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UCF technique promises to aid doctor's ability to identify, treat bacterial infections

A new technique developed by a University of Central Florida chemist will help physicians more quickly identify the bacterial infections patients have so they can be treated in hours instead of days. The method uses gold nanoparticles coated with a sugar and a protein that binds to sugars, allowing for rapid testing of antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 19, 2008

The devil in the dark chocolate

While flavanol-rich dark chocolate offers cardiovascular benefits, manufacturers often remove these compounds to balance calorie content, rendering the product less healthy than claimed. Flavanols have antioxidant properties but are not a guarantee of healthiness.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 20, 2007

Soft drinks alone do not affect children's weight

A recent study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found no evidence that soft drinks alone contribute to children's weight gain. Instead, researchers discovered that overweight children consumed more food overall and had a greater tendency towards savory rather than sweet foods.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science and Nutrition·DateSep 11, 2007

Nicotine rush hinges on sugar in neurons

A University of Southern California study reveals that sugar molecules attached to the surface of the receptor act as a hinge, opening a gate in the cell membrane and transmitting news of nicotine's arrival. The research also identifies a water molecule deep in the receptor's core, which may enable the receptor to alter its shape.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 22, 2007

Creating corn for cars

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new corn variety that can break down cellulose in leaves and stalks into simple sugars for ethanol production. This innovation allows for more cost-effective and efficient production of ethanol, enabling the sale of waste products as an economically viable commodity.

Meeting the ethanol challenge: Scientists use supercomputer to target cellulose bottleneck

A team of scientists has conducted molecular simulations to understand the cellulose enzyme complex's role in breaking down tightly bound cellulose into sugars. By discovering key steps in this process, researchers can develop protein engineering strategies to speed up the reaction and produce ethanol more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProtein Engineering Design and Selection·DateApr 24, 2007

Learning from both ends of the stethoscope

A systematic review of studies published over four decades confirms that good doctor-patient communication significantly impacts patient outcomes, including resolution of chronic headaches and improved blood pressure readings. The review highlights the importance of clarifying instructions and checking for understanding to ensure effec...

SourceIndiana University·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 9, 2007

A sweet step toward new cancer therapies

A team of researchers has developed a technique to identify and structurally characterize glycans, assemblies of sugars attached to proteins on cancer cell surfaces, which may lead to the development of diagnostic tools or therapeutic agents specifically targeting them.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 30, 2007

Clemson researchers develop nanotechnology

Researchers at Clemson University have created a nanotechnology-based countermeasure to render anthrax spores harmless. The method uses sugar-coated carbon nanotubes to bind with the spores, preventing their inhalation and destruction.

SourceClemson University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2006

Acid rain causing decline in sugar maples, say researchers

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that acid rain is causing a decline in sugar maple trees due to its acidic effects on the soil. The study used a test plot to replicate favorable soil conditions prior to industrial pollution and found that sugar maples rebounded dramatically when calcium levels were restored.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcology·DateJun 1, 2006

Poor control of diabetes in a large sample of patients

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that over 63,000 Ontario patients with diabetes had inadequate blood sugar control, with testing rates decreasing among younger adults. The research highlights concerns about unequal access to care and its impact on health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 30, 2006

Success tastes sweet for scientists

Researchers at The University of Manchester and The University of Maryland School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding what makes a substance taste sweet. They found that sugar interacts with two types of taste receptors on the tongue, while some synthetic sweeteners only interact with one receptor. This discovery has ...

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 7, 2005

Sugar helps control cell division

New study reveals that O-GlcNAc modification of proteins regulates cell division and controls the steps and timing of cell division, contributing to cancer and other diseases. Researchers found that increasing or decreasing O-GlcNAc levels disrupts cell cycle, leading to cells with more than one nucleus, a common trait in cancer cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 20, 2005

Bumblebee see, bumblebee do

Bumblebees are twice as likely to choose green flowers over orange flowers when they watch others foraging on them. This is the first demonstration of insect social learning, where bumblebees learn by observing other insects.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 31, 2005

UW-Madison scientists zero in on drugs' sweet spots

A team of UW-Madison scientists has developed a technique to easily manipulate and exchange the sugars found in chemicals produced in nature. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-cancer treatments by allowing researchers to rapidly scan the roles of different sugars in complex natural products.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2005