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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 21, 2023
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 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 six-month produce prescription program improved hemoglobin A1c levels, indicating better blood sugar control. Participants also showed improved food security and nutrition security.
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.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 2, 2023
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.
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 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.
A new study found that bumblebees maximize nectar sugar collection per minute to provide an immediate energy boost for the colony. By trading off time and energy, they choose hard-to-access nectar sources with high sugar content.
Researchers found that bumblebees choose nectar sources based on their rate of energy return, not just energetic efficiency. This approach allows them to maximize their immediate benefit to the colony, even if it means working harder.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that global sugary drink consumption increased by at least 16% since 1990, with the highest intakes observed in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The study also reveals significant regional differences and correlations between sugary drink intake and socio-economic status.
A pharmacist-led intervention has been shown to improve medication adherence among Latinos with type 2 diabetes, leading to significant reductions in blood sugar levels. The study found that patients who interacted with a pharmacist had an average 0.45% reduction in blood sugar, while systolic blood pressure remained unchanged.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered two novel yeast species with high oil-forming potential, which could be used to produce alternative biofuels and reduce CO2 emissions. The study also explores the relationship between climate and microbial ecology in Shiga Prefecture.
Researchers found a 55% reduction in lymphoma risk and a 40% overall reduction in blood cancer risk among bariatric surgery patients. Women with high blood sugar at the start of the study benefited most from the surgery.
Scientists have created a new class of solid-state phase change materials using sugar alcohols, which can store-and-release heat more efficiently. By confining these compounds in covalent organic framework crystals, the researchers were able to suppress supercooling and retrieve thermal energy at higher temperatures.
Research shows that tobacco-owned food brands have selectively disseminated hyperpalatable foods, making them hard to resist. This study found that these foods are high in fat, sugar, sodium, or refined carbohydrates, leading to increased risk of obesity and related health consequences.
Researchers discovered a gut bacteria that helps reduce insulin resistance and protect against diabetes. The study found that a specific bacteria, Alistipes indistinctus, consumed excess monosaccharides in the gut, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance.
A machine learning model has been developed to distinguish the composition ratio of solid mixtures of chemical compounds using only photographs. The model was trained on a small dataset and achieved accuracy roughly twice that of human experts.
A new study found that people who received free produce prescriptions experienced increased fruit and vegetable consumption, leading to improved body mass index, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. This research suggests that produce prescription programs may be an effective way to address food insecurity and promote health.
Researchers have identified a new process by which sugar is released by symbiotic algae, showing the cell wall plays a crucial role in symbiosis and carbon circulation. The findings provide an important piece of the jigsaw puzzle for understanding carbon cycling in marine environments.
A study of 98,000 postmenopausal women found that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with a higher incidence of liver cancer. The findings suggest a potential link between these beverages and chronic liver disease mortality.
A recent study suggests that the common ancestors of bats were omnivorous, feeding on a mixture of fruits and insects. The researchers resurrected ancient proteins from six ancestral lineages and found that the sweet taste receptor was present in all extant bat species.
A University of Minnesota-led study found that long-term consumption of aspartame and saccharin is associated with increased volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The researchers recommend considering alternative approaches to artificial sweeteners due to potential health consequences.
Researchers at UCL and Stanford University create a three-component anti-cancer therapy using click chemistry, improving cancer-killing efficiency with sialidase enzyme, and exploring potential for next-generation agents.
A large-scale study of 107 countries and regions found a strong association between daily soft drink consumption and the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents. The findings suggest that reducing soft drink consumption is crucial in combating adolescent obesity.
Researchers found that mannose inhibits the growth of certain types of cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to chemotherapy. Mannose has been shown to trigger 'honeybee syndrome' in these cells, which impairs DNA synthesis and replication.
A study published in Diabetes journal has discovered neurons in the brain that can detect and respond to changes in blood sugar levels. This discovery may help doctors reduce blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes by targeting these neurons.
A new study reveals that pathogenic bacteria fuel their growth by consuming sialic acid, a key component of the protective intestinal mucus layer. The findings suggest a potential treatment target for intestinal bacterial infections and chronic diseases linked to gut bacteria, including IBD and celiac disease.
A study found that consumers incorrectly assume low-fat products contain less sugar, affecting purchasing behavior. Manufacturers' labeling practices can deceive consumers, leading to decreased willingness to buy.
Scientists discover that blending mineral salts can replicate the taste of real sugar in low- and zero-calorie beverages, improving flavor and mouthfeel. The blend reduces lingering sweetness by up to 79% and enhances the sugar-like sensation in various non-caloric alternatives.
Researchers have developed methods to produce polyphenolic compounds with improved solubility through microbial fermentation, enabling potential life-saving drugs. The process, called glycosylation, attaches sugar molecules to the compounds, making them more effective in preventing diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism controlling barley's floral development, which can lead to improved grain yields. The study found that up to 50% of initiated floral primordia are aborted before anthesis, representing untapped yield potential.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered that bioplastic made from sugar cane, specifically poly-L-lactide (PLA), can alter the behavior of small perch in fish food. The study found changes in their social interactions, including reduced movement and altered responses to danger.
A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.
Increasing physical activity, particularly daily 20-minute walks, can improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities in heart health. Despite this, only one in four American adults meet the recommended physical activity levels, with certain groups facing additional barriers to accessibility.
A randomized trial found that very low carbohydrate diets led to greater improvements in systolic blood pressure, glycemic control, and weight compared to the DASH diet. The addition of extra support did not have a statistically significant effect on outcomes.
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that the Mediterranean diet is not only good for health but also for your weekly budget. Compared to the typical Australian Western diet, the Mediterranean diet costs less, with a family of four saving $28 per week and nearly $1500 per year
A new study reveals that increased sugar intake and elevated blood glucose levels can cause amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers identified a metabolic sensor on neurons linked to this process, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for diabetic patients.
A new study suggests that high-sugar diets can exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms by disrupting the colon's lining renewal process. The research found that a high-sugar diet led to impaired cell division and altered metabolic pathways in mice, resulting in faster gut damage.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that higher cumulative blood sugar levels after a stroke contribute to faster cognitive decline. Researchers adjusted data for various factors and discovered no association between high blood pressure or cholesterol and accelerated cognitive loss.
A new study found that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores compared to heterosexual women. In contrast, gay and bisexual men were more likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies among sexual minority adults in France.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.
A Canadian study of almost 6,000 packaged food items found that those marketed to children are significantly higher in sugar content and lower in essential nutrients. The research highlights the need for healthier options in the market to combat childhood obesity and related health issues.
The American Heart Association scientific statement rates how closely popular dietary patterns align with its guidance for heart-healthy eating. The statement evaluates 10 categories of diets, scoring them from 31 to 100 based on their alignment with the guidance, with some diets receiving high scores while others need improvement.
A new analysis of three decades of US food policies defines junk food based on a combination of product categories, processing, nutrients, and place. The study identifies common criteria used in existing policies, including exemptions for staple foods and favoring products with lower levels of processing and additives.
A comprehensive review of 169 clinical trials found that the effect of fructose-containing sugars on adiposity varies among food sources and energy control. High doses of certain sources, like SSBs, lead to increased body weight, while others, such as fruit and honey, show moderate beneficial effects when consumed in moderation.
A new study found that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an elevated risk of premature death and incidence of cardiovascular disease among people with type 2 diabetes. Drinking healthier beverages like coffee, tea, and plain water was linked to lower risk of dying prematurely.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that added-sugar warning labels on restaurant menus reduced the likelihood of ordering high-added-sugar items by 2.2%. However, only 21% of consumers noticed the labels, highlighting the need for more visible design.
Origin-of-life chemists suggest glyoxylate reaction scenario could have yielded simple sugars without drawbacks of formaldehyde-based reactions. The researchers aim to demonstrate this hypothesis in the laboratory and explore potential commercial applications.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that reducing added sugars consumption by an average of 14 to 57 calories per day is sufficient to meet the Healthy People 2030 target. This represents just less than half of a 12-ounce soft drink, and requires minimal changes to dietary habits.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023
Researchers have created a sturdy, lightweight material that disintegrates on-demand, using sugar and wood-derived powders. The material's strength was doubled with natural additives, making it harder than plastics but still lightweight.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a type of sugar molecule in blood is associated with the level of tau protein, a critical factor in severe dementia. Measuring blood glycan levels can predict Alzheimer's disease risk to 80% accuracy, almost a decade before symptoms appear.
A comprehensive evidence review found significant harmful associations between sugar consumption and 45 outcomes, including diabetes, depression, obesity, and heart disease. Experts recommend reducing added sugar intake to six teaspoons a day and limiting sugar-sweetened drinks.
Two new subtypes of insulin-producing beta cells, ß <sub> HI </sub> and ß <sub> LO </sub>, have been identified with distinct characteristics. The study suggests epigenetic dosage as a driving force behind the decision of ß cells to become these subtypes, offering a new target for potential diabetes treatments.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that taxes on sugary drinks lower the risk of gestational diabetes, unhealthy weight gain, and small-for-gestational-age babies. The study analyzed over 5 million pregnant women and found a significant reduction in these health risks.