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Nature's sweets

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method for glycosylation, using a precisely designed hydrogen-bond-donor catalyst to attach sugars to molecules. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of crucial biomedical benefits such as new vaccines and drugs to treat human disorders and diseases.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Otago study calls for sugar tax

A New Zealand study suggests that sugary drinks contribute to an obesogenic environment, leading people to make unhealthy food choices. The researchers recommend implementing a sugar tax to encourage industry reformulation and individual responsibility for healthy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 8, 2018

Food for thought

The Tsimane's high-carbohydrate and protein-rich diet with low fat intake is associated with low cardiovascular disease risk. Despite the lack of dietary diversity, their daily food intake provides a balanced nutrient profile, highlighting the importance of adopting similar eating habits to mitigate the effects of Western diets.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2018

Hard cider, with a shot of sugar

Researchers analyzed 23 popular hard ciders and found that 60% of domestic brands contained added sugars from cane or corn syrup. The study's findings suggest that labels are not a reliable way to determine whether a cider has added sugar, due to discrepancies between expected and observed isotopic ratios.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 31, 2018

How the forest copes with the summer heat

A University of Basel study reveals that native forest trees can adapt to extreme drought by closing their pores, preventing damage and reducing water loss. Despite this, researchers caution that prolonged dry spells could weaken trees and make them more susceptible to insect infestations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateAug 29, 2018

The starch risk to teeth

A systematic review of 33 studies found that more processed starches increase the risk of cavities due to their breakdown into sugars in the mouth. Whole grain carbohydrates, on the other hand, may offer protection against gum disease and a lower risk of oral cancer.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateAug 6, 2018

Plants can tell the time using sugars

A study discovered that plants regulate their internal 'circadian clock' using sugars from photosynthesis to stay in tune with day and night cycles. This process enables plants to match their activities to the time of day, crucial for growth, flower opening, and energy reserve management.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 2, 2018

Healthy diet reduces asthma symptoms

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that healthy diets with high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals are characterised by better asthma outcomes. Men who ate healthier diets had a 30% lower chance of experiencing asthma symptoms.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 11, 2018

Stop antibiotics before resistance 'tipping point'

New evidence suggests that reducing antibiotic course length can reduce the risk of resistance. Microbial communities can reach a tipping point when exposed to antibiotics, leading to an irreversible shift towards drug resistance. Stopping treatment too soon may not prevent resistance from occurring.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 10, 2018

The impact of the sugar tax in Chile: A bittersweet success?

A new study reveals that Chile's sugar tax led to a significant decrease in the purchase volume of sugary soft drinks, particularly among high socioeconomic groups. However, the reduction was statistically insignificant for low-income groups, suggesting that further evaluations are needed to address socioeconomic inequalities.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 3, 2018

3D printed sugar offers sweet solution for tissue engineering, device manufacturing

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a 3D printer that creates delicate networks of hardened isomalt sugar structures, which can be used to grow cells and tissue, or create microfluidic devices. The structures' ability to precisely control mechanical properties makes them ideal for biomedical applications.

What gives bees their sweet tooth?

Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that bees' taste neurons fire intense signals for up to 10 seconds when they encounter a sweet substance. This prolonged activation allows the bee to remain feeding at the same sugar source, making it more efficient for the colony.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 10, 2018

New in the Hastings Center Report: January-February 2018

The Hastings Center Report has published a new article examining the ethics of rationing healthcare resources through inconvenience. The authors argue that under certain conditions, this approach can be ethical and even preferable to direct rationing. Meanwhile, another author highlights the potential downsides of this practice, includ...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateMar 1, 2018

New technology enables identification of biomarkers for a wide range of diseases

Scientists have developed a way to identify biomarkers for a wide range of diseases by assessing the antibodies we are making to the complex sugars coating our cells. The new Luminex Multiplex Glycan Array enables rapid analysis of patient samples and glycans, potentially leading to early disease detection and diagnosis.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2018