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Could a sugar tax help combat obesity?

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 29, 2015

Sweet revenge against superbugs

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2015

Regular consumption of sugary drinks associated with type 2 diabetes

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 21, 2015

Food industry achieved only baby steps to improve nutritional quality of foods advertised to kids

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that the food industry's self-regulation program has achieved little improvement in the nutritional quality of foods advertised to children. Despite promises to promote healthier options, most advertised products still fall into the poorest nutritional category.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 8, 2015

Researchers closer to being able to change blood types

Scientists at the University of British Columbia have created an enzyme that can alter the sugar structures in Type A and B blood, making it more compatible with Type O blood. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for blood transfusion shortages, as the universal donor Type O blood can be given to patients of all blood types.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 29, 2015

Joslin research finds gastric band and weight management therapies offer similar benefits

A clinical trial by Joslin Diabetes Center found that adjustable gastric band surgery and intensive group-based medical diabetes and weight management program achieved similar improvements in controlling blood sugar levels after one year. Participants experienced significant weight loss and better quality of life with both approaches.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 28, 2015

Methane monitoring method reveals high levels in Pennsylvania stream

Researchers at Penn State and USGS use a new stream-based monitoring system to detect high levels of methane in Sugar Run stream, consistent with what would be found in shale gas. The findings show that stream monitoring is an effective method for assessing the environmental impact of extracting natural gas using fracking.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 31, 2015

Hydrogel baits offer novel way to manage invasive ants

Researchers found that hydrogels saturated with thiamethoxam dissolved in sugar water reduced the Argentine ant population by 94% in two weeks. The use of hydrogel baits offers an inexpensive, easy-to-apply alternative to traditional pesticides, reducing environmental costs and selectively targeting invasive ants.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEntomologia Experimentalis et Applicata·DateFeb 18, 2015

Insights into a rare genetic disease

Research at RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Center reveals ENGase enzyme responsible for protein degradation in absence of NGLY1. Studies show that inhibition of ENGase activity may serve as therapeutic target for patients with NGLY1 mutation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015

'Imaginary meal' tricks the body into losing weight

Researchers at Salk Institute develop a new compound called fexaramine that effectively stops weight gain, lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels in mice. The pill tricks the body into thinking it has consumed calories, causing it to burn fat without altering appetite.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 5, 2015

Biochemistry detective work: Algae at night

Scientists at Carnegie Institution for Science have discovered crucial biochemical pathways in single-cell alga Chlamydomonas that allow it to generate energy from stored sugars without taking up oxygen. This process is essential for the survival of many aquatic and terrestrial organisms, but its mechanisms are poorly understood.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateNov 10, 2014