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Imaging glucose uptake activity inside single cells

A new approach to visualize glucose uptake activity in single living cells has been developed by Columbia University researchers. This technique uses stimulated Raman scattering imaging with a small alkyne tag to generate a strong Raman signal, allowing for high-sensitivity imaging of glucose uptake at the cellular level.

SourceColumbia University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 17, 2015

Gene fuels age-related obesity and diabetes

A gene mutation called ankyrin-B has been found to cause cells to absorb glucose faster, leading to fat storage and type 2 diabetes. The mutations are common among certain populations, including African Americans and Caucasians, and may provide a genetic link to modern diet-related diseases.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2015

Nutrients turn on key tumor signaling molecule, fueling resistance to cancer therapy, Ludwig Cancer Research study shows

Researchers found that glucose and acetate can activate key tumor signaling molecule mTORC2, allowing tumors to resist targeted therapies like EGFR inhibitors. This discovery provides a potential window into treating glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer with limited treatment options.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Fructose produces less rewarding sensations in the brain

A study by University of Basel researchers found that fructose stimulates the reward system in the brain to a lesser degree than glucose, leading to increased satiety hormone levels and reduced feelings of fullness. This may contribute to the development of various disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 25, 2015

More accurate continuous glucose monitoring systems can reduce frequency of hypoglycemic episodes

In silico experiments show that more accurate continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems can detect dangerously low blood sugar and reduce the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes. The technology improves glycemic control by providing more precise measurements, enabling better decision-making for individuals with diabetes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJun 5, 2015

Researchers find fructose contributes to weight gain, physical inactivity, and body fat

A recent study at Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology found that fructose causes significant weight gain, physical inactivity and body fat deposition when matched calorie for calorie with glucose. Fructose-fed mice displayed increased body weight, liver mass and fat mass compared to glucose-fed mice.

In study, skipping meals is linked to abdominal weight gain

A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that skipping meals can lead to insulin resistance and increased abdominal fat gain in mice. Mice on restricted diets who fasted for extended periods developed metabolic issues, including inflammation and plumper fat cells, compared to those who ate regularly.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMay 19, 2015

Early stage NSCLC patients with low tumor metabolic activity have longer survival

Researchers found that patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and low tumor metabolic activity have increased overall survival. A diagnostic test using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG/PET) can help identify patients who may benefit from post-surgical chemotherapy.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateMar 30, 2015

A breakfast of champions for diabetics

A new study suggests that eating a high-caloric breakfast and a more modest dinner can significantly reduce post-meal glucose surges and improve glycemic control in type-2 diabetics. By consuming a larger meal at breakfast and a smaller meal at dinner, participants experienced lower blood glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity.

Often-ignored glucose value in routine blood tests correlates with risk of type 2 diabetes

A study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a single elevated random blood glucose value is a strong risk factor for diabetes. Individuals with values above 100 mg/dL were up to 30 times more likely to have undiagnosed diabetes, highlighting the importance of considering these often-overlooked values.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMar 4, 2015

Breakfast habits affect teens' metabolic responses to protein-packed morning meals

Researchers found that habitual breakfast skippers had poorer glucose control after consuming a high-protein breakfast, while those who typically ate breakfast experienced improved glucose control. The study suggests that young women should gradually increase protein intake in the morning to improve glycemic control.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 25, 2015

23andMe study uncovers the genetics of motion sickness

The study identified 35 genetic factors associated with motion sickness, including those affecting balance, eye, ear, and cranial development, as well as glucose homeostasis. The findings suggest a role for the nervous system in motion sickness and may provide insight into other nausea-related conditions.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateFeb 3, 2015

Glucokinase activation enhances sugar craving in rodents

Activation of glucokinase in the arcuate nucleus of rodents increased food intake and body mass, as well as preference for glucose. Inhibition of glucokinase decreased food consumption and glucose intake, indicating that glucokinase dysfunction may underlie glucose cravings.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 8, 2014

A glucose meter of a different color provides continuous monitoring

Researchers developed a new continuous glucose monitoring material that changes color as glucose levels fluctuate, offering higher sensitivity and precision than current point measurements. The color-changing material is simple, low-cost to manufacture, and can be used for short-term monitoring of patients in intensive care units.

A long childhood feeds the hungry human brain

A new study led by Northwestern University anthropologists reveals that energy is funneled to the brain early in life, dominating metabolism and leading to slow body growth during childhood. The study finds that brain development peaks at age 5, when it consumes glucose at a rate comparable to 66% of the body's resting metabolic rate.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014