Articles tagged with Sugars
A sugary drinks tax can improve economic welfare by discouraging retailers from using value size pricing, which leads to excessive consumption of unhealthy drinks. The tax would also reduce health problems related to obesity. Policymakers should recognize the wider benefits of such a tax.
Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that uses a Pac Man-like chewing motion to grab and hold onto sugar molecules, allowing pathogens to evade the immune system. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutics targeting this protein.
Researchers found that a high-sugar diet programmed flies' genes for longevity, causing long-term effects even after a healthy diet. The study suggests that dietary history has a lasting impact on health and may have implications for human lifespan.
A new study found that parents' motivation for buying prepackaged, processed foods goes beyond time savings. Nearly half of parents reported choosing frozen meals because their families enjoy them, while a quarter preferred the cost savings.
A study on bat preferences for nectar reveals that competition leads to a preference for dilute nectars. The researchers used computer-controlled flowers with varying sugar concentrations to simulate the feeding behavior of bats.
Researchers argue that sugar-free versions of soft drinks are no healthier for weight loss or prevention, and may even be detrimental to the environment. Current evidence does not support claims that ASBs aid in weight loss or prevent weight gain compared to full-sugar drinks.
Researchers have sequenced the dry jujube genome, identifying key factors in sugar and acid content, and genes involved in breeding compatibility. This knowledge will aid breeders in creating improved jujube varieties.
Researchers have solved a long-standing mystery of how key sugars in cells bind to form strong, indigestible materials. Cellulose induces xylan to untwist itself and straighten out, allowing it to attach itself to the cellulose molecule, forming a 'glue' that makes very strong structures.
MSU scientists engineer molecular Velcro into cyanobacteria, enhancing their biofuel potential and ability to form artificial microbial communities. The technology may improve the efficiency of harvesting algae and reduce production costs for sustainable biofuels.
A systematic review of public health guidelines found that recommendations for limiting sugar intake are based on low-to-very-low quality evidence. The researchers suggest that while limiting sugar intake is advisable, the degree and alternatives remain unclear.
A systematic review of authoritative guidelines on sugar intake found that many recommendations are based on low-quality evidence. The review suggests that public health officials and consumers should be aware of these limitations when considering dietary sugar guidelines.
A UK soft drinks industry levy is estimated to have significant health benefits, especially among children. The study finds that reducing sugar content and increasing prices of high-sugar drinks will have the greatest impact on health.
A healthy diet has been linked to a reduced risk of early death in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study analyzed 7 studies involving 15,285 participants and found that healthy dietary patterns were consistently associated with a 20-30% lower rate of mortality.
A MU study found that Hispanic adults with diabetes experienced significant improvements in blood sugar levels through peer support interventions. The meta-analysis of 17 randomized control trials suggests that these interventions can be an effective way to improve glycemic control and health education for minority patients.
A new study found that only half of highly rated mHealth apps for people with asthma and stroke, and a quarter for elderly users, responded appropriately to dangerous health values. Many apps offered useful tracking functions and reminders but lacked tailored guidance or ongoing engagement.
Researchers developed glycocluster-based diagnostic tools with better selectivity and precision than current tracers. Heterogeneous glycoclusters exhibited special properties, such as rapid transport to the intestine for excretion or selective accumulation in the liver.
Researchers have found a new use for sugarcane pulp, creating highly fluorescent carbon quantum dots that can be used as biosensors and in light-emitting diodes. This innovative approach reduces agricultural waste and offers a new revenue stream for farmers.
Restoring dysfunctional blood vessels in tumors can prevent cancer cells from spreading and improve chemotherapy delivery. Healthy tumor vessels also enhance the supply of immune cells, which is crucial for emerging immunotherapy treatments.
A Purdue University biochemist has created a protein array that can distinguish between glycoproteins, which are indicators of cancer and other diseases. The method, developed by W. Andy Tao, is 17-25 times more accurate than traditional testing procedures.
York University researchers have discovered a novel approach to eliminate E. coli bacteria from contaminated water using paper strips laced with sugar. The 'DipTreat' solution has shown efficiency in removing nearly 90% of bacteria, offering a promising alternative to current silver nanoparticle-based systems.
A community-led campaign that included policy changes, education efforts and culture-shifting initiatives reduced sugary drink sales by nearly 20 percent in Howard County, Maryland. The campaign, led by the Horizon Foundation and partners, also improved food choices and reduced obesity risk.
A study of over 18,000 adults found that those who slept five or fewer hours per night consumed 21% more caffeinated sugar-sweetened beverages than those who slept seven to eight hours a night. The researchers suggest improving sleep may help reduce sugar intake and break the cycle of unhealthy habits.
A study published in CMAJ found that telemedicine, including text messaging and web portals, can effectively manage diabetes by monitoring blood sugar levels and motivating patients. The use of interactive formats such as web portals or text messaging was most effective in controlling HbA1C levels.
Researchers discovered a fungus, Piriformospora indica, that colonizes plant roots and suppresses their immune defense through the protein FGB1. This allows the fungus to avoid being attacked like disease-inducing fungi, facilitating a long-term symbiotic relationship.
Researchers have discovered a potential approach to storing excess renewable energy by mixing food waste-derived sugar alcohols with carbon nanotubes. The study found that heat transfer within the mixture improved with higher density combinations and decreased with smaller nanotube diameters.
Researchers found bumblebees can solve string-pulling task through social learning, with 60% of untrained bees solving it after watching others. The skill continues to spread even after the original string-puller is gone.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute are exploring the applications of 'click chemistry' for cancer research and polymer development. A new four-year project aims to understand the role of fucosylated sugar molecules in cancer, while another project seeks to create new clicked polymers with improved properties.
A study by LSU Health New Orleans found that people with cervical cancer history consumed significantly more sugar-sweetened beverages, while younger, male, black individuals with high sugar intake were also at higher risk. The researchers recommend targeting lower socio-economic status and young males in intervention programs to reduc...
Scientists develop new method to produce fruit protein brazzein, which is 2,000 times sweeter than sugar and has fewer calories. Using yeast, researchers successfully overproduce brazzein, making it a promising low-calorie alternative to high-fructose corn syrup.
A study by University of Adelaide researchers found that meat consumption contributes to global obesity at the same extent as sugar, with protein in meat digested later and converted to excess energy. The study suggests dietary guidelines may need to advise eating less meat alongside reducing sugar intake.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop new method to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, a reactant for making methanol fuel. The process is efficient and uses minimal energy, with the catalyst lasting over 100 hours.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $400,000 to researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia to assess the potential of a specific sugar molecule as a target for a malaria vaccine. The goal is to prevent Plasmodium transmission and achieve a world free of malaria.
A recent review paper highlights the importance of choosing nutrient-dense, soft, and neutral-tasting foods for infants, with avocados emerging as a suitable first food solution. The study suggests that caregivers often opt for sweet foods, which can lead to early preferences and nutritional deficiencies.
A study from the University of Edinburgh found that older people in Japan were less likely to experience a deterioration of existing chronic conditions after the Fukushima earthquake and nuclear meltdown. In contrast, urban dwellers showed a higher decline in managing their blood sugar levels.
Research found blood glucose health deteriorating in obese adults, despite progress in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study suggests controlling weight in obese adults to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications.
Researchers found that brain networks mediating comfort food-induced stress relief differ between males and females, with unique effects in the female brain across the hormonal cycle. Female rats experienced reduced stress hormone response to a sweet sugar drink only during the proestrus/estrus stage.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that obese mice are more likely to overeat in response to environmental cues, driven by changes in the brain. The study suggests a neurobiological account for why obese individuals may be particularly vulnerable to food signals.
Fluorides are effective in preventing caries, but their use alone cannot prevent the disease when combined with high sugars diets. The effects of reducing sugars intake are modified by fluoride, but the two approaches can work synergistically to reduce caries activity.
Weizmann Institute researchers successfully engineer E. coli bacteria to consume carbon dioxide and produce sugars, a breakthrough that could help address global food security and climate change. By adapting the bacteria's metabolism through evolution, scientists have created a new tool for studying and improving carbon fixation.
A study reveals that Botox toxin targets neurons through its affinity for glycans, and mutating a single amino acid can abolish toxicity. This mechanism also inspires the design of anti-toxin inhibitors.
Several commercial weight loss programs demonstrate potential benefits for improving blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes and those at risk for the disease. However, a lack of rigorous studies hinders full endorsement by doctors.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University has identified a key brain region involved in binge behavior, which could lead to the development of new treatments for addiction. By suppressing neurons in this area, rats were less motivated to engage in binge-like behavior when exposed to external triggers.
Researchers found resveratrol supplements can help counteract the negative effects of a high fat/high sugar diet on hind leg muscles. The study, published in Frontiers in Physiology, showed that resveratrol supplementation helped maintain muscle function and fatigue resistance.
Scientists have created a synthetic molecule that mimics the sugar coating on C. difficile bacteria, triggering an immune response and protecting against infection. The potential vaccine could be cost-effective and used to boost the immune system in patients.
A new study has found that certain sugars produced by the body play a crucial role in the development of colitis and colon cancer. The researchers genetically modified mice to lack these sugars, revealing that their mucous layer vanished and they developed colitis and a form of colon cancer.
QUT researchers are developing new technologies to turn sugarcane trash into renewable fuels for the sugar industry. The project aims to reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels in sugarcane production, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions and cost savings.
A case-controlled study of 23 young people with type I diabetes found that those who cared for pets had well-controlled blood sugar levels, 2.5 times more likely than non-pet owners. The researchers suggest that factors like household routines and responsibility may also support self-management of the condition.
Breast milk plays a crucial role in shaping the infant's immune system and gut microbiome by favoring the colonization of specific bacterial groups. After one month, breast milk composition transitions to support infant growth with increased fat and nutrients.
Researchers discovered that maple syrup, rich in polyphenols, can prevent the development of ALS in C. elegans worms by protecting neurons from toxic proteins. The study found that a combination of sugar and polyphenols may have a neuroprotective effect.
A new study shows a 20% tax on sugar-sweetened drinks could reduce annual health expenditure by up to $29 million. The tax would also result in an estimated 800 fewer new Type 2 diabetes cases each year.
Researchers at Kobe University have successfully decoded a sugar molecule linked to muscular dystrophy, revealing its role in causing the condition. By identifying the abnormal synthesis of ribitol 5-phosphate, the team uncovered a potential therapeutic target for treating muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at Aarhus University found that adding lime to fruit juice with stevia and β-glucans increases its nutritional value while promoting a sensory experience. The study's results show that the combination of ingredients can balance out the bitter aftertaste of stevia and improve the overall taste.
Researchers found that certain mandarin hybrid/rootstock combinations display significantly greater growth and cropping under high huanglongbing pressure. These scion/rootstocks showed increased tolerance to the disease, which could lead to commercially viable fruit production.
A study published in Angewandte Chemie reveals how HIV and Ebola viruses attach to cells using nano-sized crystals called 'quantum dots'. The research offers a new way of treating such viruses by introducing a block on their interaction with cells.
Canada's nutrition label regulations are set to undergo a significant overhaul, with added sugars to be included in the new design. The move aims to help Canadians better manage their sugar intake and align with US standards.
Researchers found that carbohydrate polymers control the physical behavior of vaccines and provide a protective cloud against protein denaturation. The conjugates were over 50 times larger than the protein, with flexible properties that retained the highly flexible nature of the carbohydrates.
A new study found that daily e-cigarette formaldehyde exposure from three formats is well below the World Health Organization's safe levels. The results showed that even heavy use of these products still only results in daily formaldehyde exposure less than one-sixth of indoor air quality standards.
A study of over 18,300 U.S. adults found that increasing plain water intake by 1% daily led to significant reductions in calorie intake, saturated fat, sugar, sodium, and cholesterol consumption. The study suggests universal nutrition interventions promoting plain water consumption may be effective across diverse population subgroups.
Kyoto University engineers have developed genetically modified E. coli that produce thebaine, a morphine precursor, 300 times more efficiently than yeast. This breakthrough could lead to the production of painkillers from microbes with low regulatory risk.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to reduce plant lignin using an enzyme, which could lead to cheaper production of carbon-neutral fuels. The technique decreases lignin content by 30 percent while increasing sugar production in model plants.