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The unique biology of human breast milk

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biochemical Sciences·DateApr 19, 2016

Sweet, tasty and healthy -- the new essence of juice?

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.

SourceAarhus University·JournalFood Research International·DateMar 29, 2016

Drinking more water associated with numerous dietary benefits, study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMar 1, 2016

How sweet can you get?

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 23, 2016

Using sugar to detect malignant tumors

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.

SourceLund University·JournalTomography·DateFeb 22, 2016

A primitive advance

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.

Yale team deciphers sugar's siren song

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.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 25, 2016

Study suggests that what you eat can influence how you sleep

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...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJan 14, 2016

Health warning labels may deter parents from purchasing sugar-sweetened beverages for kids

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.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Reducing sugar content in sugar-sweetened drinks by 40 percent over 5 years could prevent 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in the UK and 300,000 cases of diabetes

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.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 6, 2016

How fresh is your maple syrup?

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.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 7, 2015

How weight-loss surgery reduces sugar cravings

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 19, 2015

Too much, too late: Doctors should cut back on some medicines in seniors, studies suggest

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 26, 2015

First-aid for defective mucus

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateOct 2, 2015

Artificial 'plants' could fuel the future

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.

SourceThe Kavli Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2015

Interrupting sitting with walking breaks improves children's blood sugar

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

DNA repair: Pincer attack

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 6, 2015

Waiting for pleasure

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateAug 4, 2015