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The dark side of artificial sweeteners

Consuming artificial sweeteners has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular consumption can also lead to altered brain activation patterns and overindulgence in high-calorie foods.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJul 10, 2013

People's diets show a sugar-fat seesaw

A review of 53 scientific papers found an inverse association between sugar and fat intake in people's diets, known as the 'sugar-fat seesaw'. This suggests that reducing one may lead to an increase in the other.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·DateJul 3, 2013

Tumors disable immune cells by using up sugar

Researchers found that cancer cells' high sugar consumption disables immune cells' ability to produce inflammatory compounds, making it harder for them to fight tumors. This discovery may lead to new treatments by enhancing T cell function and treating autoimmune disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJun 6, 2013

New chemical approach to treat Alzheimer's

Scientists at the University of Liverpool and Callaghan Innovation have developed a new chemical approach to harness the natural ability of complex sugars to treat Alzheimer's disease. They produced a library of sugars called heparan sulphates, which can inhibit an enzyme that creates small proteins in the brain causing memory loss.

All in one shot

Researchers have discovered a common sugar molecule on the cell surface of multiple pathogens, which could be key to developing a broad-spectrum vaccine. The sugar polymer, known as PNAG, is found on the surfaces of bacteria that cause strep throat, pneumonias, malaria, and other deadly infections.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2013

Lady flies can decide who will father their young

A study by Christian Rodriguez-Enriquez and colleagues found that female flies can expel and consume male ejaculate after copulation, potentially biasing paternity. The researchers also discovered that well-fed females were more likely to consume ejaculate, which may have positive health benefits in arid environments.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 11, 2013

Sweet news for stem cell's 'Holy Grail'

Scientists have developed a web-like scaffold coated with long-sugar molecules that enhances stem-cell cultures and encourages the formation of neuronal cell types. The results, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, are promising for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 26, 2013

Cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent, says U of T researcher

A new study by University of Toronto Professor Chris Kennedy and World Bank climate change specialist Lorraine Sugar shows that cities can make a positive difference in reducing GHG emissions. They propose realistic steps such as increasing bicycling infrastructure and encouraging electric cars to achieve a 70% reduction in emissions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalCanadian Journal of Civil Engineering·DateFeb 12, 2013

Predicting a low carbon future for Toronto

A study suggests that Toronto can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 31-71% by 2031 by implementing a low-carbon urban infrastructure plan. The aggressive scenario includes retrofitting all existing buildings, using renewable heating and cooling systems, and proliferating electric cars.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Civil Engineering·DateFeb 6, 2013

Wind in the willows boosts biofuel production

Researchers have identified a genetic trait that enables willow trees to produce more biofuel when grown at an angle, increasing yields by up to five times compared to naturally growing trees. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more productive and sustainable bioenergy crops.

SourceImperial College London·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateJan 20, 2013

Stanford bioengineers introduce 'Bi-Fi' -- The biological internet

Researchers at Stanford University have developed Bi-Fi, a biological internet that allows cells to communicate using DNA strands. This system increases the complexity and amount of data that can be transmitted between cells, paving the way for greater control over biological functions and potential applications in biosynthetic factories.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Engineering·DateSep 27, 2012

Blood sugar control does not help infants and children undergoing heart surgery

A recent study funded by the NIH found that tight glycemic control in pediatric cardiac surgery patients did not reduce healthcare-related infections, organ failure, or death. The study's findings diverge from previous studies on adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients who showed benefits from blood sugar control.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 7, 2012

Sweet building blocks of life found around young star

Researchers have observed glycolaldehyde molecules, a simple form of sugar, in the gas surrounding a young star. This discovery suggests that the building blocks of life were already present during planet formation. The finding was made using the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) telescope and provides insights into the possibility...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 29, 2012