Articles tagged with Sugars
Researchers have developed a cost-competitive way to extract fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass using thermophilic microbes. The most active populations in the switchgrass-deconstructing consortium were identified as Gemmatimonadetes and Paenibacillus, which show potential for biofuel production.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that rituals we perform before eating, even seemingly insignificant ones, can change our perception of food. The researchers found that short, fabricated rituals can produce real effects on the taste and enjoyment of food.
Fructooliogosaccharides, found in chicory and other fruits/vegetables, provide prebiotic properties that stimulate gut microbiota production. They also enhance flavor, reduce sugar content and increase calcium absorption, supporting bone health.
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.
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.
Researchers found that lower fitness levels in middle-aged South Asian men contribute to higher blood sugar levels and increased diabetes risk. To mitigate this, physical activity guidelines may need to be adjusted to account for ethnicity.
A study examining food poisoning infection in mice reveals Salmonella takes over beneficial bacteria in the gut, using a previously unknown sugar called fucose. The research provides new insights into infection dynamics and could lead to better prevention or treatments.
Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks have discovered a novel biomarker that can accurately measure long-term sugar intake from a single blood or hair sample. This breakthrough tool is distinct in corn and sugar cane, which are sources of nearly all sugars found in sugar-sweetened beverages.
The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of converting switchgrass into jet fuel economically and in large quantities. The process is expected to result in a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to current production methods.
Researchers found that sweets were 11.2% less available when both district and state limited sugar content, while regular-fat baked goods were less available with state law limiting fat content. The study concluded that governmental policies can be an effective tool in reducing empty calories in children's diets.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Griffith University have discovered how Neisseria meningitidis attaches to human airways, a key step in the development of invasive disease. This breakthrough understanding may lead to the identification of new risk factors and treatment procedures.
Cardiologist Dr Malhotra argues that the UK's daily limit of 10% added sugar is too high and leads to diet-related disease. Experts call for food industry regulation and labeling changes to help consumers make informed choices.
A recent study analyzed data from over 5,000 US adults and found no association between candy consumption frequency and obesity or cardiovascular risk factors. The researchers suggest that most people can enjoy candy without increasing their health risks when consumed in moderation.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered that three children with Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation had mutation-only in some cell types, raising questions about inheritance and genomic sequencing. The study highlights the importance of using multiple diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose rare diseases.
A new study finds that fast food restaurant menus have only modestly increased nutritious offerings over a 14-year period, with most restaurants failing to meet optimal nutritional quality scores. Despite some improvements, the overall nutritional quality score remains below that of the average American diet.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have identified two sugars that help retain pig sperm in the sow oviduct. By understanding this adhesion system, researchers hope to develop a laboratory test to detect these molecules and potentially improve semen storage.
A new study analyzing over 1,700 European children aged 6-9 years found that their taste preferences for fat, sugar, salt, and umami vary significantly across countries, despite previous assumptions. The research suggests that cultural factors play a crucial role in shaping these preferences, while age also influences them.
New research suggests that Tylenol can alleviate existential pain and anxiety by inhibiting brain signals associated with distress. The study found that participants who took Tylenol were less harsh in setting bail after writing about their own death, compared to those who took a sugar pill.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes use atomic force microscopy to analyze mucins and their interactions with beneficial and disease-causing bacteria. The study aims to understand the role of mucus in maintaining a healthy gut and develop new insights into gut diseases.
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.
Scientists have developed a method to infuse fruit juice into chocolate, reducing its fat content by up to 50%. The process creates a smooth texture and prevents 'sugar bloom' on the surface of the chocolate.
Scientists have developed a technology that enables microalgae to produce multiple types of renewable oils for fuels, chemicals, foods, and personal-care products within days. Solazyme's biotechnology platform unlocks the power of microalgae, producing tailored oils with optimized properties for various applications.
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.
Tomatoes grown on organic farms have higher levels of sugars, vitamin C and antioxidants compared to conventional farming methods. This increase in bioactive compounds is linked to the stressful growth conditions experienced by organic tomatoes.
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.
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.
Scientists at the University of Georgia have identified a direct connection between plant cell wall glycans and proteins, potentially revolutionizing biofuel processing. The discovery may lead to more efficient conversion of plants into ethanol, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers found that the amino acid composition of red oak and sugar maple leaves is strikingly similar, contradicting conventional wisdom. Protein quality in oak leaves was higher than in maple leaves, partly explaining why maple trees are less nutritious.
Scientists have created a way to produce crystalline silicon directly at just 180 F by using liquid metal, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly process. The new method has the potential to significantly reduce production costs and make alternative semiconductors more viable for solar energy applications.
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.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have created a biodegradable thermoplastic composite using sugar beet pulp and polylactic acid. The new material retains mechanical properties similar to traditional plastics, offering a sustainable alternative for disposable food packaging.
A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that a lady beetle's diet influences its feeding patterns and physiology. The research suggests that plant material provides key nutrients lacking in insect prey diets, making mixed diets healthier for the beetles.
Researchers found that parasitic worms secrete a sugar-based molecule that reduces inflammation and alleviates symptoms of obesity-related diseases. The treatment may also work for psoriasis, organ transplants, and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have reconstructed DNA and proteins from prehistoric yeast cells to examine evolutionary forces that shaped modern-day enzymes. They found that copying existing genes led to the emergence of new enzymes with different sugar-b Breaking down different sugars.
A UCSB anthropologist studied reciprocity among chimpanzees and bonobos, finding that favors are often exchanged over long periods of time. The study suggests that humans also engage in long-term reciprocal relationships, but with the capacity for more contingent reciprocity.
Researchers have found that treating corn stover with white rot fungus can extract up to 30% more sugar from leaves and 50% more from stalks and cobs. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient ethanol production and reduce the need for corn-based supplies.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed an ultrasensitive method for detecting sugar molecules, known as Glyco-qPCR. This technique enables a more detailed understanding of cellular functions than genetic or proteomic information can provide, and has the potential to revolutionize the study of glycans.
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.
Farmers can create detailed maps using NASA and USGS Landsat satellite data to identify areas suitable for crops, reducing fertilizer waste and promoting sustainable agriculture. The technology uses band combinations to rapidly recognize features and changes over time, supporting crop analysis and decision-making.
A new gene has been discovered that can help make domestic tomatoes more resistant to pests, a trait shared by their wild cousins. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, identifies a gene involved in producing acyl sugars that fend off bugs.
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.
A study of 249 people aged 60-64 found that those with high fasting blood sugar levels within the normal range experienced greater brain shrinkage than those with lower levels. Brain volume loss was particularly pronounced in areas involved in memory and cognitive skills, such as the hippocampus and amygdala.
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...
A new food biorefinery converts bakery waste and coffee grounds into succinic acid, a key ingredient for making plastics and detergents. The process reduces environmental impact and produces a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
A study published in Genetics found that manipulating a hormone-producing cell group in the brain can control blood sugar levels. Fruit flies were used to test the effect of inhibiting AMP-activated kinase, resulting in reduced hyperactivity and lowered sugar release when starved.
Professor Michael Zemel's NuShape supplement increases fat oxidation by up to 300 calories a day, with participants maintaining 60-70% of initial weight loss over six months. NuControl promotes healthy blood sugar levels by converging on the same metabolic pathway as resveratrol.
Researchers discovered that blocking delta opioid receptors in mice reduced body weight despite high-fat and sugar diets. The study found increased non-shivering thermogenesis due to gene expression changes in brown adipose tissue.
Scientists have discovered a white rot fungus that can break down tough cellulose in corn stover, releasing sugars for ethanol fermentation. The study found that the fungus extracted up to 30% more sugar from corn leaves and 50% more from stalks and cobs.
Researchers found that rats consuming all their sugar solution in the inactive period gained more weight than those consuming it during the active period, despite similar caloric intake. This study suggests that the timing of sugar consumption can significantly affect body weight gain.
A study analyzing 235 types of rice found its glycemic index (GI) varies greatly among types, with most scoring a low to medium GI. This allows consumers, including those with diabetes or at risk, to select rice varieties for a healthy diet.
Researchers at Cornell University have decoded a gene that contributes to tomato sugar, carbohydrates, and carotenoid levels. The uniform ripening mutation, which commercial breeders select for, eliminates photosynthesis in fruit, reducing sugar levels.
Researchers have developed chemical compounds that selectively block the attachment of sugar molecules to cells, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The new tools can help scientists understand how glycans influence cell function and behavior.
A new study by Dr. Gary Pickering and colleagues from Brock University found that changes in food temperature alter the intensity of sour, bitter, and astringent tastes but not sweetness. The research involved 74 participants who tasted sweet, sour, bitter, and astringent solutions at varying temperatures.
A two-year study found that a high-fat diet improved glycaemic control and increased 'good' cholesterol in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The low-carbohydrate group experienced significant weight loss and reduced blood sugar levels, while the low-fat group showed minimal improvements despite similar weight loss.
Researchers have increased knowledge of the O-GlcNAc regulatory system, a little-known mechanism that regulates proteins in cells. The study found hundreds of proteins modified by O-GlcNAc, which suggests a larger coordination between the O-GlcNAc and phosphate-based regulatory systems.
Researchers found that consuming low-glycemic index foods at breakfast can lead to lower blood glucose concentrations and increased feelings of fullness, making it easier to manage weight and prevent diabetes. Almonds are a particularly beneficial food choice due to their high content of healthy fats and protein.
A study led by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that doctors are more reluctant to start patients on insulin due to amplified concerns about side effects. However, the study suggests that better insulin regimens and smart injection methods can make treatment safer and more manageable.