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Wine yeasts reveal prehistoric microbial world

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.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2011

The sweet mysteries of the nervous system

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 10, 2011

Researchers discover mechanism that could convert certain cells into insulin-making cells

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.

Genetic changes behind sweet tooth

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

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2011

Coffee, energy drinkers beware: Many mega-sized drinks loaded with sugar, MU nutrition expert says

Many mega-sized coffee and energy drinks are loaded with sugar and calories, posing health risks to consumers. According to Ellen Schuster, a University of Missouri nutrition expert, these large drinks can lead to excessive calorie and sugar consumption, increasing the risk of weight gain and related health problems.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Extension·DateFeb 3, 2011

Toddler foods too sweet

A recent study by University of Calgary professor Charlene Elliott found that 53% of baby and toddler foods have excessive sugar content, with over half meeting the criteria for poor nutritional quality. The study also revealed a 'halo effect' in adult perceptions of these products, highlighting the need to carefully examine ingredient...

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJun 28, 2010

Harvard's Wyss Institute develops technology to produce sugar from photosynthetic bacteria

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have engineered photosynthetic bacteria to produce simple sugars and lactic acid, offering a sustainable alternative for producing commodity chemicals. This innovation could lead to reduced carbon dioxide emissions and greater availability of biodegradable plastics.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 28, 2010

New microbial genetic system dissects biomass to biofuel conversion

A new microbial genetic system has been developed to dissect biomass to biofuel conversion, allowing for the efficient extraction of sugar molecules from biomass polymers. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the functional significance of specific enzymes and understand how microorganisms carry out the complex process of pla...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 11, 2010

Sweet! -- sugar plays key role in cell division

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that sugar-based protein modification called O-GlcNAcylation regulates cell division. Disrupting this process can lead to polyploidy, a condition exhibited by many cancer cells. The findings have implications for new treatments for diseases like cancer.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 5, 2010