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A sweet solution to hard brain implants

Researchers at McGill University developed a novel approach using silicone and sugar to create the softest brain implant yet. The new implants have shown reduced inflammation and higher neuronal density compared to traditional hard implants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMay 4, 2021

Bacteria and viruses infect our cells through sugars: Now researchers want to know how they do it

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals how sugar molecules bind to cell receptors, activating the immune system in autoimmune diseases. The discovery also sheds light on the development of Alzheimer's disease, identifying a potential natural sugar that binds to the Siglec-3 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Creamy or gritty?

Scientists at UC Santa Barbara found that fruit flies use a mechanosensory channel called TMEM63 to detect the gritty texture of their food. This discovery sheds light on how animals perceive food and may have implications for human taste perception.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 2, 2021

Shelf-stable vaccines avoid waste, expand access

Researchers developed a new manufacturing platform using freeze-dried components that can quickly make vaccines on demand. The platform eliminates the need for complex supply chains and refrigeration, making it ideal for low-resource settings. This innovation has the potential to expand access to life-saving medications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 3, 2021

Sugar-coated viral proteins hijack and hitch a ride out of cells

Researchers have discovered a potential broad-spectrum anti-viral drug target by identifying how encapsulated viruses hijack the protein manufacturing and distribution pathways in cells. This approach offers an attractive alternative to developing individual drugs for each virus, with the same compound targeting multiple viruses.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2020

Consuming sugary beverages while breastfeeding affects cognitive development in children

A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming sugary beverages during breastfeeding can lead to poorer cognitive development in children nearly two years later. Moms who reported greater consumption of these beverages had children with lower cognitive development scores.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 6, 2020

Enhancing blood sugar control boosts brain health for people with type 2 diabetes

Controlling blood sugar levels boosts cognitive function, including thinking, learning, and remembering. However, more weight loss and exercise only improve executive function skills, while verbal learning and memory decline. Effective management of type 2 diabetes is crucial to offset its negative effects on brain health.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 2, 2020