Articles tagged with Sugars
A recent study found that 60 percent of infant and toddler foods sold in top US grocery chains fail to meet nutritional recommendations, while none meet World Health Organization guidelines. The study also exposed widespread misleading marketing practices, including prohibited claims on packaging.
The fifth-generation sugarcane variety LC05-136 has been cultivated across over 1.67 million hectares in China, showcasing its high yield and drought tolerance. Despite its achievements, challenges like sugarcane smut resistance remain, highlighting the need for continued improvements to ensure stable sugar production.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed two new methods to authenticate UK honey: one using Spatial Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) and the other employing DNA barcoding. The SORS method detects sugar syrups with high accuracy, while DNA barcoding identifies syrups even at low adulteration levels.
Scientists studying environmental bacteria have determined a protein's essential role in maintaining the germ's shape. Loss of the protein OpgH disrupts the bubble-like cell envelope, resulting in the cell's death. This finding could lead to new drug targets and advance the search for better antibiotics.
A new study reveals that chicken, ketchup, and even morning lattes can contribute to overconsumption of saturated fat and added sugar. The analysis of data from 35,000 US adults found that these 'stealth' sources add up to a significant risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
A long-term study analyzing sugar intake among children and adolescents in Germany found a decline in free sugar consumption since 2010, but average daily intake remains high. The study suggests that awareness campaigns may have contributed to the decline, while age groups showed varying levels of sugar intake.
Guan's lab will apply accumulated experience and methods to study SLC6A14, a sodium-coupled epithelial amino acid co-transporter involved in cancer and several chronic diseases. CryoEM will be used to determine the structure of SLC6A14, providing insight into its substrate specificity and inhibitory mechanisms.
The study found that sugary drink intake among children and adolescents increased by an average of 23% from 1990 to 2018, with the largest increases seen in sub-Saharan Africa. The global average intake was 3.6 standard servings per week, with significant variations by region, age, sex, parental education, and rural vs urban residence.
A study found that city-level sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are associated with lower body mass index percentile among youth. Policymakers may consider implementing such taxes to prevent or reduce youth overweight and obesity, ultimately reducing chronic disease risk, particularly among children under 12.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found a link between healthy diets and a younger biological age. Even when people eat healthy diets, each gram of added sugar is associated with an increase in epigenetic age. The Mediterranean diet had the strongest association with lower epigenetic age.
A UAV-based method was developed to accurately predict sugar beet root weight and sugar content, improving breeding efficiency and cultivar development. The approach achieved significant correlation coefficients (R^2 = 0.89 for RW and 0.83 for SC) using canopy coverage and height data.
Daily sugar intake decreased significantly in children and adults after the UK sugar tax was implemented, with soft drinks accounting for over half of the reduction. However, daily energy intake from free sugars remained higher than recommended by WHO.
Researchers isolated three bacterial strains that produce amylase enzymes from sugar factory waste, showing great potential for production. The optimal conditions for amylase production were found to be 37°C and pH 7.0, leading to increased enzyme activity.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg developed an AI model called Candycrunch to automate the analysis of glycan structures in cancer cells. The model can identify abnormal structures and biomarkers in just a few seconds, accelerating the discovery of new treatments.
Researchers tracked free-ranging Egyptian fruit bats and found they possess high cognitive abilities, including episodic memory, mental time travel, and delayed gratification. The study revealed that older bats can estimate time passed since their last visit to a tree and avoid those with stopped bearing fruit.
A new study from the University of Oklahoma found that measuring circulating microRNAs is likely as effective as measuring blood sugar levels in determining how young people with type 2 diabetes will fare. The study also found a 20% decrease in beta cell function during the first six months of treatment.
A new study found that Americans are eating better, but disparities in diet quality persist among marginalized communities. The proportion of adults with poor dietary quality decreased from 48.8% to 36.7% between 1999 and 2020, while those with intermediate diet quality increased.
Researchers at UC Davis Health discovered that mesalamine can replace good bacteria's work in fighting Candida albicans in the gut. The study found that mesalamine maintains a low oxygen environment that prevents fungal growth, reducing the risk of invasive candidiasis.
A team of researchers created a microfluidic human cervix model that replicates the complex interactions between cervical epithelial cells, mucus production, and microbiome. The Cervix Chip technology offers a new testbed for bacterial vaginosis therapeutics and other treatments, addressing a key women's health gap.
A study in Seattle found a small but significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among children living in areas with a sweetened beverage tax compared to nontaxed areas. The results support the effectiveness of such taxes as a policy for improving children's BMI, building on existing US studies.
A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.
Research finds insulin levels correlate with triglycerides, ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and free cholesterol in women with atherosclerotic coronary disease. The study suggests these laboratory-associated flags indicate early coronary atherosclerosis in both diabetic and non-diabetic women.
A review of 49 studies suggests vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and death. However, the authors note that remaining knowledge gaps must be addressed before making large-scale diet recommendations.
A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has developed a novel way to produce and observe carbenes, a class of highly reactive molecules necessary for life. They successfully formed a carbene called hydroxymethylene (HCOH) by breaking down methanol with pulses of ultraviolet radiation.
Food and drink advertisements on videogame livestreaming platforms (VGLSPs) like Twitch are associated with more positive attitudes towards and purchases of unhealthy foods. Researchers call for stronger regulations to protect young viewers from the potential harms of digital food marketing.
Scientists at DTU and Lund University have found new enzymes that can remove both the A and B blood antigens and their blocking sugars, enabling the production of universal donor blood. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce logistics and costs associated with storing four different blood types.
Neotame has been shown to cause previously healthy gut bacteria to become diseased and invade the gut wall, potentially leading to irritable bowel syndrome and sepsis. The study also found a breakdown of the epithelial barrier, which forms part of the gut wall.
Adults with type 1 diabetes who use modern hybrid insulin pumps experience significant improvements in blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of organ damage by up to three hours per day. The treatment also reduces the time spent with low blood sugar levels and is associated with high patient satisfaction.
A new study found that consuming sugary drinks in early childhood increases the risk of obesity later in life. The research tracked 14,000 British children from birth to adulthood and discovered a link between sugar-sweetened drinks and poor diet patterns.
Studies at the University of Gothenburg found a clear shift in arterial disease risks in diabetes, with decreases in central organ diseases like heart attack and stroke, but increases in peripheral vessel complications. Closer monitoring of long-term blood sugar levels can reduce peripheral arterial disease risk by 30-50%.
Researchers analyzed well-preserved microbiomes from 4,000-year-old teeth in Ireland, providing a snapshot of oral health in the past. The study found evidence of dysbiosis and an unusual abundance of S. mutans bacteria, suggesting that our ancestors' mouths differed significantly from ours.
A comparative study of four major type 2 diabetes medications reveals differences in medication acceptance, quality of life, insulin secretion, and mortality. The GRADE Study found that younger age and higher blood sugar levels at baseline were associated with poor blood sugar control over time.
Researchers at HHU and MPIPZ created a 3D map of the microbiota structure around plant roots, finding that microbe composition varies along the root and is influenced by root metabolism. The study reveals three sugar transporters that organize microbial colonization along the root axis.
Scientists from the University of Cologne developed threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA) with a new base pair, offering improved stability and function compared to natural DNA and RNA. This breakthrough could enable targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, and recognition of viral proteins or biomarkers.
A UMass Amherst study found that only three types of fruit snacks meet federal dietary guidelines for high-nutrition: dried fruit, fruit puree, and canned fruit with juice. Dried fruit has the highest nutrient density and fiber content, while gummies have the lowest.
A study found that antibiotic use and high-fat diets reduced Clostridia gut microbes, leading to sorbitol intolerance. Restoring the balance with mesalazine may treat the condition.
Researchers from Osaka University developed an innovative biomanufacturing technology using chemically synthesized non-natural sugars, enabling fermentation production of lactate and solving the problem of competing with food. This achievement will expand biomanufacturing and provide a sustainable raw sugar supply.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that oat flour can be used to reduce added sugar in chocolate while maintaining its texture and flavor. The team conducted two blind taste tests involving 66 and 90 participants, who rated oat-flour-containing chocolates as equally tasty or even preferred to regular chocolate.
A new study found that physical activity levels are insufficient to counter the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with consuming sugar-sweetened beverages. Even moderate consumption can lead to higher cardiovascular disease risk, emphasizing the need to limit these drinks' omnipresence in the food environment.
Researchers at Northwestern University found a significant decrease in screenings for prostate cancer and urinary tract infections after implementing point-of-care alerts. The study showed a 9% reduction in PSA screenings and a 5.5% reduction in urine testing, with minimal changes in overtreatment of blood sugar.
A study of over 80,000 children found that high fish and vegetable intakes early in life are associated with a lower risk of inflammatory bowel disease. High sugar beverage intake, on the other hand, was linked to a higher risk.
A systematic review of Pacific Island countries' food taxation policies found that five countries introduced new excise taxes, while 14 made changes to tariffs on imported foods, primarily targeting processed foods, sugar, fatty meats, and salt.
Researchers used CRISPR to modify a tomato gene, resulting in reduced water consumption without affecting crop quality. The discovery holds implications for basic scientific knowledge and could help increase plant yields in dry conditions.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified a crucial protein that controls plant responses to stress and aging. The discovery reveals the importance of Golgi bodies in maintaining cellular health and highlights their potential role in human aging.
Researchers discovered that fruit bats have a genetic system controlling blood sugar levels, allowing them to consume up to twice their body weight in sugary fruit daily. The study's findings may lead to the development of better insulin- or sugar-sensing therapies for people with diabetes.
Nationwide sugar-sweetened beverage taxes could significantly reduce SSB purchases and improve public health outcomes. Studies in select US cities showed substantial price increases associated with tax implementations resulted in consistent declines in SSB sales.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a new method to extract better alginate from cultivated kelp by using epimerases. This breakthrough allows for cost-effective production and opens up new market opportunities, benefiting both the kelp farmers and the industry.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a way to distinguish different types of structural changes in glycan molecules linked to various cancers. The AI-enhanced method uses mass spectrometry to identify patterns in data sets, providing a precise answer to what will change for a specific disease.
Researchers have decoded the factor driving rapid growth of T cell lymphomas, revealing a 'sugar appetite' that triggers processes leading to tumor growth. The discovery provides new hope for treating aggressive cancer types, with existing medications potentially effective against these tumors.
A study published in Appetite found that the taste perception of ultra-processed foods is no better than that of less processed foods. Foods with a balanced carbohydrate-to-fat ratio and high dietary fibre content were more liked, while those with intense sweetness and saltiness were preferred.
A simulation study suggests that a soft drink tax in Germany would reduce sugar consumption and illness rates, including type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant financial savings. The estimated economic benefits of introducing such a tax range from 9.5 billion to 16 billion euros over the next two decades.
A tiered tax system incentivizes companies to reduce sugar content, leading to a significant reduction in sugar intake and medical costs. The study predicts that such a tax could prevent over 244,000 cases of type 2 diabetes and save €16.0 billion.
Researchers at Université de Montréal's Department of Chemistry have created a new fluorogenic probe to study interactions between sugars and proteins, which are essential to life. The probe can visualize these interactions using fluorescence, providing a valuable tool for studying biological processes critical to human health.
A clinical study found that a ketogenic diet can improve kidney function in patients with hereditary polycystic kidney disease. After three months, positive changes were seen in key parameters, with no unexpected side effects.
A six-month produce prescription program improved hemoglobin A1c levels, indicating better blood sugar control. Participants also showed improved food security and nutrition security.
A large US study found that persistent tobacco use and prediabetes significantly increase the risk of stroke in young adults without other cardiovascular risk factors. Quitting smoking is crucial for preventing stroke and heart disease, especially among those with prediabetes.
A new Cochrane review has found that human insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to six months without losing potency. This breakthrough research offers hope to millions of people living with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those with limited access to refrigeration or healthcare.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory engineered enzymes to modify grass plant cell walls, reducing lignin content and making sugars more accessible. This led to up to 30% more sugar collection through fermentation, enabling potential conversion into biofuels like ethanol.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found time-restricted eating to be safe and effective for people with Type 2 diabetes, helping them lose weight and control blood sugar levels. Participants who followed the time-restricted eating plan had an easier time sticking to it than those on a calorie-reduced diet.
A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that a deficiency in the enzyme B4GALT3 inhibits tumor growth in mice. The study shows that reduced glycosylation on T cell surfaces correlates with increased CD8+ immune cells infiltrating tumors.