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Sticking sugar to protein

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2018

Sleeping for longer leads to a healthier diet

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.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 9, 2018

New molecule shows promise in HIV vaccine design

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateOct 27, 2017

Sidetracked by a donut?

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateOct 26, 2017

How forest fires spoil wine

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2017

With extra sugar, leaves get fat too

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.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateSep 25, 2017

A sweeter way to make green products

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.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalChemSusChem·DateSep 8, 2017

High sugar consumption gives rise to dental treatment costs in the billions

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.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 14, 2017

Scientists make plastic from sugar and carbon dioxide

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.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPolymer Chemistry·DateJun 13, 2017

Religious coping may affect couples dealing with type 2 diabetes

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.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateJun 7, 2017

Delayed meal times reset body clocks

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Delaying meals impacts the sugar levels of the body

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.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Labeling a bacterial cell 'jacket'

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...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2017

Scientists engineer sugarcane to produce biodiesel, more sugar for ethanol

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.