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Camelina oil improves blood lipid profile

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that camelina oil reduces overall and LDL cholesterol levels in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism. Camelina oil, rich in alpha-linolenic acid, showed a positive effect on blood cholesterol levels but had no similar effects for fatty or lean fish.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJan 8, 2018

Stem cells in intestinal lining may shed light on behavior of cancer cells

Scientists studied how intestinal epithelial stem cells respond to varying glucose levels, discovering a switch from renewal to growth mode triggered by higher glucose. This finding has implications for understanding cancer cell proliferation and developing new therapeutic strategies.

Humans don't use as much brainpower as we like to think

A study published in the Journal of Human Evolution found that humans do not have uniquely expensive brains, challenging a major dogma in human evolution studies. Researchers measured the cross-sectional area of cranial arteries and brain glucose uptake to compare brain costs across 22 species.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateOct 31, 2017

Are teens more likely to take charge of their health when money is on the line?

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine conducted a randomized control trial showing that providing small financial incentives can motivate young people to engage in daily glucose monitoring. Participants who received $60 monthly credits were nearly three times more likely to achieve daily goals, but overall gl...

Different sugars, different risks to your liver

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that mice on a fatty diet who consumed high levels of fructose suffered worse metabolic effects compared to those given similar calories of glucose. The study highlighted the increased production of an enzyme called Khk, which is specifically important in fructose metabolism.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 4, 2017

Finding a natural defense against clogged arteries

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified PKC-delta as a natural protective factor that works against chronic inflammation in diabetes, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. The study found that PKC-delta suppresses the population of macrophages and inhibits a biological pathway that protects cells from dying.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCirculation Research·DateSep 20, 2017

Solving a sweet problem for renewable biofuels and chemicals

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new approach to convert biomass into renewable biofuels and chemicals, using the trial-and-error power of evolution. By harnessing this power, they were able to coax bacteria to better ferment sugars derived from biomass, leading to a 50% increase in product yield.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2017

Injectable solution may provide weeks of glucose control

Researchers at Duke University have created a technology that fuses GLP1 with a heat-sensitive elastin-like polypeptide, providing glucose control up to three times longer than current treatments. The new biopolymer injection lasts more than two weeks in primates and has the potential to replace daily or weekly insulin shots.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 5, 2017

Can fat 'feel' fat?

Researchers at the University of Iowa discovered a protein that controls glucose uptake in fat cells based on cell swelling, leading to insights into the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes. Mice lacking this protein developed insulin resistance and glucose intolerance despite having smaller fat cells.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 25, 2017

The science of 'hitting the wall'

Researchers found that brain glucose levels play a crucial role in 'hitting the wall,' and training can help preserve glucose as an energy source for the brain. A small molecule drug also stimulated PPARδ, increasing fat oxidation and preventing hypoglycemia in mice.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 2, 2017

Diabetes app forecasts blood sugar levels

Researchers developed a personalized algorithm that predicts the impact of specific foods on an individual's blood sugar levels. The algorithm has been integrated into an app, Glucoracle, allowing individuals with type 2 diabetes to make better nutritional choices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 27, 2017