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High-altitude living decreases the risk of heart disease

A study published in Frontiers in Physiology found that people living at higher altitudes (457-2297 meters) had a lower risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, which contributes to heart disease and diabetes. The research suggests that high-altitude living may help improve heart and lung function, insulin sensitivity, and weight loss.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJan 30, 2017

Plant regulatory proteins 'tagged' with sugar

A new study from Carnegie Institution reveals that plant proteins undergo extensive modification by sugars, similar to animals, but also unique to plants. This process impacts various cellular functions and developmental tasks, such as flower development and responses to specific plant hormones.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017

Old enzyme, new role

A team of researchers at UD has discovered a new function for an enzyme involved in bacterial metabolism. They found that the enzyme plays a major role when generating sugars from non-sugar substrates and facilitates 'back-flow' even when sugar is being consumed.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2017

Bacterial Pac Man molecule snaps at sugar

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 10, 2017

Glycocluster design could lead to targeted drug delivery

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.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 27, 2016

Food waste could store solar and wind energy

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 6, 2016

Research provides new information on cancer and sugar-sweetened beverages link

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...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalTranslational Cancer Research·DateOct 3, 2016

Meat consumption contributing to global obesity

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.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBMC Nutrition·DateAug 1, 2016

Eating air, making fuel

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.

Another reason for wine lovers to toast resveratrol

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMay 13, 2016

Fighting hospital germs with sugar

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2016