GlycoNet researchers Matthew Macauley and John Klassen are developing a strategy to identify the molecular identity of sugars interacting with CD33 protein, strongly implicated in Alzheimer's disease. This approach may lead to therapeutic targets or diagnostic tools for preventing or treating the disease.
The study reveals the importance of sugary appendages on protein surfaces, which differ in composition and branching. The researchers discovered the three-dimensional structure of oligosaccharyltransferase, providing insight into eukaryotic N-glycosylation.
A sugar tax on soft drinks might increase alcohol consumption due to similar sugar content in many alcoholic beverages. Research suggests that a more nuanced approach to pricing across a range of beverages may be more effective than a single tax.
A new University of Michigan-led study finds that nitrogen pollution will not fully offset the negative effects of a warmer, drier climate on sugar maples. The research indicates that decreased growth and potential disappearance from the state's Lower Peninsula are expected if extreme climate predictions prove true.
German researchers observed pulses of dissolution in dissolving crystals, marked by waves spreading from etch pits and screw dislocations. These findings challenge the long-held assumption that dissolution is a continuous process.
A King's College London study found that extending sleep hours by up to 1.5 hours per night resulted in a 10-gram reduction in reported free sugar intake. The researchers also noticed trends for reduced total carbohydrate intake among participants in the sleep extension group.
A new review of studies suggests that tight sugar control during labour and delivery may reduce newborn hypoglycaemia. The evidence is currently limited, emphasizing the need for high-quality investigations.
Researchers discovered that humans lost a gene linked to a toxic sugar in red meat, protecting us from some diseases but increasing health risks. The study also found that certain fish have the gene, making caviar high in the sugar, while birds and reptiles do not.
A genetic change 2 million years ago led to humans' immunity to diseases but made red meat a health risk. University of Nevada researchers analyzed animal genome sequences to determine when the CMAH gene became inactive, finding significant concentrations in fish eggs and some reptiles.
Researchers at NREL discovered distinct roles of small sugars in cellulase activity and stability, shedding light on the functions of glycans attached to proteins. This knowledge can be used to improve enzyme performance for biomass conversion to renewable fuels and products.
Researchers from Helmholtz Munich used computer analysis to study IgG antibodies and reveal new steps in the glycosylation pathway. The findings confirmed predictions made by an algorithm and were replicated using genome-wide association studies and laboratory experiments.
Researchers from RUDN University have developed a three-stage synthesis method for producing steroid analogs, including hormones and terpenes. The process takes 2-3 days at room temperature, significantly reducing the time required compared to previous methods.
A recent study discovered that a bone hormone called osteocalcin regulates appetite and energy expenditure. Researchers found that removing an enzyme responsible for activating osteocalcin reduced mice's appetite and increased blood glucose levels.
A University of Maryland-led study developed a vaccine candidate that stimulates an immune response against the protective sugars of multiple HIV strains. The molecule mimics a protein-sugar part of the shield and spurs rabbits to produce antibodies, but does not prevent live HIV from infecting cells.
A recent study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that calorie-dense foods are more distracting than low-calorie foods or everyday objects, even if they are not related to food. The researchers used a distraction paradigm to test how participants' thoughts and cognition relate to their eating habits.
Researchers report that sugar phosphorylation and uridine synthesis occur spontaneously in microdroplets without enzymes or ATP. This discovery suggests prebiotic formation of biologically relevant molecules could have occurred in these environments.
A 10 pence levy on sugar sweetened drinks at UK-based Jamie's Italian led to a 9-11% decrease in sales, with the impact greatest in restaurants with highest pre-existing sales of these beverages.
A new study found that pregnant women who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Average sleep duration of less than 6 hours was associated with a 1.7 fold increase in the risk of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a Zika virus mutation that contains a sugar in its protein envelope, which may help the virus enter the brain. This discovery could explain why the virus became more lethal during outbreaks in the Caribbean and South America.
A study found that consuming high sugar diets increases fat levels in the blood and liver, raising cardiovascular health risks. Healthy men with low liver fat showed similar changes after consuming a high sugar diet, highlighting the importance of sugar intake regulation.
Glycosylation of smoke-derived volatiles in grapevine is catalyzed by a promiscuous resveratrol/guaiacol glucosyltransferase, leading to undesirable aromas in wine. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon and potential counter-measures for vintners.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that increasing sugar levels in plant leaves increases oil content, which could lead to the production of biofuels and useful chemicals. By selectively breeding plants with specific traits, they successfully tipped the balance of plant metabolism to favor higher oil production.
Researchers have developed a better understanding of how to improve the production of beta cells, the cells responsible for insulin regulation in diabetics. The study shows that genes NXK6.1 and MNX1 play a crucial role in the development of beta cells.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt develop a new mechanism to channel metabolism in baker's yeast, enabling direct delivery of raw materials to desired enzymes. This approach improves sugar conversion into ethanol while minimizing unwanted by-products.
Researchers at Aarhus University discovered a detoxification process in the body's fat-metabolism that captures and inhibits toxic methylglyoxal, a key player in age-related diseases. This finding may explain why low-carbohydrate diets with plenty of fat promote healthy aging and prevent diseases.
A new study suggests that nearly 11% of Medicare participants with diabetes have very low blood sugar levels indicating over-treatment. However, only 14% of these patients had a reduction in blood sugar medication refills in the next six months.
University of Delaware researchers develop a one-step technology to extract sugars from wood chips and other organic waste, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and high processing costs. The innovative method results in a 95% theoretical yield of sugars and enables the economical production of feed streams for bioproducts.
A recent CARBS study showed that salacia extract reduces appetite and manages blood sugar levels by improving glycemic indices and gut hormones in healthy overweight/obese individuals. The proprietary extract, OmniLean, also reduces spikes in blood sugar and hunger pangs.
Developed by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg researchers, the dissolvable milk capsules are made from a crystalline crust that easily dissolves in hot liquid. The production process is relatively simple and can be used for various liquids, including fruit juice concentrate.
Researchers have designed a complex sugar molecule that binds to galectin-1, enabling the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs and rapid tests for early cancer detection.
A study by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg and BRAIN AG found a clear correlation between sugar consumption and dental illness, resulting in significant costs. The researchers estimated that implementing the World Health Organization's 50g sugar per person per day target could save Germany up to 12 billion euros annually.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed new probes that can detect low pH in living cells without causing photobleaching. The probes are coated with a simple sugar found in fruits and emit light in two different ways, making them highly sensitive to pH and gentle on cells.
The program will train staff at 20 health centers to offer group visits for diabetes patients, partnering with Care Message to implement a text messaging system. The goal is to consolidate services into one visit, provide education, and social support to help patients manage their blood sugar levels.
Interventions targeting children reduced sugary drink intake by around 30%, while those for teenagers saw a decrease of nearly 10%. However, adults showed almost no change. The study highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to address this issue, including taxation and environmental changes.
Researchers have developed a simple methodology to capture proteins implicated in Alzheimer's disease and other conditions. The new method uses engineered tails to trap sugar-modified proteins, which can then be identified using routine laboratory techniques.
A randomized clinical trial found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) decreased stress and improved blood sugar levels in overweight women. While MBSR had no significant impact on weight or insulin resistance, it may have potential benefits for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
Researchers at LSTM have created synthetic alternatives to IVIg therapy for conditions like CIDP and Guillain-Barré syndrome. The new treatments, enriched with sialic acids, can be produced at a fraction of the cost and may offer relief to millions of people globally.
New research found a link between reduced tariffs on high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and higher caloric sweetener intake in Canada. The study suggests that trade agreements like NAFTA may contribute to increased exposure to unhealthy food items, particularly those containing HFCS.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a new process to make polycarbonate plastic from sugars and carbon dioxide, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. The resulting plastic is biodegradable, bio-compatible, and can be used for medical implants or as scaffolds for growing tissues or organs.
Cyanobacteria's protein machines, called carboxysomes, were biochemically purified and visualized using advanced microscopes. They were found to be softer and structurally flexible than previously thought, with implications for designing new nanomaterials and nano-bioreactors.
A new study found that spousal engagement in healthy diet planning and shared glycemic control activities can help manage type 2 diabetes. Positive religious coping by the nondiabetic spouse is also linked to higher levels of shared activities, while negative coping is associated with lower participation.
A national fruit and vegetable subsidy is estimated to avert 150,500 CVD deaths, while a mass media campaign might reduce deaths by 25,800. A tax on sugar sweetened beverages could avert 31,000 CVD deaths, with a combination of these policies potentially saving around 230,000 lives
A new molecular modeling method using freely available software provides accurate predictions of solubility. The approach exploits thermodynamic expressions and can be applied to any solute-solvent combination, making it a crucial tool for industries such as pharmaceuticals and petroleum.
A new study suggests that implementing targeted food policies, such as subsidies for fruit and vegetables and taxes on sugar sweetened drinks, could avert hundreds of thousands of deaths from cardiovascular disease in the US. These economic incentives have been successful in improving dietary choices in the past.
Excess nitrogen in oceans disrupts coral-algae symbiosis, triggering bleaching even without heat and light stress. Microbial processes like nitrogen fixation can exacerbate bleaching events.
Researchers found that delayed meal times significantly affect blood sugar levels, with later meals causing a delay of over 5 hours in internal rhythms. The study suggests that timed meals could be beneficial for individuals with circadian rhythm disorders.
Researchers at the University of Surrey discovered that delaying meal times by five hours can delay blood sugar rhythms, suggesting a potential solution for alleviating symptoms of shift work and jet lag. This finding indicates that separate circadian clocks govern glucose metabolism and fat levels in the blood.
A team of researchers discovered that a bacterium infects cotton by tricking the plant to produce food for itself, ultimately depleting the plant's resources. The study offers potential tools for earlier diagnostics and strategies for controlling the disease, which can affect up to 40% of cotton yield.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new method to label and visualize the sugar backbone of bacterial cell walls, also known as the 'cell jacket'. This breakthrough allows scientists to better understand how the immune system misidentifies beneficial bacteria, leading to chronic inflammatory diseases. By using th...
A new study by Deakin University found that removing full sugar soft drinks from sports centers led to a significant decrease in sales volume of 'red' ready-to-drink beverages and an increase in sales volume of 'green' (healthy) drinks. Overall sales remained unchanged, but the proportion of green drinks sold increased.
Researchers identified specific dopamine wedge neurons responsible for driving fruit flies' food preferences towards what they need. After protein deprivation, these neurons released a chemical signal that directed the flies to seek out their main protein source, yeast.
Researchers identified brain cells in fruit flies responsible for regulating protein levels, promoting a single-minded focus on eating protein when starved. The study's findings may have implications for addressing the obesity epidemic by understanding how protein intake affects caloric intake.
A team of researchers has completed the sequencing of barley's complete genome, providing new insights into gene families key to the malting process. The breakthrough could aid in breeding and optimizing genetic diversity in crops like rice and wheat.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that sociodemographic factors have a stronger association with unhealthy food consumption than the food shopping environment. Being younger, male, and lacking a college degree were linked to greater intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and discretionary fats.
Research found that drinking at least one artificially sweetened beverage a day increased the risk of developing ischemic stroke by three times and Alzheimer's disease dementia by 2.9 times compared to less frequent consumption. The study highlights the need for more research into this area.
Stevia stimulates the ion channel TRPM5, which is involved in taste perception and insulin release, helping to prevent abnormally high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes. The study opens up new possibilities for treating diabetes, but further research is needed before new treatments can be developed.
Researchers tested house fly survival on erythritol and found flies died no faster than if fed water alone, suggesting starvation, not toxicity, is the cause of death.
A team of researchers has successfully engineered sugarcane to produce oil in its leaves and stems, resulting in higher oil content without compromising sugar production. This breakthrough could lead to the development of dual-purpose bioenergy crops that are more profitable and sustainable than traditional soybeans and corn.
Climate change is altering silica uptake in sugar maple trees, potentially affecting ecosystems. Warmer winters and reduced snow cover are damaging tree roots, leading to a significant loss of silica, which plays crucial roles in forest health.
Engineers at MIT develop microfluidic device mimicking nature's hydraulic pumps, enabling passive water pumping and potential use in small robots. The 'tree-on-a-chip' uses a sugar-powered hydraulic system to maintain constant flow rate for several days.