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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Biosyncaucho produces an alternative compound using renewable resources, addressing the shortage of 1,3-butadiene and its associated environmental impact. The technology has the potential to provide economically viable and greener alternatives for various industries.
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.
Penn researchers have developed a novel model of artificial membranes with programmable surfaces, allowing for precise control over glycan structures. This breakthrough enables the study of membrane-sugar-protein interactions, which are crucial for understanding diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers analyzed metabolites in the blood of children undergoing heart surgery for congenital heart disease and found a link between certain molecules and clinical outcome. The presence of ketone bodies correlated with better outcomes, while other metabolites such as citrate, lactate, and alanine were associated with poorer outcomes.
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.
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.
A recent study found that sugary drinks increase risk factors for cardiovascular disease in young, healthy adults. The research demonstrated a direct correlation between the amount of added sugar consumed and increased risk factors, including high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.
Experts in British Journal of Sports Medicine say regular exercise is key to staving off serious disease, but calorie-laden diets generate more ill health than physical inactivity. The evidence suggests up to 40% of those within a normal weight range harbor harmful metabolic abnormalities.
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.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that healthy middle-aged and older adults can reduce their risk of heart disease by adapting to current UK dietary guidelines. The trial revealed significant reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight.
Scientists have discovered a combination of fullerene derivatives and glucosamine that reduces cell damage and inflammation after a stroke. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for cerebrovascular accidents.
A team of researchers used micro-CT scans to explore why making willow trees grow at an angle can vastly improve their biofuel yields. Tilted willows respond by producing a sugar-rich, gelatinous fibre that helps them stay upright.
Tianbo Liu finds that molecules with electrical charge self-recognize left-handed and right-handed pairs to form large assemblies, simplifying the mystery of homochirality. This discovery emphasizes nature's simplicity in creating life.
A historical analysis of internal sugar industry documents shows the industry influenced research priorities for the NCP, excluding research that could have harmed their interests. The study highlights an alignment of agendas between the NIDR and sugar industry in the early 1970s.
Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute used proteomics to analyze switchgrass, a promising fuel crop candidate, and identified 1,750 unique proteins. This study demonstrates the potential of proteomics in optimizing biofuel production from switchgrass.
A new study found that onion extract can strongly lower high blood glucose levels and total cholesterol in diabetic rats when given with the antidiabetic drug metformin. The extract also showed potential for use in treating patients with diabetes.
Researchers introduced new metabolic pathways into yeast to efficiently ferment xylose and hemicellulose from plant cell walls. This allows for biofuel production without harsh pre-treatments or expensive enzymes, overcoming existing bottlenecks in fermentation of lignocellulosic feedstocks.
Researchers have developed a new high-throughput system to rapidly screen yeasts for producing sustainable biofuels. The technique, in collaboration with the National Collection of Yeast Cultures, aims to find naturally better-performing yeast strains that can boost efficiency and reduce costs.
A new pretreatment process called Co-solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) reduces the need for enzymes in biofuel production by up to 90%, cutting costs by 30% or more. This technology also extracts up to 90% of lignin from biomass, paving the way for additional high-value chemicals and fuels.
Researchers discovered that DPP-4 inhibitors stimulate insulin production and increase glucagon levels, providing protection against hypoglycaemia in mice. This finding could lead to new areas of application for existing diabetes drugs.
Researchers developed a model to predict who stands to gain most from diabetes-preventing drugs or lifestyle changes like exercise and weight loss. The model identified seven key factors: fasting blood sugar, A1C level, triglycerides, family history of high blood sugar, waist measurement, height, and waist-to-hip ratio.
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.
Researchers discovered how coral-dwelling microalgae harness nutrients from seawater and transport them to corals through a complex process. The findings provide new insights into the impact of coral bleaching on reef ecosystems, highlighting the importance of this symbiotic relationship.
Researchers have discovered a neural circuit that controls compulsive sugar consumption in mice without affecting normal feeding behavior, providing a potential target for treating compulsive overeating. The study reveals a distinct subset of neurons responsible for mediating food-seeking behavior and responding to reward consumption.
Scientists found that oranges are packed with nutrients like carotenoids and flavonoids, which can help lower cancer risk and cardiovascular disease. However, juicing oranges may slightly lower nutrient levels but significantly improve their bioaccessibility.
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.
Researchers at NIST discover two environments for molecules in liquids and glasses, shedding light on molecular-level processes that affect protein stability. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for designing optimal sugar coatings to preserve proteins' structure intact.
Researchers at RIKEN found that preventing abnormal sugar attachment to BACE1 enzyme reduces Alzheimer's plaques and improves cognitive performance in mice. This study reveals a novel mechanism for Alzheimer's disease development and potentially offers a new therapeutic target.
A new study by Yale University researchers found that older diabetes patients often receive aggressive treatment despite questionable benefits. The study suggests a one-size-fits-all approach may be over-treating a substantial proportion of the population, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
A long-term follow-up of patients with type 1 diabetes found that intensive treatment was associated with a modestly lower all-cause rate of death compared to conventional therapy. The study's findings suggest that intensive therapy may reduce mortality risk in type 1 diabetes patients.
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.
Despite efforts to reformulate RTE GBDs, nutritional content remains unchanged, but overall consumer purchases have declined by 24%. The study highlights the need for public health officials and manufacturers to work together to shift consumer purchases towards healthier products.
A study found that caffeine's effects differ when consumed with or without sugar, causing varied physiological responses among individuals. The research measured heart rate and carbon dioxide production before and after consuming sugar, caffeine, or both.
Research team led by Miguel Soares discovered that specific bacterial components in the human gut microbiota can trigger a natural defense mechanism against malaria. High levels of circulating anti-alpha-gal antibodies induced by vaccination are highly protective against malaria transmission.
A study found that high sugar diets in male fruit flies can cause obesity in their offspring through epigenetic changes affecting gene expression. Researchers also discovered a similar system regulating obesity susceptibility in mice and humans.
A new review finds that genetic variation may prevent some individuals with type 2 diabetes from benefiting from supervised exercise regimens. The study suggests that targeted interventions and treatments could help those who do not respond to exercise, offering a potential new approach for managing the condition.
The new regulations, while improving some aspects of school meals, may not address the root issue of processed carbohydrates and added sugars. Researchers recommend expanding requirements to limit added sugars and processed foods to ensure carbohydrate quality.
The new software analyzes the life-cycle of products and their carbon and water footprint, allowing producers to improve management and reduce environmental impact. The tool provides a web platform for companies to calculate 15 environmental indicators and link their results with improvement guidelines.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers suggests that people who cook meals at home tend to eat healthier and consume fewer calories. Those who frequently cook at home also tend to rely less on frozen foods and fast food, even when eating out.
Researchers studied adolescents' brain connections, impulsivity, and sugar intake to understand the risk of alcohol use and abuse. The findings suggest that reduced executive cognitive functioning and impaired connectivity in key brain networks may contribute to risky behaviors.
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.
New research suggests that maple syrup production is linked to mast seeding events, where trees produce more seeds than usual. Following every mast seed year, syrup production declined in Vermont. The study's findings could help producers plan ahead for the upcoming season.
Scientists have found that ganglioside GD3 is crucial for maintaining neural stem cells in the brain. Removing GD3 from mice resulted in reduced stem cell populations and impaired function, highlighting its importance in brain health.
Researchers found that eating muffins made with polyunsaturated oils improved blood cholesterol profiles and reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, those who ate muffins with saturated oils experienced increased bad cholesterol levels and insulin resistance.
Adolescent rats fed sugar-sweetened beverages experienced memory problems and brain inflammation, becoming pre-diabetic. The study highlights the impact of dietary influences during critical periods of development on brain health.
Scientists have identified two enzymes responsible for the formation of terpenes, which contribute to a wine's bouquet. The study could lead to the development of new grape varieties with improved aromas.
New research published in the BMJ suggests that long-acting insulin is superior to intermediate-acting insulin for controlling blood sugar levels, preventing weight gain, and treating severe hypoglycemia. Long-acting insulin also showed improved cost-effectiveness compared to intermediate-acting insulin.