Cats' indifference towards sugar explained
Cats have no way to recognize carbohydrates, resulting in a diet high in meat and fat. This is due to the pseudogenization of sweet-receptor genes, which prevents cats from tasting sweetness.
Sugars
Articles tagged with Sugars
TV confuses children about which foods are healthy, new study finds
A new study found that children who watch more TV are less able to provide sound nutritional reasons for their food choices. Excessive TV viewing can lead to confusion about which foods are healthy and help them grow strong and healthy.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Communication·DateJun 8, 2005
Longevity controlled by calorie quality, not quantity
Researchers found that reducing yeast in flies' diet increased life span by over 60%, suggesting protein or fat plays a greater role in longevity than sugar. The study's findings challenge the conventional wisdom that eating less promotes longevity and provide insight into the effects of different nutrients on life span.
New study documents the detrimental impact of teen beverage choices
Researchers found a step-wise increase in soft drink consumption among US children as they age, leading to a decline in milk intake and increased calorie consumption. Milk remains a primary source of essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, but its consumption declines with age.
Poplar trees redirect resources in response to simulated attack
Researchers used functional imaging to track plant nutrients in response to simulated attacks, finding that poplar trees divert more carbon to storage and isoprene production. This study has potential applications for improving plants' resistance to environmental challenges and studying their biochemical processes.
Added sugar displaces food groups lowering quality of preschooler diets
A study by Penn State found that high added sugar intake in preschoolers leads to low consumption of essential nutrients and food groups. Children with high added sugar levels had the lowest intake of vitamins, minerals, grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.
Canola study solves seed oil mystery
A new study from Michigan State University has found that canola seeds use an unconventional biochemical reaction to produce energy-rich oil, increasing efficiency by 20% and reducing carbon dioxide loss by 40%. The discovery sheds light on the role of the enzyme Rubisco in plant metabolism.
Insulin pumps effective for children with diabetes
A clinical trial found that insulin pump therapy was safe and well-tolerated in preschool-aged children with type 1 diabetes. Parents were also satisfied with the devices, with 95 percent continuing use after a six-month study. The benefits of insulin pump therapy are still being evaluated in terms of flexibility and convenience.
Center refutes finding that added sugars displace vitamins and minerals
The Center for Food and Nutrition Policy challenges the 'nutrient displacement hypothesis' suggesting added sugars replace essential vitamins and minerals. The study's findings indicate energy from other sources has a stronger association with micronutrient intake.
Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Sept. 21, 2004
Two studies find that high hemoglobin A1c levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, including heart disease and stroke. Improvements in glycemic control may improve health outcomes in people without diabetes.
More frequent monitoring advised for people with diabetes
The study suggests that monitoring glycated hemoglobin levels can help identify individuals at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Researchers found a significant association between elevated glycated hemoglobin levels and increased risk of large-vessel cardiovascular disease among people with type II diabetes.
Preschoolers eat better but still get too much sugar and juice
Preschoolers' diets have improved with increased servings of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, but also saw a rise in added sugar and juice intake over the past 21 years. Children with healthier diets are less likely to be sick or overweight.
'Imagination' helps older people remember to comply with medical advice
Researchers found that older adults who pictured testing their blood sugar were 50% more likely to do so regularly compared to those using other memory techniques. The study's findings suggest that imagination may be a powerful and inexpensive technique for improving medication adherence in older adults.
Eating habits as important as meds for diabetic blood sugar control
Researchers identified 15 common food habits that significantly impact blood sugar control, surpassing the effectiveness of medication. By adopting these 'do's and avoiding specific 'don'ts,' individuals with diabetes can achieve normal blood sugar levels.
Insulin pump benefits preschoolers with diabetes
A pilot study from the University of Michigan Health System found insulin pumps to be as effective as injections in controlling blood sugar levels and reducing parental stress. Parents reported lower worry and emotional stress with pump therapy, while those on injections experienced more anxiety.
Food tastes stronger when you're hungry
Research suggests that hunger increases sensitivity to sugar and salt, as the body tries to consume food. However, this effect does not apply to bitter tastes, which may be more related to detecting toxins.
Life in the universe takes orders from space
Researchers suggest meteorites may have delivered essential elements and asymmetry that led to the development of specific protein and sugar structures on Earth. This theory could provide a plausible explanation for how non-life became ordered and specific chemistry.
Scientists at Scripps Research describe new strategy for the synthesis of glycoproteins
The research team, led by Chi-Huey Wong, discovered a way to make homogeneous pools of glycosylated proteins in E. coli, overcoming previous bottlenecks and challenges. This new method has the potential to be more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective than existing technologies.
UF study suggests life on Earth sprang from borax minerals
Researchers found that a sugar called ribose can be formed from interstellar dust clouds using borate minerals like colemanite. This discovery sheds light on the 3-billion-year-old mystery of how life on Earth began and could have implications for disease diagnostics and therapy.
Navy enlists microbes to cut costs
The Navy is using microorganisms to produce a key missile propellant, butanetriol, which could reduce production costs and environmental impact. The process involves modifying bacteria to convert sugars into the synthetic material, allowing for a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative.
Researchers uncover pathway that could lead to plant generation of human-like protein
A team of researchers has discovered a plant pathway that can attach sugar groups, called sialic acids, to proteins, making them recognizable by the human body. This discovery opens up new avenues for using plants to produce medically important proteins for human use.
Researchers define molecular basis of human 'sweet tooth'
Researchers have discovered that specific receptor molecules on the tongue trigger taste cells to transmit signals to the brain, governing sweet and umami tastes. The study's findings suggest individual variations in 'sweet tooth' responses may stem from subtle genetic differences in these receptors.
Study shows Joslin's 'Care Ambassador' program helps kids with diabetes better manage the disease
A study by Joslin Diabetes Center shows that care ambassadors can significantly improve blood sugar levels and reduce complications in children with type 1 diabetes. The program helps families establish patterns of lifelong diabetes management, leading to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
Sugar coupled to protein causes kidneys to save water
Scientists discover that linking sugars to aquaporin-2 is essential for water channel transport in the kidneys. This process enables the body to conserve water and prevent dehydration. The study also identifies a new protein, AQP2-BP, that plays a crucial role in aquaporin-2 production.
Georgia chemist wins national award for computer-based research
Theoretical chemist Schaefer wins the ACS Award for his groundbreaking work on simulating genetic material responses to electron bombardment. His research uses computer programs to derive new formulations and concepts, shedding light on complex chemical behavior and emerging properties of materials.
Tariffs and farm subsidies deny health and affluence
Agricultural surpluses and tariffs imposed by wealthy nations deny developing countries the opportunity to produce more food and lift people out of poverty. The solution lies in investing in rural infrastructure, technology, and market structure to increase productivity and reduce hunger.
What do you mean throw out the food guide pyramid?
A new report rejects the outdated Food Guide Pyramid, instead recommending a balanced approach to fats, carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and protein. The report emphasizes the importance of balancing energy output with food intake, particularly among sedentary Americans.
Sweet success on the way to vaccine for ulcers, stomach cancer, reported inScience
Researchers have discovered how certain sugars on the surface of H. pylori bacteria help the immune system fight infection, but also make it worse. The findings provide new prospects for developing a vaccine against this virulent bug that causes ulcers and stomach cancer.
Diabetes patients with low literacy more likely to have poorly controlled disease
A recent study by UCSF researchers reveals that lower literacy is associated with worse health outcomes for diabetes patients, even after accounting for other factors. Patients with inadequate health literacy are more likely to experience complications such as diabetic retinopathy and have poorer blood sugar control.
Stroke patients with high blood sugar at higher risk of death
Researchers found that stroke patients with high blood sugar levels had a higher risk of death within 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years after the stroke. The study also revealed that uncontrolled blood sugar levels during hospitalization contributed to longer hospital stays and increased medical costs.
Study shows flavored milk gives kids more calcium but not fat & calories
A University of Vermont study found that children who consume flavored milk have higher calcium intakes than those who don't. Flavored milk helps boost overall calcium intake without impacting total added sugar consumption, reversing the trend towards soft drink and fruit drink consumption in children.
Sugar on the brain: Study shows sugar dependence in rats
A study by Princeton University researchers found that rats who binge on sugar exhibited telltale signs of withdrawal, including 'the shakes' and changes in brain chemistry, when the effects of the sweets were blocked. This suggests that sugar may trigger production of the brain's natural opioids, leading to addiction-like behavior.
Blood sugar control partially a function of beliefs
A recent study found that individuals with high self-efficacy tend to have better blood sugar control and adherence to their self-care regimens. The researchers' findings suggest that teaching self-care behaviors can have a greater positive impact when combined with interventions aimed at improving self-efficacy.
Thanksgiving meals: Cooking with chemistry
A new study reveals that cranberries are the top antioxidant in fruits, while fresh berries and white wine can reduce heart disease risk. Cooking techniques like covering food with foil and using lower-protein ingredients can also help achieve a golden brown color and reduced browning.
UI researchers find that a simple sugar may prevent lung infections in CF patients
UI researchers find that a simple sugar, xylitol, can enhance the natural defense system of the body, potentially preventing deadly bacterial infections in CF lungs. The study shows that xylitol lowers the salt concentration of the airway surface liquid, favoring antimicrobial agents and killing invading bacteria.
Honey : Natures's sweetener may increase recuperation after workouts
A study suggests that combining honey with a protein supplement may boost post-workout recuperation and favor better blood sugar maintenance after exercise. The study found that the group receiving honey maintained optimal blood sugar levels throughout two hours following the workout.
UI researchers find way to possibly improve effectiveness of gene transfers
A University of Iowa research team found a novel approach to enhance binding between vectors and cells, making gene transfers up to 10 times more efficient. The breakthrough could lead to better methods for treating diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Depression, anxiety and stress can hinder diabetic's ability to control blood sugar
Researchers found that patients with high levels of depression and anxiety had poorer results in reducing blood sugar levels, even after practicing relaxation techniques. However, those without these conditions experienced significant improvements in blood sugar control.
National award recognizes local researcher Carolyn Bertozzi
Carolyn Bertozzi, an organic chemist at the University of California Berkeley, receives the 1999 Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for her work on using sugars attached to cell surfaces to understand and treat diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Her research focuses on how sugar molecules direct cell communication within tissues.
Sugar-Free Organs For Transplant
Researchers are working on a strategy to overcome hyperacute rejection by removing sugars from pig cells, targeting the GAL trigger and developing O-type blood. The goal is to produce pigs suitable for human transplantation within five years.
Research Finds Insulin Ineffective For Many Diabetics
A new study found that insulin therapy is largely ineffective in achieving tight blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that most patients need more aggressive treatment to reach near-normal blood sugar levels and highlights the need for a revised standard of care.
High Protein, Low Calorie Diet Helps Obese Surgical Patients
A high-protein, low-calorie diet has been shown to help obese hospital patients maintain stable blood sugar levels and burn body fat without compromising their health. The diet allowed patients to avoid diabetes and hyperglycemia, while also reducing the risk of post-operative infections.
KU Researcher Adds A Dose Of Sugar To Diesel Fuel
A University of Kansas researcher has successfully demonstrated a method to convert grass, stalks, and farm byproducts into sugar for use as a primary component in fuel for diesel engines. The alternative fuel mixture is estimated to cost less than traditional diesel fuel and has already been tested in conventional diesel engines.
Sugar Does Not Cause Weight Gain, Mood Alterations
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found no correlation between high-sugar diets and weight loss, mood alterations, or metabolic effects. Instead, they discovered that the body processes simple and complex carbohydrates similarly, regardless of sugar content.