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JCI online early table of contents: June 2, 2008

A team of researchers at The Scripps Research Institute identified molecular changes in the cerebrospinal fluid of monkeys infected with SIV, which can cause CNS damage. This approach may provide new information about other neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.

USC researchers identify gene that regulates glucose levels

Researchers at USC identified a gene variant associated with fasting glucose levels, providing new insights into blood sugar regulation. The study found that genetic variation in the G6PC2 gene may be responsible for reducing insulin secretion and increasing glucose concentrations.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Unexpected role: EGFR protects cancer cells from starving

Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that EGFR stabilizes a protein channeling glucose to cancer cells, saving them from starvation. This discovery may require targeting both EGFR's growth-inducing kinase activity and its glucose-related role to effectively treat epithelial cancers.

A potential sugar fix for tumors

Researchers have found that cancer cells use glucose to avoid programmed cell death and maintain survival through the protein Akt. By exploiting this mechanism, cancer cells can bypass normal safeguards and continue to grow even without growth factors.

People with diabetes may have all natural citrus supplement

Two studies suggest that Diabetinol, a natural citrus supplement, improves blood glucose numbers and LDL-cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The supplement shows promise in lowering blood glucose levels after meals and improving heart health, potentially reducing diabetic complications.

Chronically elevated blood sugar levels disable 'fasting switch'

Chronic hyperglycemia disables the molecular switch that normally shuts off glucose production in the liver, leading to insulin resistance and complications. Inhibiting the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway may provide a new therapeutic target for lowering glucose levels and reducing long-term diabetes complications.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Cutting caffeine may help control diabetes

Researchers tracked participants' glucose levels over 72 hours to find that consuming caffeine increased average daily sugar levels by 8%. Eliminating caffeine from the diet might be a good way to manage blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes.

Notch-ing glucose into place

Researchers discovered the rumi gene's effect on bristles in fruit flies, finding a subtle loss of Notch activity at 25 degrees C. The protein associated with rumi is an O-glycosyltransferase that adds glucose to the Notch protein.

Lack of deep sleep may increase risk of type 2 diabetes

A recent study found that suppressing slow-wave sleep in healthy young adults significantly decreases their ability to regulate blood-sugar levels. After only three nights of selective slow-wave sleep suppression, subjects became less sensitive to insulin, resulting in reduced tolerance to glucose and increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Smoking associated with increased risk of diabetes

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that active smoking is associated with a 44% increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The association was strongest for heavy smokers, suggesting that smoking may contribute to insulin resistance or inadequate compensatory insulin secretion responses.

Small RNA plays parallel roles in bacterial metabolism

A team from the University of Illinois identified SgrS, a 200-nucleotide-long RNA molecule, which performs two functions to regulate glucose metabolism in bacteria. The molecule binds to messenger RNA to inhibit new glucose transporter production and codes for a protein that retards existing transporter activity.

Sweet fuel supply

Researchers have developed a glucose-powered fuel cell that uses sunlight to convert glucose into hydrogen, producing several hundred millivolts. This innovative device has the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by utilizing biological resources such as food waste and managed high-energy crops.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Story ideas from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Scientists reveal that the adiponectin hormone plays a key role in increasing lifespan by burning fatty acids instead of glucose, reducing free radical damage. Meanwhile, researchers identify a new protein in spider silk, which could revolutionize our understanding of its mechanical properties.

Increased glucose level is a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer

A recent study published in Gastroenterology found that high glucose levels are a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer. Patients with elevated insulin and glucose levels had a 50% increased risk of recurrence of colorectal tumors. Maintaining a healthy glycemic index may help reduce this risk.

Avoiding sweets may spell a longer life, study in worms suggests

A new study suggests that avoiding sweets may spell a longer life. Researchers found that worms lived up to 20% longer when unable to process glucose, increasing mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress. This finding raises questions about the effects of sugar on human lifespan and treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Your gut has taste receptors

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified taste receptors in the human intestines that sense glucose and regulate appetite. These receptors may lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels.

Nanoreactors for reaction cascades

Researchers create nanoreactors with enzymes and plastic membranes to run three different enzymatic reactions simultaneously without interference. The system allows small molecules to pass through while trapping larger ones, enabling precise control over reaction cascades.

Flavonoids in orange juice make it a healthy drink, despite the sugar

A study by University at Buffalo endocrinologists found that flavonoids in orange juice suppress destructive oxygen free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy participants. The two types of flavonoids, hesperetin and naringenin, inhibited ROS generation by 52% and 77%, respectively.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Research says sugar coated proteins seal in a memory of diabetes

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered a glycation process that creates a metabolic memory in diabetes, persisting even after glucose levels are corrected. The study suggests early tight control of glucose and antioxidant use can mitigate complications, but long-term antioxidants may have health problems.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Plastic that grows on trees

Researchers at PNNL have successfully converted glucose and fructose into a promising chemical precursor for fuels, polyesters, and other industrial chemicals. The breakthrough uses a novel non-acidic catalytic system and an ionic liquid solvent to achieve high yields with minimal impurities.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Hearts of male and female rainbow trout are different

A new study found significant sex differences in cardiac performance and metabolism in rainbow trout. Female trout prefer carbohydrates and tolerate lower oxygen levels better than males. The study also revealed distinct layer structures in the ventricle, with males having a larger epicardium-to-endocardium ratio.

UCLA study challenges conventional treatment

A UCLA study suggests that lactate may be a key fuel for the brain after traumatic injury, potentially replacing glucose. Researchers found that the brain takes up and utilizes lactate more than at any other time after injury, making it a faster and more efficient source of energy.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Blood sugar's manufacture limited by building blocks' supply

Researchers have discovered that a transcription factor KLF15 controls glucose production in the liver. Mice deficient for KLF15 experience severe hypoglycemia due to an inability to produce glucose through gluconeogenesis, a process dependent on amino acids and enzymes.

JCI table of contents: April 2, 2007

Researchers found that hypoglycemic neuronal death is triggered by glucose reperfusion and activation of NADPH oxidase. Treatment with CD40Ig allows rats to accept heart grafts from non-genetically identical donors by enhancing regulatory immune cells.

Is there such a thing as too much sugar?

A study published in JCI Journals found that glucose reperfusion triggers more extensive neuronal death in hypoglycemic mice than prolonged hypoglycemia itself. Gradual increase of blood glucose levels may be a better approach to treat individuals in hypoglycemic coma, but the findings are subject to further clarification.

Study shows metabolic strategy of stressed cell

The St. Jude study found that cells shift their biochemical activities to conserve energy by increasing glucose production and recycling CoA, a key player in metabolism. The researchers also showed that PanK controls the concentration of CoA in specific locations within the cell.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Diagnosis by patterned paper

Researchers at Harvard University developed a new class of rapid tests that can carry out several biological tests simultaneously on a single drop using patterned paper. The tests are highly practical, inexpensive, and unaffected by contamination.

VBI research offers potential route to diabetes therapeutics

Researchers at VBI have identified a potential target for inhibiting excessive glucose production in type 2 diabetics by modulating the activity of key enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. This approach could lead to the development of novel therapeutics to slow down but not eliminate glucose overproduction.

New fat, same old problem with an added twist?

A new study conducted at Brandeis University and Malaysia found that a modified fat replacing trans fat causes an increase in blood glucose levels and depresses insulin in humans. The researchers discovered that this interesterified fat had a similar impact on cholesterol levels as trans fat, but with weaker effects.

Engineered yeast speeds ethanol production

Scientists have engineered yeast to improve ethanol production efficiency by increasing tolerance to high ethanol levels and producing more ethanol during fermentation. The new strain of yeast can survive elevated ethanol concentrations and produces 50% more ethanol in a shorter period.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Research yields new insights into the cause of diabetes

A new hypothesis proposes that a deficiency in the enzyme Pancreatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK) during fetal development can lead to permanent neonatal diabetes. The research found that PERK-deficient mice have impaired beta cell proliferation, differentiation, and clustering, resulting in reduced insulin production.

Study adds to links between sleep loss and diabetes

A study at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that short or poor quality sleep is associated with reduced control of blood-sugar levels in African Americans with diabetes. The research suggests that improving sleep duration and quality may be an inexpensive way to improve health outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Drug could prevent type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals

A new study suggests that taking rosiglitazone, a medication for type 2 diabetes, can prevent the disease in people at high risk. The three-year trial found that this combination reduced the risk by about two-thirds, preventing around 144 cases of diabetes per 1000 people.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Sugar metabolism tracked in living plant tissues, in real time

Researchers at Carnegie Institution for Science have developed a new technology to monitor glucose levels in leaf and root tissues of Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing extremely low sugar levels in roots. The breakthrough enables studies on sugar metabolism in plants and has potential applications for engineering higher crop yields.

Disabling a carbohydrate trigger reduces obesity and appetite

Researchers discovered that a protein called ChREBP initiates fat storage when carbohydrates are present. Disabling this protein reduces obesity and improves glucose control in obese mice. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating type 2 diabetes.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

U of T researchers find glycemic index effective in composite meals

Researchers at U of T confirm the GI's reliability as a predictor of blood glucose levels, despite concerns over unpredictable outcomes. The study found that 90% of variation was explained by carbohydrate content and GI values, validating the concept's effectiveness in managing blood glucose.

Abnormal glucose metabolism may contribute to chronic nerve disorder

Researchers identify abnormal fasting glucose levels as a risk factor for neuropathy, suggesting an earlier stage of disordered glucose metabolism. The study's findings support the hypothesis that impaired glucose tolerance may be a milder precursor to neuropathies associated with diabetes.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.