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Study advances understanding of metformin effects on fetus

Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2024

Restricting sugar consumption in utero and in early childhood significantly reduces risk of midlife chronic disease

A new study finds that restricting sugar consumption in utero and early childhood significantly reduces the risk of midlife chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Low sugar intake by mothers before birth and continued restriction after birth increased health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2024

Sweetened beverage taxes decrease consumption in lower-income households by nearly 50%, UW study finds

A new study from the University of Washington found that lower-income households decreased their purchases of sweetened beverages by nearly 50%, while higher-income households reduced purchases by 18%. The tax was implemented in four U.S. cities and resulted in a significant decline in consumption among lower-income households.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalHealth Economics·DateOct 21, 2024

Sugar intake decreasing but still too high

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateAug 14, 2024

Sugary drink intake by children and adolescents increased by almost a quarter between 1990 and 2018

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.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2024

High throughput prediction of sugar beet root weight and sugar content in a breeding field using UAV derived growth dynamics

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.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

AI model finds the cancer clues at lightning speed

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 1, 2024

Circulating microRNAs likely as effective as A1C for predicting type 2 diabetes in youth, according to OU study

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.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

Human cervix modeled in microfluidic organ chip fills key women's health gap

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.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Study suggests ‘biodegradable’ teabags don’t readily deteriorate in the environment and can adversely affect terrestrial species

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.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Can triglycerides-HDL-C ratio, HOMA-IR, ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and free cholesterol be laboratory-associated flags of female coronary atherosclerosis regardless of being diabetic?

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.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Biomarkers Journal·DateMay 24, 2024

Clear shift in arterial diseases in diabetes

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%.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024

Comparative study of type 2 diabetes medications show differences in medication acceptance, quality-of-life, insulin secretion and mortality

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.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 25, 2024

Researchers develop artificial building blocks of life

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.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Biomanufacturing using chemically synthesized sugars enables sustainable supply of sugar without competing with food

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemBioChem·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

Physical activity is insufficient to counter cardiovascular risk associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption

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.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 8, 2024

Reducing harmful health screenings and overtreatment in older adults

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2024