Articles tagged with Sugars
Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully made thaumatin, a widely used plant-derived sweetener, even sweeter by substituting acidic amino acids with basic ones. This breakthrough confirms the complex interaction between thaumatin and the sweetness receptor of the tongue.
Lund University scientists discovered that malignant tumors consume more sugar than surrounding tissue, making sugar a promising non-synthetic contrast agent. The study's results suggest the potential to reduce medical care costs by replacing metal-based agents with sugar-based alternatives.
Researchers characterize primitive fungi to understand how they break down plant material and convert biopolymers into sugars. This breakthrough could lead to effective plant waste conversion and new chemical production methods, offering a significant step toward sustainable energy solutions.
A critical discovery about how bacteria feed on an unusual sugar molecule found in leafy green vegetables could hold the key to explaining how 'good' bacteria protect our gut and promote health. Leafy greens are essential for feeding good gut bacteria, limiting the ability of bad bacteria to colonise the gut.
A study led by UMass Amherst ecologist Kristina Stinson examines climate change's impact on maple syrup quality, including its chemical composition. The researchers aim to predict maple syrup quality under future climate conditions and explore management strategies.
A recent study published in Cell reveals how eggs store fuel for embryo development by accumulating sugars during the final stages of maturation. Insulin signaling is inactivated, leading to reduced mitochondrial activity and sugar buildup.
Research found an association between earthworm presence and reduced abundance of certain tree species in understory of sugar maple forests. Earthworm populations are linked to soil moisture levels, affecting seed germination and plant survival.
Researchers found that the brain prioritizes calorie intake over taste quality when it comes to sugary foods. The study suggests that the brain has two separate pathways for processing sweetness and energy signals, with calorie-rich foods dominating our desire for sweets.
A new study found that health warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages significantly reduce the likelihood of parents purchasing these drinks for their children, regardless of education level. The study also shows that these labels improve parents' understanding of the health dangers associated with overconsumption.
A new study found that eating less fiber, more saturated fat, and more sugar is associated with lighter, less restorative sleep. Greater fiber intake predicted more time spent in deep slow wave sleep, while a higher percentage of energy from saturated fat predicted less slow wave sleep. On the other hand, greater sugar intake was linke...
Scientists uncover the structural and functional properties of the BabA protein, which adapts to different ABO blood group sugars in humans. The discovery provides perspectives on developing drugs that disrupt bacterial attachment and eradicating Helicobacter pylori infections.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that while a healthier diet can aid weight loss and improve metabolism, it may not fully reverse liver damage caused by the Western diet. Diets high in sugar significantly slow liver recovery, even if overall calorie intake is reduced.
A study published by The BMJ found that Mexico's 10% sugar sweetened drinks tax led to a 12% reduction in sales and a 4% increase in purchases of untaxed beverages. The findings have important implications for obesity prevention efforts, particularly among low socioeconomic groups.
Reducing sugar content in sugar-sweetened drinks by 40% over 5 years could prevent 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in the UK and 300,000 cases of diabetes. This reduction would lead to a significant decrease in energy intake and body weight, resulting in a substantial decrease in these health issues.
Two studies found a liver-derived hormone, FGF21, that regulates sugar and alcohol intake in mice and primates. FGF21 suppresses sweet appetite by acting on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates food intake and energy homeostasis.
Researchers identified a key protein involved in bacterial sugar coating and found a compound that blocks its action, offering hope for new antibiotics. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective anti-microbials.
A new study finds that bacterial circadian clocks are set by metabolic rhythms, rather than light exposure. Genetically engineered cyanobacteria showed that the clock responds to sugar availability and can maintain a regular rhythm in complete darkness.
Trees draw on stored carbon reserves when springtime sap begins to flow, integrating sugars from multiple growing seasons. This finding suggests that maple syrup production depends on long-term nutrient storage rather than just the last season.
The global diet is getting sweeter, particularly when it comes to beverages, with many packaged foods containing caloric sweeteners. The World Health Organization promotes initiatives to reduce intake, but policies face challenges such as a lack of consensus on low-calorie sweetener substitutes.
Researchers have found that deleting certain sugar-adding enzymes from plants results in similar defects across distantly related species, highlighting the importance of these modifications. The addition of sugar molecules to proteins controls tip growth, a process critical for cell wall formation and seed production.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that weight loss surgery curbs sweet tooth behavior by reducing dopamine release in the brain. The research suggests that positive outcomes are more likely if sugary foods seem less rewarding after surgery.
A systematic review by University of Bristol researchers found that consuming low energy sweeteners instead of sugar leads to reduced calorie intake and body weight. The study also suggests that LES beverages may be more effective than water in reducing weight, as they do not increase appetite.
Researchers found that individuals with better blood sugar control after consuming barley kernel bread had a different balance of gut microbes. The study suggests the importance of individualized dietary guidelines based on gut microbiota. Further studies are planned to confirm the findings and develop combination products with Prevote...
A team of scientists has discovered a gene called SWEET4 that plays a crucial role in increasing seed size and yield by importing sugars into seeds. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new crop varieties with improved nutritional value and resistance to pathogens.
A large study has linked consumption of at least two daily glasses of sweetened drinks to a heightened risk of heart failure in men. The researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 men in Sweden and found that those who drank two or more glasses per day were 23% more likely to develop heart failure compared to non-consumers.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that high post-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is a significant risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse. Maintaining a healthy weight after delivery may play an important role in preventing early stages of prolapse, according to the research.
Two new studies published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggest that doctors should work together with patients to de-intensify treatment for high blood pressure or diabetes in older people. In some cases, stopping or cutting back on medications can be safer than continuing treatment due to the risk of low blood pressure and sugar levels.
The USPSTF recommends screening overweight and obese adults between 40-70 for abnormal blood sugar, referring those with high blood sugar to intensive behavioral counseling. Abnormal blood sugar levels increase risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which has risen in prevalence over the past 15 years.
Researchers created a new form of BanLec that fights AIDS, hepatitis C, and influenza viruses without causing inflammation. The engineered lectin molecule works by targeting the sugar code on virus surfaces and preventing them from entering cells.
Researchers found that glycosidase-silenced larvae are more susceptible to predators and have reduced survival rates, indicating the importance of detoxification. The study reveals a novel mechanism where removing a sugar molecule from a plant's defensive compound can result in detoxification.
A new study found a significant decline in the growth rate of sugar maple trees in the Adirondack Mountains, raising concerns about the long-term health of northeastern ecosystems. The research suggests that factors such as acid rain, insect outbreaks, and late frost damage may contribute to this decline.
Researchers have elucidated the molecular structure of a plant sugar transporter called SWEET2, which plays a critical role in limiting the sugar supply to beneficial microbes while preventing pathogens from thriving. This discovery provides insights into how plants control carbon sequestration and energy homeostasis.
A team of researchers found that sialic acid reduces antibody-induced cell killing, offering potential treatment for autoimmune diseases. Antibodies with this sugar structure are detectable more frequently in healthy individuals than those with autoimmune diseases.
A new study found that consumers are increasingly buying packaged foods from mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, and convenience stores, leading to a decline in nutritional quality. The study revealed that households purchase more calories, sugar, sodium, and saturated fat compared to grocery stores.
A team of researchers at Technical University of Munich has found a way to repair defective mucins, which are key components of mucus. The repair mechanism involves replacing lost sugars with synthetic molecules, restoring the mucins' lubricative ability and paving the way for new treatment strategies.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have found that barley straw can be effectively fermented into biobutanol, a potential alternative to ethanol. The study established optimal pre-treatment conditions for turning straw lignocellulose and barley starch into fermentable sugars that can be used in biobutanol production.
A team of scientists identified the AG1 gene, which helps seeds survive under flooded conditions by efficiently moving energy reserves. This finding has implications for direct seeding, a method that allows seeds to be sown directly into fields without pre-germination.
A new study reveals that GLP-1 agonists may activate glucagon receptors, potentially promoting high blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. The researchers emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how these drugs interact with receptors in different parts of the body.
A study of 350,000 patients with type 2 diabetes found those with poor blood sugar control have a 50% higher risk of being admitted to hospital for dementia compared to those with good control. Improved blood sugar control may prevent many cases of dementia in these patients.
Researchers found that current and former marijuana users are more likely to have prediabetes, but not type 2 diabetes, compared to never users. Marijuana use was associated with a higher risk of developing prediabetes in middle adulthood, particularly among those who used the drug excessively.
Researchers have created artificial plants that can produce methane and butanol using semiconducting nanowires and bacteria. This technology has the potential to replace fossil fuels with a sustainable and efficient alternative.
A new study led by King's College London found that preserving the natural structure of dietary fibre during food production can help slow blood sugar levels after a meal. This could lead to the development of 'diabetic-friendly' foods with slower energy release and prolonged fullness.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that interrupting sedentary behavior with short walking breaks can improve children's blood sugar levels. This benefit was observed even after a sugary drink was consumed, suggesting potential long-term benefits for metabolic health.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that effective family functioning is a significant predictor of healthy dietary habits in children. Children from more functional families were 67% less likely to consume sugary foods and drinks daily.
Researchers from LMU Munich have discovered that human DNA repair enzymes employ a 'pincer' strategy to target damaged DNA, using a sugar molecule as a key component. This finding sheds new light on the complex process of DNA repair and its importance in maintaining genome stability.
A study published in European Journal of Neuroscience found that the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens work together to make decisions about time and reward. Effective 'disconnection' of these structures can lead to impulsive behavior, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders.
A study led by Dr Seishi Shimizu shows that sugar affects the taste of hot beverages by interacting with caffeine molecules at a molecular level. The research found that sugar molecules bind to water, reducing the aggregation of caffeine molecules and resulting in less bitterness.
Researchers created a new rice strain, SUSIBA2, by introducing a single gene from barley, resulting in high starch content and near elimination of methane emissions. This discovery has significant implications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing food security.
Experts weigh in on whether a sugar tax can help combat obesity, with some arguing it's a necessary step to reduce consumption and others claiming it would be economically ineffective. A sugar tax on all products may stimulate reformulated products, while taxes on specific food categories could change diets and improve health.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that regular consumption of sugary drinks is positively associated with type 2 diabetes, independent of obesity status. The study estimated that two million new-onset type 2 diabetes events in the US and 80,000 in the UK could be related to sugar sweetened beverage consumption over 10 years.
Researchers have discovered a potential new class of antibiotics inspired by sugar molecules produced by bacteria, offering a new hope in the fight against drug-resistant superbugs. The modified sugar molecules target a crucial part of the bacterial cell wall, killing the bacteria without developing resistance.
A new study published in Social Science & Medicine proposes taxing sugary drinks based on their calorie content to encourage healthier choices. This approach could lead to a reduction in obesity rates and an increase in the consumption of low-calorie alternatives.
A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology found that treating obese pregnant women with the diabetes drug metformin does not reduce their babies' birth weights. Despite this, the treatment did help lower blood sugar levels in mothers-to-be and markers linked to pre-eclampsia and premature births.
Researchers developed a smart sensor chip that can detect subtle differences in glycoprotein molecules, improving prostate cancer diagnosis accuracy and reducing false positives. The technology focuses on the carbohydrate part of the molecule, which is essential for detecting disease.
A study found that bringing reusable bags to the grocery store increases the likelihood of purchasing organic foods and junk food. Parents with young children are less likely to make these purchases due to competing motivations.
Researchers at OIST have confirmed that specific cholinergic interneurons play a key role in maintaining behavioral flexibility by inhibiting old rules and encouraging exploration. Rats with damaged neurons had difficulty adapting to rule changes, highlighting the importance of these neurons in decision-making.
A study at Oregon State University found that high-fat and high-sugar diets cause changes in gut bacteria related to cognitive function decline. The research suggests a link between the Western diet and alteration of the microbiome, affecting mental and physical function.
A study by University of Michigan researcher Monica Dus found a hormone that triggers digestive response to real sugar but not artificial sweeteners in fruit flies, suggesting humans may have similar mechanism. This discovery helps explain why diet foods fail to satiate hunger and lead to weight gain.
The Plant & Microbial Genomics Group at TGAC has been awarded £100k to investigate the sources of sugar beet infection by Erysiphe betae. The research aims to design genetic markers for a rapid detection technology and develop diagnostic tests to inform disease management strategy.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a set of genes responsible for stem cell production in tomatoes, which explains the origin of the massive 'beefsteak' variety. By fine-tuning these genes, breeders can potentially customize fruit size in other crops.