Articles tagged with Sugars
The biofuels industry is expected to become a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable solution for the world's growing energy demands. Researchers at the University of British Columbia are working to speed up the process of converting biomass into biofuels, making it cheaper and more efficient.
A team from the University of the Basque Country has successfully isolated ribose, a fundamental sugar, in the gas phase. This achievement provides crucial information about the structure and stability of sugars, which are essential for understanding the origins of life on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the universe.
Research at Newcastle University found that new TV food regulations did not reduce exposure to unhealthy foods for children and adults alike. The study showed that even after the restrictions were implemented, 14.6% of adverts seen were for food and half of those were for less healthy items.
The study focuses on Caldicellulosiruptor obsidiansis, a bacterium that breaks down organic material at high temperatures. Researchers found that growth on switchgrass prompted the organism to express new proteins and enzymes involved in plant cell wall deconstruction.
A team of UCSF researchers argues that sugar is a primary culprit of the global obesity pandemic, contributing to 35 million deaths annually. Limiting sugar consumption requires environmental and community-wide solutions, similar to those for alcohol and tobacco.
The Scripps Research Institute has proven the plausibility of a new pathway to life's essential sugars called the glyoxylate scenario, potentially pushing past the formose reaction hurdle. This alternative pathway, led by Ramanarayanan Krishnamurthy, reveals efficient conversion of DHF and glyoxylate to ketoses.
Researchers at the University of York have successfully recreated a process that could be responsible for the origin of carbohydrates in life. By using simple left-handed amino acids as catalysts, they produced predominantly right-handed sugars, shedding light on how these building blocks came to dominate nature.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism to identify Barrett's dysplasia cells using fluorescent probes and sugar molecules. This technology has the potential to monitor patients with pre-cancerous conditions and prevent the development of esophageal cancer.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified the critical sugar chain produced by the LARGE enzyme, which plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle cell viability. The study's findings could lead to rapid testing of potential muscular dystrophy therapies and treatments for Lassa fever.
Researchers investigated alternative nucleic acids that differ slightly from DNA and RNA, aiming to uncover a simpler genetic molecule. TNA, with its threose sugar backbone, showed promise as an early genetic carrier, folding into complex shapes that bind to targets with high affinity and specificity.
Researchers have discovered a protein called Islet Homeostasis Protein (IHoP) that regulates blood sugar levels by balancing insulin and glucagon. The protein's presence helps maintain healthy glucose levels, while its absence leads to increased glucagon and insulin resistance.
A new study reveals that acid rain's impact on Great Lakes sugar maples goes beyond soil acidification. Excess nitrogen from acid rain slows microbial decay of dead leaves, creating a physical barrier for seedlings. This mechanism is expected to worsen as nitrogen deposition increases by the end of the century.
A new genre of eco-friendly tires is being developed using genetically engineered microbes that produce raw materials from sugar. Companies like Goodyear and Michelin are partnering with biotechnology firms to create sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based tires, which could debut within the next 3-5 years.
A new study found that exercising at a very high intensity, but for just 30 minutes a week, can lower blood sugar concentrations and reduce post-meal spikes. This short, high-intensity training regimen increased skeletal mitochondrial capacity, a marker of metabolic health.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered a way to reprogram muscle cells to burn sugar more efficiently, resulting in increased athletic ability and reduced lactic acid production. This novel mechanism could lead to new prevention or treatment methods for obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
A new test developed by scientists can accurately detect contaminants in marzipan pastes, including cheap substitutes made from soy and peas. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method can identify small amounts of almond substitutes as little as 0.1%.
Researchers at the Joint BioEnergy Institute have successfully engineered E. coli bacteria to digest switchgrass biomass and synthesize its sugars into all three major transportation fuels: gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. This breakthrough reduces fuel production costs by consolidating two steps into one, enabling a single-step operation.
Researchers reveal how a broadly neutralizing HIV antibody called PG9 disarms the virus by grabbing hold of a sugar at residue 160, along with part of a second sugar and a string of amino acid residues in the V1/V2 region. This discovery may help scientists develop more effective HIV vaccines.
A new grass family tree reveals that the C4 photosynthetic pathway has evolved in grasses over 20 times within the last 30 million years. The study suggests that once C4 evolution occurs, it's unlikely to reverse, making scientists interested in engineering this pathway into drought-tolerant crops.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify novel Rubisco activase in red algae that repairs useless proteins by opening active centers like a shoe string. This discovery could aid in designing more efficient plants and microorganisms that convert CO2 into valuable biomass.
Food processors face challenges in reproducing textures with reduced ingredients, but natural alternatives like plant-based compounds and natural emulsifiers help. The American Chemical Society explores the science behind creating 'light' or '-free' versions of products.
Dr. Patrick Catalano received the March of Dimes Agnes Higgins Award for his research showing a link between maternal obesity and an increased risk of metabolic disorders in babies. His work highlights the importance of weight control early in pregnancy to protect children from chronic diseases.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a more efficient method for converting corn stover into cellulosic ethanol by separating its three distinct parts: the rind, pith, and leaves. This new approach enables better utilization of enzymes to break down cellulose, resulting in increased ethanol production with reduced costs.
A comprehensive study of tension wood reveals its unique features and links them to sugar release, which is crucial for producing biofuel. The research provides insight into the molecular and biochemical properties of tension wood, shedding light on how it can be used to design more suitable bioenergy crops.
A study by MIT researchers found that bees and similar nectar feeders are most efficient when feeding on more sugary, or viscous, nectar, while suction feeders prefer less sugary nectar. This suggests a correlation between the morphology of flowers and their pollinators.
Early humans' immune system responded strongly to Neu5Gc, a sugar molecule found on most animal cells. This response likely reduced reproductive success in males with high levels of Neu5Gc, driving the evolution of human ancestors.
A glucosamine-like dietary supplement, N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), suppresses multiple sclerosis attacks by inhibiting abnormal T-cell growth and function. The study, published in The Journal of Biological Chemistry, suggests a novel mechanism for affecting T-cell function and autoimmunity.
Researchers at Iowa State University have produced a new method to create inexpensive sugars from biomass using fast pyrolysis. This process could potentially be the cheapest way to produce biofuels or biorenewable chemicals, offering a more sustainable alternative.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered edible compounds that efficiently detect, capture and store carbon dioxide. The porous crystals, made from sugar, salt and alcohol, are simple to prepare and turn red when full of CO2.
The study reveals 37 new variants associated with common diseases, including chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and blood clotting. The researchers also identified a possible mechanism to detoxify substances, which could affect the risk of developing kidney disease.
A new study has developed a simple process to separate sugars from carrier molecules and attach them to drugs, promising to accelerate the development of novel pharmaceuticals. The technique also allows for easy screening of transformed molecules, which could lead to the production of effective treatments for various diseases.
A team of USDA researchers developed a method to estimate the ethanol potential of switchgrass using near-infrared sensing, which can predict actual and maximum ethanol yields. This technology has the potential to reduce costs by $5 per sample, making it more accessible for bioenergy production.
Researchers have identified the key sugar molecule SLeX on the outer coat of human eggs that enables them to capture sperm. This discovery has significant implications for understanding fertility and developing new treatments for infertility and sub-fertility.
Researchers at York University have identified a protein called nesfatin-1 that stimulates insulin secretion and regulates appetite, leading to potential weight loss and improved blood sugar control. The study found that rats administered with nesfatin-1 ate less, used more stored fat and became more active.
A new study published in Diabetes Care found that mobile health software helped patients with Type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels by an average of 1.9 percent over a year. The software provided real-time feedback, medication regimens and a virtual coach to help patients manage their condition.
A device has been created that can automatically classify different types of cava wines, thanks to a combination of sensor systems and advanced mathematical procedures. The classification is based on the amount of sugar added during production.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have been awarded $32 million to establish two Programs of Excellence in Glycosciences. The programs aim to better understand the roles of sugars in molecular mechanisms of disease, particularly lung and heart diseases.
Researchers led by Virginia Tech biochemist Bob White are studying Methanocaldococcus jannaschii to understand the origin of life. They have found that this ancient organism uses a primitive metabolic process, which could help unravel the mystery of how life first emerged on Earth.
The NIH has awarded $17 million to the lab of Dr. Robert Sackstein at Brigham and Women's Hospital to investigate glycobiology, a discipline studying sugar modifications in biologic processes. The award aims to advance understanding of how sugars direct cell interactions, movement, and growth.
Researchers found a microbe in a Nevada hot spring that can digest cellulose at temperatures near boiling point, producing a record-breaking hyperthermophilic cellulase. The enzyme is the most heat-tolerant found in any cellulose-digesting microbe, with applications for biofuels production and industrial processes.
Scientists at WashU Medicine identified three unexpected players, small RNA molecules, that help a cell initiated its own demise when overloaded with fat. The research links these molecules to the cellular damage characteristic of common metabolic diseases like diabetes.
Researchers found that July is the best month for kelp harvesting due to its high carbohydrate levels and low metal content. The use of kelp as a biofuel source has potential to provide a storable energy source, mitigating the limitations of other renewables like wind power.
A UK study found that 6.5 hours of additional dietary advice sessions lead to improved blood sugar control in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. In contrast, exercise did not provide additional benefits when combined with diet intervention, except for those with high HbA1c levels.
USDA scientists recommend controlling starch buildup in sugar factories by using an intermediate-temperature stable amylase to break down unwanted starch. The solution involves adding diluted concentrated amylase solutions to factory tanks, resulting in improved product quality and reduced costs.
Research recommends considering dried fruits equivalent to fresh fruits in dietary guidelines, highlighting their comparable fiber and potassium content. Dried fruits also contain bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including anti-cancer properties.
Researchers at UCI have identified a unifying mechanism responsible for multiple sclerosis, suggesting personalized therapies based on genetic factors. Vitamin D3 and GlcNAc supplements can reverse the effects of four human MS genetic factors, restoring normal protein modification and potentially treating the disease.
Researchers developed a mutant form of wheat called 'sweet wheat', which contains more sugars and healthful carbohydrates than regular wheat. The new flour may provide health benefits when used in foods like breads and cakes.
A new nano-complex dietary supplement developed at Hebrew University can significantly reduce fat and sugar absorption in the body. The researchers found that taking this complex before a high-fat and high-sugar meal reduced bad cholesterol production by 42% and increased insulin sensitivity by 64%.
Researchers at Boston University discovered that adding sugar to antibiotics increases their effectiveness in targeting 'persisters' - bacteria that survive antibiotic onslaughts. This approach has the potential to improve lives and reduce healthcare costs for millions.
Two wine yeasts, S. cerevisiae and Dekkera bruxellensis, have been studied to reconstruct the evolutionary history of ethanol production. They developed similar abilities around 100-150 million years ago, likely driven by environmental pressures such as competition from other microbes.
A new antibody called 5750 has been developed by researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum to label specific stem cells in the nervous system. The antibody targets a sugar residue on the cell surface called LewisX, which is found on different types of neural stem cells.
A study in Michigan's Upper Peninsula reveals that deer are outcompeting saplings for resources, hindering regeneration of sugar maple trees. The research suggests a trade-off between deer populations and timber harvesting, with areas in the south facing severe sapling shortages.
UCLA researchers may have discovered a way to convert non-insulin-producing cells into functional beta cells, which could lead to a permanent solution for diabetes. The study found that chemical tags called methyl groups play a crucial role in maintaining cell identity and converting cells into insulin-secreting beta cells.
A new intensive diabetes education program has been shown to improve long-term blood sugar control in low-income, poorly educated diabetics. Participants who received the nine-session problem-solving course saw significant improvements in their hemoglobin A1C levels and reductions in high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that people with certain genetic changes in the ghrelin gene consume more sugar than those without. Trials using rats also showed reduced sugar consumption when ghrelin was blocked, suggesting a strong link between ghrelin and addictive behaviors
A study by UC Riverside's Charles Wyman and colleagues found a correlation between the S/G ratio and increased sugar yields in poplar tree candidates. The research could lead to less expensive production of biofuels with no pretreatment required, reducing the price of liquid transportation fuels.
Scientists have established a strong link between nicotine and diabetes complications, finding that concentrations of nicotine similar to those found in smoker's blood raise levels of HbA1c by up to 34%. This discovery may encourage patients with diabetes to quit smoking and has implications for the use of nicotine-replacement therapy.
A study by the American Heart Association found that increased added sugar consumption parallels trends in weight gain among adults over 27 years. Researchers analyzed data from the Minnesota Heart Survey and discovered a significant increase in added sugars intake alongside rising BMI levels.
Researchers found that mice with short telomeres developed higher blood sugar levels and secreted less insulin, mimicking early stages of human diabetes. The study suggests that shorter telomeres may predispose people to age-related diabetes, paving the way for potential biomarkers.
Researchers have identified a gene responsible for seedlessness in the sugar apple and its close relation, the cherimoya. This discovery could pave the way for producing seedless varieties of these fruits and potentially other fruit crops.