Articles tagged with Sugars
A simulation model suggests that all tax designs would generate substantial health gains and lower health costs in the US. The tiered sugar content tax could generate the largest health gains and cost savings, particularly among younger adults, blacks, and Hispanics.
Patients with cervical cancer who produce antibodies targeting specific sugars on their cells appear to fare better when treated with internal radiation therapy. These antibodies also indicate a generally high immune competency, making them an indirect marker of antitumor immunity.
Research at Kobe University reveals that metformin causes blood sugar to be excreted in the stool, promoting its removal from the intestine. This discovery contributes to understanding the mechanism of metformin's biological effects and may lead to the development of new drugs for diabetes.
A new study has identified the top sources of empty calories in children and teens, with soft drinks, cookies, and pizza emerging as major contributors. The research suggests that more than 25% of the calories consumed by children and adolescents come from added sugars and solid fats.
The study reveals that imidazole catalyzes the formation of prebiotic peptides, shifting the activation site from N-terminus to O-terminus. This finding sheds light on the origin of life and proposes a new hypothesis for its emergence.
Dendritic cells can be labeled using an engineered sugar molecule that is taken up by the cells and displayed on their surfaces, allowing them to track DCs in vivo. The researchers also developed a system to modulate the behavior of DCs via click chemistry, which has great promise for treating cancer and other diseases.
A study published in The BMJ found that Mexico's sugary drinks tax led to significant reductions in soft drink consumption. After three years, the probability of non-consumers increased by 4.7 percentage points and low consumers by 8.3 percentage points.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that converts low-cost sugars into hard-to-produce alpha-GalNAc sugars with therapeutic properties, particularly relevant for cancer vaccines. The enzyme, GH109, has anti-cancer qualities and can be optimized for large-scale production.
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes who have well-controlled blood sugar fare better than those with poorly controlled blood sugar when infected with COVID-19. Those with well-managed T2D also receive less medical interventions and fewer health complications.
A protein sensor called MICU1 restricts sugar and fat conversion in cells during starvation, but could be fine-tuned to promote more conversion in people with metabolic conditions. This discovery offers a potential solution for cardiovascular- and metabolic syndrome-related diseases.
Researchers found that cool temperatures reduce the appeal of sweetness by activating other sensory cells via protein rhodopsin 6, which is typically associated with light detection. This suppresses communication between sweet-sensing taste neurons and the brain, leading to reduced feeding behavior in fruit flies.
A study in mice has identified a brain mechanism that responds to sugar entering the gut, not just when it touches the tongue. This discovery offers promising avenues for minimizing sugar cravings and potentially reducing incidence of obesity and diabetes.
A team of scientists at UC Santa Barbara has discovered that multiple opsin proteins function as taste receptors, enabling the detection of subtle chemical signals. This finding raises questions about the original role of opsin proteins in ancient organisms and may extend to mammals, including humans.
A new study reveals that sugar-rich diets can lead to early death, but not due to obesity. The researchers found that the build-up of uric acid is a key factor in this process. By providing flies with access to water, they were able to prevent the accumulation of uric acid and subsequent shortened survival.
Researchers found that laminarin plays a central role in the marine carbon cycle, storing an average of 12 gigatons of carbon annually. The study also revealed that laminarin comprises 50% of organic carbon in sinking diatom-containing particles.
Researchers at TUM designed an artificial binding protein with a unique chemical composition to bind to biological sugar structures. This protein has superior affinity to natural lectins and can inhibit cell growth, making it a potential therapeutic agent for conditions like cancer and infectious diseases.
A new review of international research on food taxes highlights the strong evidence showing such taxes work in reducing sugary drinks consumption. A 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages could raise NZ$40 million annually, which could be recycled back into the community to fund healthy initiatives.
A new method called consolidated bio-saccharification (CBS) can convert lignocellulose into fermentable sugars, offering a cost-effective and efficient way to produce renewable energy. Researchers believe CBS has tremendous advantages in reducing enzyme production costs and streamlining operational processes.
A survey of over 1,000 German consumers found broad support for nutritional policy action, despite initial concerns about social acceptance. Key findings indicate that people's opinions on food policies are not tied to individual dietary struggles, with those who eat a healthy diet also being in favor of regulation.
Researchers found a 117% difference in photosynthetic efficiency between rice varieties under fluctuating and constant light conditions. This suggests that natural diversity in rice could be harnessed to increase crop productivity.
A new study found that breakfast cereals marketed to children often contain more sugar per ounce than intended due to inadequate industry guidelines. Many companies participating in self-regulation programs like CFBAI fail to promote lower-sugar options, leading parents to unknowingly consume excessive sugar.
Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed technology to determine the structure of sugars present in DNA with atomic-level resolution. The study reveals the importance of five-membered ring forms in biological contexts.
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that kids consume an average of 213 calories from post-game snacks, exceeding the energy expenditure of 170 calories burned during the game. Sugary drinks were the biggest culprits, with parents bringing nearly 90% sugar-sweetened beverages to games.
A recent study found that sugar content is the most important factor in deciding on healthy food options, overriding fat and salt. The research used the traffic light labelling system and showed that participants preferred products with lower sugar content, even if they had higher levels of other nutrients.
Researchers developed a photocatalytic method to convert biomass-derived polyols and sugars into methanol and syngas, promoting a clean and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. The process uses UV light irradiation at room temperature and produces a mixture of CO, H2, and other gases, with CO selectivity up to 90%.
A recent study found that bumblebee queens' ability to reproduce and survive is hindered by a lack of sugar in their diets. Queens' fat bodies fail to produce essential enzymes required for metabolism and detoxification from pesticides, leading to reduced lifespans and population decline.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that over 40% of patients refuse insulin therapy, leading to worse blood sugar control and longer time to lower blood sugar levels. Patients who decline insulin therapy had more severe diabetes complications and higher blood sugar levels.
Two studies found that soft drink taxation and labeling laws led to a decrease in beverage purchases high in sugar, sodium and saturated fat. In Chile, front-of-packaging warning labels reduced consumption by 22.8mL per capita per day, while the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy increased prices by 31% and resulted in significant reductions...
A study by MIT economists found that areas in Indonesia where Dutch colonial rulers built a huge sugar-producing industry in the 1800s remain more economically productive today. The research shows that villages with Dutch-built sugar-processing factories have greater economic activity, manufacturing, and higher local education levels c...
Researchers at the University of South Australia found that sugar ants prefer higher concentrations of urea in urine, which could reduce nitrous oxide emissions. The discovery shows a symbiotic relationship between ants and vertebrates in dry environments, highlighting the importance of nitrogen cycling.
A new study suggests that a diet rich in sugar increases the risk of both dental cavities and gum inflammation. Healthy eating habits should be prioritized to avoid expensive treatments.
A new scientific report by Ashwell et al. suggests that low/no calorie sweeteners are safe, have no adverse effect on blood glucose regulation, and can help reduce net calorie intake. The experts agree that these sweeteners can be a useful contribution to public health strategies aimed at reducing obesity and diabetes risk.
Researchers found that sugar intake alters the brain's dopamine and opioid systems, activating the reward system after just 12 days. This suggests that sugar can be an addictive substance, pushing natural stimuli like social interaction or learning into the background.
School packed lunches in the UK still have low nutritional quality, with only 1.6% meeting food standards, according to a study. The analysis found that sugar levels decreased, while vitamin C content dropped significantly.
Research found that South Korea, China, and Taiwan have experienced significant changes in food supply, with increased animal source foods and sugar contributing to obesity issues. In contrast, many Western countries have seen declines in animal source foods and sugar, accompanied by increases in vegetable availability.
A recent study published in the Journal of Ecology found that climate change is unlikely to force a northern migration of sugar maples due to soil composition constraints. The research, conducted by Alexis Carteron and colleagues, found that boreal forest soil negatively affects sugar maple survival rates and growth.
The UK saw a significant reduction in the amount of sugar sold in soft drinks between 2015-2018, with nearly three-quarters of the decrease attributed to product reformulation or introduction of lower-sugar drinks. Consumer behavior also played a key role, with more consumers opting for low- or no-sugar content drinks.
Researchers found that a ketone monoester drink can help participants with Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes better control their blood sugar levels without insulin changes. The study's lead author notes that while ketone supplements are not a magic bullet, they may be another strategy for managing the disease.
A new study by researchers at Linköping University found that a diet rich in sugar can rapidly affect sperm motility and quality. After two weeks of consumption, the sperm motility of all participants became normal, suggesting a close link between diet and fertility.
The International Stevia Council's 2019 Online Conversation & Trends Analysis reveals stevia as the most discussed low-calorie sweetener, with doubled mentions in both English- and Spanish-speaking countries. Positive sentiment around stevia remains high, increasing by 5% in English-speaking countries.
Eating added sugars during the holidays can trigger metabolic, inflammatory and neurobiological processes tied to depressive illness. A minimally processed diet rich in plant-based foods and Omega-3 fatty acids may help alleviate symptoms.
A new study by Columbia University researchers suggests that a diet high in refined carbohydrates, particularly added sugars, may be partly to blame for insomnia. Women who consumed more vegetables and whole fruits were less likely to develop problems with insomnia.
Researchers have created a new device that can rapidly switch functionality to support high-speed wireless communications, enabling multiple conversations over the same network. The device uses microcapillaries filled with plasma, metal or dielectric gas to generate multiple channels operating simultaneously at different frequencies.
The Hastings Center Report highlights concerns over GoFundMe's role in facilitating unproven medical treatments, which can harm donors and recipients. The report also explores the doctor burnout crisis, advocating for legal interventions to safeguard healthcare workers' safety and well-being.
Researchers have uncovered the critical genetic components responsible for oat's natural defense against soil pathogens, including the notorious Take-all disease. The finding holds significant implications for breeding other crops with similar resistance mechanisms.
A new method has been developed to accelerate the development of protein therapeutics by utilizing a cell-free system for glycosylation. This approach enables researchers to quickly discover and understand glycosylation pathways, leading to faster medicine creation and potentially opening up new avenues for treating diseases.
Researchers found ribose and other essential sugars in meteorites, indicating an extraterrestrial origin. The discovery suggests that these sugars could have contributed to the formation of primordial RNA on Earth.
Researchers found ribose and other biologically important sugars in meteorites, hinting at prebiotic origins on Earth. The discovery implies that sugars could have formed in space and been delivered to our planet, contributing to the emergence of life.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of infants and almost all toddlers consumed added sugars in their daily diets, primarily in flavored yogurts and fruit drinks. The widespread intake points to a serious problem, as early eating patterns can lead to negative health conditions such as cavities, obesity, and elevated blood pressure.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that short-term sugar consumption increases the risk of colitis and worsens symptoms in mice. Madsen's research revealed that high-sugar diets feed 'bad' microbes, leading to inflammation and immune system problems.
Recent research on turbocharged crops reveals that their productivity lies in sugar sensing mechanisms regulating photosynthesis. Unlike C3 plants, C4 crops are not sensitive to high levels of sugars, suggesting a more complex feedback mechanism.
A high-caloric diet alters the time-of-day dependent metabolic cycle in mice, suggesting lean and obese patients may respond differently to steroid therapy. The study also highlights the biological function of daily hormone secretion cycles and their impact on sugar and fat storage or release by the liver.
Scientists at the University of Dundee have created a method to permanently attach a small sugar molecule called O-GlcNAc to proteins in human cells. This allows them to investigate its role in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which are thought to be linked to O-GlcNAc disruption.
Researchers from Graz University of Technology develop biological methods to improve storage of apples and sugar beet, reducing losses due to spoilage. The combined use of hot water treatment and biocontrol organisms significantly increases shelf life and reduces post-harvest pathogens.
Researchers developed a definition of hyper-palatable foods using nutrition software and applied it to 7,757 food items. Most US foods (62%) met the criteria for enhanced palatability, with high fat and sodium being the most common factor. The study aims to inform policymakers on how to address hyper-palatable foods in children's diets.
Labelling menus with calorie content led to a small immediate decrease in average calories purchased, but this reduction was followed by a gradual weekly increase over the next year. The study suggests that calorie labelling alone may not be enough to make sustainable reductions in calorie intake in fast food restaurants.
A new US food-labeling policy will require packaging to display the amount of added sugars and their daily value. Food companies are developing low- or no-calorie sweeteners, such as allulose, which promises to deliver sugar properties with one-tenth the calories.
A McMaster University study found that teens who spend more time on TV and electronic devices consume more sugared and caffeinated drinks. The research suggests that counseling or health promotion could help address this issue, which is linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
A study found that UK restaurants with in-store menu labelling offer healthier food options, with an average of 45% less fat and 60% less salt. This could encourage restaurants to improve their nutritional quality and benefit public health.
A recent study by sociologist Maren Scull found seven types of sugar relationships in the US, including sugar prostitution, compensated dating, and pragmatic love. The research highlights genuine emotional connections and nuanced forms of companionship, challenging stereotypes and deviantizing these relationships.