycemic index of tagatose is lower than that of sucrose and fructose, carrying a lower risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

SibFU scientists simulated the intracellular environment of a luminescent bacteria cell

The study investigated the effect of viscosity on enzymatic reactions in a simulated intracellular environment. Scientists found that sucrose limited enzyme mobility more efficiently than glycerol, affecting reaction rates and mechanisms. The approach to constructing metabolic chains inside luminescent bacteria cells was proposed.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalMolecular Catalysis·DateOct 26, 2018

The sugar wars: Rhetoric or reason?

Researchers argue that sugar is not responsible for obesity and metabolic diseases, citing evidence from multiple domains. Experts also highlight the importance of physical activity in determining metabolic health. The debate raises questions about the role of sugar in modern diets and whether restrictive recommendations are effective.

SourceElsevier·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateAug 27, 2018

Sweet route to greater yields

Researchers from Rothamsted Research introduce a rice gene that regulates sucrose accumulation in kernels, leading to increased productivity in maize even under drought conditions. The transgenic maize also improves rates of photosynthesis, resulting in more sucrose production for additional kernels.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateFeb 7, 2018

Diverse populations make rational collective decisions

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that individual ants with different preferences can lead to a collective rational decision when making binary choices. The team found that the middle group of ants, which preferred a higher sucrose concentration, was the key to the colony's decision-making process.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 16, 2017

Association between sugary diet and coronary artery disease

A study from Lund University found that consuming high amounts of added sucrose increases the risk of myocardial infarction by about a third. The researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 participants and found no correlation between sugar intake and cardiovascular disease for those following general dietary recommendations.

SourceLund University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateNov 3, 2016

Digesting sweet taste

A study from the Monell Center found that gut enzymes sucrase and maltase are also expressed in sweet taste cells on the tongue, breaking down complex sugars into glucose and fructose. This discovery may lead to the development of non-caloric sweeteners with a better sweet taste.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 9, 2016

Growing sweet on tomatoes

Researchers from Tohoku University created a modified DNA sequence that increases sucrose levels in tomatoes without limiting growth. The technology also affects amino acid metabolism, resulting in higher levels of several key compounds.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateNov 19, 2015