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The sweet taste of innovation

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 23, 2019

The 7 types of sugar daddy relationships

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalSociological Perspectives·DateOct 15, 2019

Honeybees are math stars

Honeybees can learn to distinguish between quantities of three and four, but fail at finer differences. Training with a bitter-tasting quinine-flavored water reward improves their math skills, enabling them to differentiate between four and five shapes.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 10, 2019

Diabetes medications masking surgical complication

A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that people with diabetes taking gliflozin medications are at risk of ketoacidosis during surgery. Euglycaemic ketoacidosis can be deceiving, presenting with normal blood sugar levels, and may be missed easily by clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateJul 18, 2019

Study identifies the best healthy eating nudges

A meta-analysis of real-life experiments found that behavioural nudges can reduce daily energy intake by up to 209 kcal, equivalent to 21 cubes of sugar. Cognitive and affective nudges were less effective, with average reductions of 64 kcal and 129 kcal respectively.

SourceINSEAD·JournalMarketing Science·DateJul 9, 2019

Science snapshots: A toxin antidote in frogs, atomic motion in 4D, and better biofuels

Scientists have discovered a natural defense against the deadly neurotoxin saxitoxin in bullfrogs, which could lead to the first-ever antidote for this compound. Additionally, researchers have captured atomic motion in 4D and identified a molecular switch that promotes IIL tolerance in bacteria, paving the way for better biofuels.

Zero-calorie sweeteners on trial again

Researchers found that maternal exposure to sucralose and acesulfame-K during pregnancy and lactation led to altered intestinal flora and liver toxicity in mouse pups. The study suggests that artificial sweeteners may be safe for adults when used in moderation, but not a substitute for sugar.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 25, 2019

Vanilla makes milk beverages seem sweeter

Researchers at Penn State used vanilla to reduce sugar content in flavored milk, finding that participants perceived the beverage as significantly sweeter. The study aims to develop a reduced-sugar chocolate milk for the National School Lunch Program.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJun 20, 2019

Sugar industry's use of dietitians to influence dental professionals, 1974-1978

The Regional Nutritional Information Program was a key component of the U.S. Sugar Association's public relations campaign, designed to promote sugar's safety and benefits in a balanced diet. The program involved dietitians hosting workshops, influencing dental professionals' attitudes towards sugar, and shaping oral health messages.

New research suggests sugar taxes and labeling are effective

A new study suggests that implementing sugar taxes and labeling on packaged products can lead to a reduction in sugar consumption. The study found that consumers were more likely to choose products with less sugar when prices increased due to taxes or when nutrition labels were displayed on the front of packages.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateMay 29, 2019

Colonial policies can result in economic growth

A new study found that areas near historical Dutch sugar factories in 19th century Java are more developed today, with higher per-capita consumption and better schooling. The research suggests that the creation of a colonial manufacturing industry led to a more modern economy, with places near factories having more public infrastructure.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateMay 14, 2019

Train your brain to eat less sugar

A new study from Drexel University shows that a computer game can be used to train individuals to eat less sugar, leading to weight loss and improved health. The 'Diet DASH' game targets the part of the brain that inhibits impulses with the goal of reducing sweet food consumption.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 7, 2019

Study suggests no direct link between drinking sugar sweetened drinks and higher energy consumption or BMI in children

A nationally representative survey of UK children aged 4-10 years found no strong correlation between drinking sugar sweetened beverages and higher energy consumption or BMI. The study suggests that relying on a single-nutrient approach, such as a 'sugar tax', may not be effective in tackling childhood obesity.

In search of new 'sugar cleavers'

Scientists from two French teams have identified 79 new 'sugar cleavers' enzymes using bioinformatics methods, expanding the known families to over 200. These enzymes can serve as tools in domains like bioenergy, cosmetics, and nutrition.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Higher risk of fracture in type 1 diabetes may be linked to poor blood sugar control

Patients with type 1 diabetes and poor blood sugar control face a higher risk of fragility fracture compared to those with good glycemic control. Good blood sugar control is an important goal for patients with diabetes, and research shows that it may help reduce the risk of fractures in type 1 diabetes patients.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2019