Monthly Archives: June 2022

Life Cycle of a Moss – Infographic – STEM Lounge

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:52 am

Life Cycle of a Moss - Infographic

Mosses alternate between diploid and haploid generations in their life cycle, which is unique among flowering plants. Where does fertilization take place in the moss life cycle? Are spores haploid or diploid? Scroll to the Key Takeaways to get the answers, or start from the top to learn about the moss life cycle.

How does a moss reproduce?

Mosses have two forms of reproduction: sexual reproduction and asexual/ vegetative reproduction. This is true for all bryophytes.

Practically all flowering plants are diploid, but for mosses, this is different. Mosses alternate between diploid generations (as sporophytes) and haploid generations (as gametophytes).

Generally speaking, sexual reproduction is the process where genes from two different parents mix to produce offspring with a genetic makeup similar to, but different from, each parent.

The sexual reproduction of the moss (bryophyte) life cycle alternates between diploid sporophyte and haploid gametophyte phases. In a nutshell, haploid gametophytes produce haploid gametes, which can be sperm or eggs. When egg and sperm merge, they form a diploid zygote which grows into a diploid sporophyte. Sporophytes produce haploid spores, containing genetic information from both haploid gametophyte parents. A spore gives rise to a haploid gametophyte, completing the cycle.

A single gametophyte moss plant can produce both sperm and eggs. This can occur on different parts of the same plant, one part producing sperm and another part producing eggs. However, a plant usually produces either all sperm-producing organs or all egg-producing organs at any one time. This way it doesn't breed with itself, promoting genetic variation. The female structure for producing eggs is known as the archegonium, and the male structure for producing sperm is known as the antheridium. Antheridia are tiny, typically stalked, club-shaped or spherical structures. Archegonia are bottle-like containers, their wall just one cell thick. Archegonia are typically formed in groups. Archegonia and antheridia are usually bundled in leaf rosettes similar to flowers, called perichaetia. Elongated club-shaped cell filaments called Paraphyse are sometimes found on the gametophyte, storing water and protecting the archegonia sand antheridia from drying up.

When the antheridia are ripe and the flower gets wet from rain, numerous antherozoids (spermatozoids / sperm cells), are released. Antherozoids are only able to move underwater. They swim using two threadlike tails. Some successfully end up on female gametophyte moss plants and are chemically attracted to the archegonium. Each archegonium holds one egg, in a swollen section called the venter. The sperm enter the archegonium through the narrow channel in its neck. Fertilization occurs in the archegonium to form a diploid zygote. Once one archegonium in a group has been fertilized, in many cases the others lose the ability to be fertilized. This is caused by an inhibitory hormone released from the fertilized archegonium.

The formation of the zygote begins the second phase of the moss life cycle, where the zygote develops into a diploid sporophyte (spore-plant).

After fertilization, the archegonium on the gametophyte plant becomes modified into a protective sheath around the young sporophyte. The sporophyte begins to grow by mitosis (diploid cell division) out of the top of the archegonium. It elongates and after a few cell divisions begins differentiation. At this point the sporophyte is practically a parasite on the gametophyte plant, although it may produce some food of its own via photosynthesis in the early stages of growth.

The embryonic sporophyte consists of three structures: a foot, seta, and a capsule. The foot, on the lower portion, anchors the sporophyte to the gametophyte via penetration and helps to transfer water and nutrients from the gametophyte. The seta is a long erect supporting stalk. At the end of the sporophyte is a pod-like capsule where spores are produced. The seta only occurs in species where the mature capsule is stalked.

Transfer cells develop at the sporophyte-gametophyte boundary in the majority of bryophytes, but not all. These specialized cells allow efficient transfer of nutrients from the gametophyte to the sporophyte. They may form on the gametophyte, sporophyte, or both. The gametophyte-sporophyte junction is often convoluted and maze-like. This increases the surface area, allowing for more transfer cells than a simple boundary, thus increasing the rate at which nutrients can flow to the sporophyte.

A capsule may contain four to over a million spores, depending on the species. It also may be stalked or stalkless depending on the species. In most mosses, the mouth of the capsule is covered by a lid-like operculum, which falls off when the spores are mature. A membranous hood, the calyptra, which is also discarded at maturity, further protects the operculum.

In wet conditions the spores can't travel very far. A tiny tooth-like structure around the mouth of the capsule controls the release of the spores. These structures, called the peristome, consist of one or two rows of teeth. They prevent the release of the spores during wet conditions by remaining closed. In dry conditions they open, releasing the spores.

Each spore contains a mix of genes from the two parents. If the spore falls onto a damp area of ground, it may germinate into a branching, threadlike filamentous protonema. Cusps bud from the protonema then grow into leafy male or female gametophytes, completing the life cycle.

In addition to sexual reproduction, mosses can reproduce asexually (vegetatively). The method they use to accomplish this depends on the situation they're in.

When the stem of a large clump of moss dies back, the stem-less clump becomes individual plants.

When bits of the stem or even a single leaf from the moss plant are broken off, these bits can then regenerate to form a new plant.

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Larry's contributions are featured by TEDx, Fast Company, and Gizmodo Japan, and cited in books by Routledge and No Starch Press. His stories and opinions are in magazines and newspapers including Slate, Vox, Toronto Star, Orlando Sentinel, and Vancouver Sun.He is a Harvard Medical School incoming Master's student, a Florida State University "Notable Nole," and has served as an invited speaker at Harvard, FSU, and USF.He illustrates the sciences for a more just and sustainable world.

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Life Cycle of a Moss - Infographic - STEM Lounge

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Agriculture companies have lots of job openings in STEM fields, far from the farm – KCUR

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:51 am

Jobs in agriculture dont just take place on the farm.

Across the Midwest, plant science and ag companies are looking for scientists and others in STEM to fill positions in labs, or in front of computers, that may not fit the traditional image of agriculture.

When people meet folks that work in the ag industry, they're often shocked about what they actually do for a living, said Kim Kidwell, the associate chancellor of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and a former dean of the School of Agriculture. There's a lot of engineering, there's a lot of business, there's a lot of computer science.

Across the industry, theres a growing need for scientists at every level as agriculture becomes more high-tech, and employers are increasingly looking for people who dont have a traditional ag background for different positions.

Corteva Agriscience is a global company that produces agriculture products like seeds and chemicals. The company has about 500 open jobs right now, from scientists to data engineers. About 200 of those dont require a four-year degree. Many of the openings are in Nebraska, Indiana, Michigan and Iowa.

People think of Corteva obviously as an ag company and they think that they have to have an agriculture degree, an agronomy degree or an ag business degree to come work for us, and that's far from the truth, said Angela Latcham, who leads Cortevas North America seed production and supply chain teams. We're looking for people with nontraditional backgrounds.

Corteva has open positions all over the country and the world. Some are in rural areas, close to the fields where they grow their crops, but thats not the case for most jobs in agriculture.

Agricultural economists at Purdue University have been analyzing online job openings and have found about two-thirds are in metropolitan areas.

Most of the jobs are actually not on the farm, said Brady Brewer, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Purdue.

The need for workers with non-traditional backgrounds also extends to education. Kidwell, of the University of Illinois, said theres an incredible demand for scientists at every level, including for positions that dont require a four-year degree.

If we don't get more people into the pipe, what's coming out of the pipeline will be grossly inadequate to support the advancement of food and ag in the way that it has the potential to expand, she said.

Brian Munoz

/

St. Louis Public Radio

Growing the ag workforce

In St. Louis, one community college program is trying to help fill the worker gap by training students to work in labs. St. Louis Community Colleges Center for Plant and Life Sciences is a hands-on program. In fact, many of the classes take place at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, where scientists study plants and find ways to apply their knowledge to agriculture.

The centers director, Elizabeth Boedeker, was leading a lab exercise with her students on a recent afternoon where they were working with cells.

There is a huge workforce demand right now, Boedeker said. These two-year students that are doing their internships, about a third of the time those students get offered full time or permanent part time employment with those internship sponsors.

The types of positions Boedeker is training students for, like agriculture and food science technician roles, are still a much smaller group compared to farm workers, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those science jobs are projected to grow much faster in the coming years than traditional farm worker jobs.

Boedekers students complete internships as part of their coursework, often with some of the many plant science startups and big companies that operate in the area.

NewLeaf Symbiotics is one company that regularly hires the interns through the community college program. The biotechnology startup is conveniently located in the same building where classes take place.

The company makes what Natalie Breakfield, vice president for research and discovery, describes as basically a probiotic for a plant.

Brian Munoz

/

St. Louis Public Radio

Breakfield has a Ph.D., but she said many positions at the company can be filled by someone who has gone through an associates or technical training program, like the one through St. Louis Community College. These research assistants do hands-on lab work, collecting data and running experiments, while being supervised by another scientist.

I know when I need an employee, I can call up [Boedeker] and ask her, who does she have available right now that's looking for a job, and she can send me a few resumes right away, Breakfield said.

As St. Louis works to become a hub for ag biotech companies, Breakfield said theyre going to need more and more people in jobs like these. But one barrier to expansion is that people might not know these careers exist.

Even Breakfield said she didnt know much about the plant science field before her first job as a lab technician.

That was my first real introduction into working with plants and then I actually just fell in love with it, she said. I think if you like science, this is a good place to start and you can always go on further if you decide you want to further your education.

Follow Kate on Twitter: @KGrumke

This story was produced in partnership with Harvest Public Media, a collaboration of public media newsrooms in the Midwest. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues. Follow Harvest on Twitter: @harvestpm

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11 Foods and Drinks to Avoid with Diabetes – Healthline

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:49 am

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Diabetes is a chronic disease that has reached epidemic proportions among adults and children worldwide (1).

Uncontrolled diabetes has many serious consequences, including heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and other complications.

Prediabetes has also been linked to these conditions (2).

Importantly, eating certain foods can raise your blood sugar and insulin levels and promote inflammation, which may increase your risk of disease.

This article lists 11 foods and drinks that people with diabetes or prediabetes should avoid.

Carbs, protein, and fat are the macronutrients that provide your body with energy.

Among them, carbs have the greatest effect on your blood sugar by far. This is because theyre broken down into sugar, or glucose, and absorbed into your bloodstream.

Carbs include starches, sugar, and fiber. However, fiber isnt digested and instead absorbed by your body in the same way other carbs are, so it doesnt raise your blood sugar.

Subtracting fiber from the total carbs in a portion of food will give you its digestible or net carb content. For instance, if a cup of mixed vegetables contains 10 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fiber, its net carb count is 6 grams.

When people with diabetes consume too many carbs at a time, their blood sugar levels can rise to dangerously high levels.

Over time, high levels can damage your bodys nerves and blood vessels, which may set the stage for heart disease, kidney disease, and other serious health conditions.

Maintaining a low carb intake can help prevent blood sugar spikes and greatly reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

Therefore, its important to avoid the foods and drinks listed below.

Sugary beverages are the worst drink choice for someone with diabetes.

First, theyre very high in carbs, with a 12-ounce (354-mL) can of cola providing 38.5 grams (3).

The same amount of sweetened iced tea and lemonade each contain almost 45 grams of carbs exclusively from sugar (4, 5).

In addition, these drinks are loaded with fructose, which is strongly linked to insulin resistance and diabetes. Indeed, studies suggest that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the risk of diabetes-related conditions like fatty liver disease (6, 7, 8).

Whats more, the high fructose levels in sugary drinks may lead to metabolic changes that promote belly fat and potentially harmful cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

In separate studies in adults with overweight and obesity, consuming 25% of calories from high fructose beverages on a weight-maintaining diet led to increased insulin resistance and belly fat, lower metabolic rate, and worse heart health markers (9, 10).

To help control blood sugar levels and prevent disease risk, consume water, club soda, or unsweetened iced tea instead of sugary beverages.

Sodas and sweet drinks are high in carbs, which increase blood sugar. Also, their high fructose content has been linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk of obesity, fatty liver, and other diseases.

Artificial trans fats are extremely unhealthy.

Theyre created by adding hydrogen to unsaturated fatty acids to make them more stable.

Trans fats are found in margarines, peanut butter, spreads, creamers, and frozen dinners. Furthermore, food manufacturers often add them to crackers, muffins, and other baked goods to help extend a products shelf life.

Although trans fats dont directly raise blood sugar levels, theyve been linked to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and belly fat, as well as lower levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and impaired arterial function (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16).

While more research is needed to gain a clearer understanding of the relationship between trans fats and insulin resistance, the links mentioned above are especially concerning for people with diabetes, as theyre at an increased risk of heart disease.

Artificial trans fats have been outlawed in most countries, and in 2018 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of partially hydrogenated oil the major source of artificial trans fat in the food supply in most processed foods (17).

This doesnt mean that all foods in the United States are now free of artificial trans fats. Manufacturers arent required to list trans fats on the nutrition facts labels if a product contains under 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving (18).

Its best to avoid any product that contains the words partially hydrogenated in its ingredient list.

Trans fats are unsaturated fats that have been chemically altered to increase their stability. Theyve been linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, increased belly fat, and heart disease.

White bread, rice, and pasta are high carb, processed foods.

Eating bread, bagels, and other refined-flour foods has been shown to significantly increase blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (19, 20).

This response isnt exclusive to products made with refined white flour. In one study, gluten-free pastas were also shown to raise blood sugar, with rice-based types having the greatest effect (21).

Another study found that high carb foods not only raised blood sugar but also decreased brain function in people with type 2 diabetes and mental deficits (22).

These processed foods contain little fiber. Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.

In other research, replacing these low fiber foods with high fiber foods was shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Moreover, people with diabetes experienced reductions in cholesterol.

Increased fiber consumption also improved gut microbiota, which may have led to improved insulin resistance (23).

White bread, pasta, and rice are high in carbs yet low in fiber. This combination can result in high blood sugar levels. Alternatively, choosing high-fiber, whole foods may help reduce blood sugar response.

Plain yogurt can be a good option for people with diabetes. However, fruit-flavored varieties are a very different story.

Flavored yogurts are typically made from nonfat or low fat milk and loaded with carbs and sugar.

In fact, a 1-cup (245-gram) serving of fruit-flavored yogurt may contain almost 31 grams of sugar, meaning nearly 61% of its calories come from sugar (24).

Many people consider frozen yogurt to be a healthy alternative to ice cream. However, it can contain just as much or even more sugar than ice cream (25, 26).

Rather than choosing high sugar yogurts that can spike your blood sugar and insulin, opt for plain, whole milk yogurt that contains no sugar and may be beneficial for your appetite, weight control, and gut health (27, 28).

Fruit-flavored yogurts are usually low in fat but high in sugar, which can lead to higher blood sugar and insulin levels. Plain, whole milk yogurt is a better choice for diabetes control and overall health.

Eating cereal can be one of the worst ways to start your day if you have diabetes.

Despite the health claims on their boxes, most cereals are highly processed and contain far more carbs than many people realize.

In addition, they provide very little protein, a nutrient that can help you feel full and satisfied while keeping your blood sugar levels stable during the day (29).

Even some healthy breakfast cereals arent good choices for those with diabetes.

For instance, just a 1/2-cup serving (about 56 grams) of granola contains 44 grams of carbs, while Grape Nuts contain 47 grams. Whats more, each provides no more than 7 grams of protein per serving (30, 31).

To keep blood sugar and hunger under control, skip most cereals and choose a protein-based low carb breakfast instead.

Many breakfast cereals are high in carbs but low in protein. A high protein, low carb breakfast is the best option for diabetes and appetite control.

Coffee has been linked to several health benefits, including a reduced risk of diabetes (32).

However, flavored coffee drinks should be viewed as a liquid dessert rather than a healthy beverage.

Studies have shown your brain doesnt process liquid and solid foods similarly. When you drink calories, you dont compensate by eating less later, potentially leading to weight gain (33, 34).

Flavored coffee drinks are also loaded with carbs.

For instance, a 16-ounce (473-mL) Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks contains 57 grams of carbs, and the same size of the Blonde Vanilla Latte contains 30 grams of carbs (35, 36).

To keep your blood sugar under control and prevent weight gain, choose plain coffee or espresso with a tablespoon of heavy cream or half-and-half.

Flavored coffee drinks are very high in liquid carbs, which can raise blood sugar levels and fail to satisfy your hunger.

People with diabetes often try to minimize their intake of white table sugar, as well as treats like candy, cookies, and pie.

However, other forms of sugar can also cause blood sugar spikes. These include brown sugar and natural sugars such as honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup.

Although these sweeteners arent highly processed, they contain at least as many carbs as white sugar. In fact, most contain even more.

Below are the carb counts of a 1-tablespoon serving of popular sweeteners:

In one study, people with prediabetes experienced similar increases in blood sugar, insulin, and inflammatory markers regardless of whether they consumed 1.7 ounces (50 grams) of white sugar or honey (41).

Your best strategy is to avoid all forms of sugar and use natural low carb sweeteners instead.

Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup arent as processed as white table sugar, but they may have similar effects on blood sugar, insulin, and inflammatory markers.

Fruit is a great source of several important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.

When fruit is dried, the process results in a loss of water that leads to even higher concentrations of these nutrients.

Unfortunately, its sugar content becomes more concentrated as well.

One cup (151 grams) of grapes contains 27.3 grams of carbs, including 1.4 grams of fiber. By contrast, 1 cup (145 grams) of raisins contains 115 grams of carbs, 5.4 of which come from fiber (42, 43).

Therefore, raisins contain more than four times as many carbs as grapes do. Other types of dried fruit are similarly higher in carbs than their fresh counterparts.

If you have diabetes, you dont have to give up fruit altogether. Sticking to low sugar fruits, such as fresh berries or a small apple, can provide health benefits while keeping your blood sugar in the target range.

Dried fruits become more concentrated in sugar and may contain more than four times as many carbs as fresh fruits do. Avoid dried fruit and choose fruits low in sugar for optimal blood sugar control.

Pretzels, crackers, and other packaged foods arent good snack choices.

Theyre typically made with refined flour and provide few nutrients, although they have plenty of fast-digesting carbs that can rapidly raise blood sugar.

Here are the carb counts for a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of some popular snacks:

In fact, some of these foods may contain even more carbs than stated on their nutrition label. One study found that snack foods provide 7.7% more carbs, on average, than the label states (47).

If you get hungry in between meals, its better to eat nuts or a few low carb vegetables with an ounce of cheese.

Packaged snacks are typically highly processed foods made from refined flour, which can quickly raise your blood sugar levels.

Although fruit juice is often considered a healthy beverage, its effects on blood sugar are similar to those of sodas and other sugary drinks.

This goes for unsweetened 100% fruit juice, as well as types that contain added sugar. In some cases, fruit juice is even higher in sugar and carbs than soda.

For example, 8 ounces (250 mL) of soda and apple juice contain 22 and 24 grams of sugar, respectively. An equivalent serving of grape juice provides 35 grams of sugar (48, 49, 50).

Similarly to sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juice is loaded with fructose. Fructose drives insulin resistance, obesity, and heart disease (51).

A much better alternative is to enjoy water with a wedge of lemon, which provides less than 1 gram of carbs and is virtually calorie-free (52).

Fruit juices contain at least as much sugar as sodas. Their high fructose content can worsen insulin resistance, promote weight gain, and increase the risk of heart disease.

French fries are a food you may want to steer clear of, especially if you have diabetes.

Potatoes themselves are relatively high in carbs. One medium potato contains 34.8 grams of carbs, 2.4 of which come from fiber (53).

However, once theyve been peeled and fried in vegetable oil, potatoes may do more than spike your blood sugar.

Deep-frying foods has been shown to produce high amounts of toxic compounds, such as advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and aldehydes. These compounds may promote inflammation and increase the risk of disease (54, 55).

Indeed, several studies have linked frequently consuming french fries and other fried foods to heart disease and cancer (56, 57, 58, 59).

If you dont want to avoid potatoes altogether, eating a small serving of sweet potatoes is your best option.

In addition to being high in carbs that raise blood sugar levels, french fries are fried in unhealthy oils that may promote inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Knowing which foods to avoid when you have diabetes can sometimes seem tough. However, following a few guidelines can make it easier.

Your main goals should include staying away from unhealthy fats, liquid sugars, processed grains, and other foods that contain refined carbs.

Avoiding foods that increase your blood sugar levels and drive insulin resistance can help keep you healthy and reduce your risk of future diabetes complications.

It might likewise help to reach out to others for support. Healthlines free app, T2D Healthline, connects you with people living with type 2 diabetes. Ask diet-related questions and seek advice from others who get it. Download the app for iPhone or Android.

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Harvard Scientists Have Developed a Revolutionary New Treatment for Diabetes – SciTechDaily

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:49 am

Researchers have recently successfully treated Type 1 diabetes by transplanting insulin-producing pancreas cells into the patient.

University of Missouri scientists are partnering with Harvard and Georgia Tech to create a new diabetes treatment that involves transplanting insulin-producing pancreatic cells

Type 1 diabetes is estimated to affect around 1.8 million Americans. Although type 1 diabetes often develops in childhood or adolescence, it can occur in adulthood.

Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. Treatment methods include taking insulin, monitoring your diet, managing blood sugar levels, and exercising regularly. Scientists have also recently discovered a new treatment method that holds promise.

A group of researchers from the University of Missouri, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Harvard University has proved the successful use of a novel Type 1 diabetes treatment in a large animal model in a new study published in Science Advances on May 13th. Their method includes transferring insulin-producing pancreas cells, known as pancreatic islets, from a donor to a recipient without the need for long-term immunosuppressive medicines.

According to Haval Shirwan, a professor of child health and molecular microbiology and immunology at the MU School of Medicine and one of the studys primary authors, people with Type 1 diabetes immune system may malfunction, leading it to target itself.

The immune system is a tightly controlled defense mechanism that ensures the well-being of individuals in an environment full of infections, Shirwan said. Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system misidentifies the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas as infections and destroys them. Normally, once a perceived danger or threat is eliminated, the immune systems command-and-control mechanism kicks in to eliminate any rogue cells. However, if this mechanism fails, diseases such as Type 1 diabetes can manifest.

Diabetes impairs the bodys ability to produce or utilize insulin, a hormone that aids in the regulation of blood sugar metabolism. People with Type 1 diabetes are unable to manage their blood sugar levels because they do not produce insulin. This lack of control may result in life-threatening problems including heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.

Shirwan and Esma Yolcu, a professor of child health and molecular microbiology and immunology at the MU School of Medicine, have spent the last two decades targeting an apoptosis mechanism that prevents rogue immune cells from causing diabetes or rejection of transplanted pancreatic islets by attaching a molecule called FasL to the islets surface.

A type of apoptosis occurs when a molecule called FasL interacts with another molecule called Fas on rogue immune cells, and it causes them to die, said Yolcu, one of the studys first authors. Therefore, our team pioneered a technology that enabled the production of a novel form of FasL and its presentation on transplanted pancreatic islet cells or microgels to prevent being rejected by rogue cells. Following insulin-producing pancreatic islet cell transplantation, rogue cells mobilize to the graft for destruction but are eliminated by FasL engaging Fas on their surface.

Haval Shirwan and Esma Yolcu work in their lab at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building. Credit: University of Missouri

One advantage of this new method is the opportunity to potentially forgo a lifetime of taking immunosuppressive drugs, which counteract the immune systems ability to seek and destroy a foreign object when introduced into the body, such as an organ, or in this case, cell, transplant.

The major problem with immunosuppressive drugs is that they are not specific, so they can have a lot of adverse effects, such as high instances of developing cancer, Shirwan said. So, using our technology, we found a way that we can modulate or train the immune system to accept, and not reject, these transplanted cells.

Their method utilizes technology included in a U.S. patent filed by the University of Louisville and Georgia Tech and has since been licensed by a commercial company with plans to pursue FDA approval for human testing. To develop the commercial product, the MU researchers collaborated with Andres Garca and the team at Georgia Tech to attach FasL to the surface of microgels with proof of efficacy in a small animal model. Then, they joined with Jim Markmann and Ji Lei from Harvard to assess the efficacy of the FasL-microgel technology in a large animal model, which is published in this study.

Haval Shirwan looks at a sample through a microscope in his lab at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building. Credit: University of Missouri

This study represents a significant milestone in the process of bench-to-bedside research, or how laboratory results are directly incorporated into use by patients in order to help treat different diseases and disorders, a hallmark of MUs most ambitious research initiative, the NextGen Precision Health initiative.

Highlighting the promise of personalized health care and the impact of large-scale interdisciplinary collaboration, the NextGen Precision Health initiative is bringing together innovators like Shirwan and Yolcu from across MU and the UM Systems three other research universities in pursuit of life-changing precision health advancements. Its a collaborative effort to leverage the research strengths of MU toward a better future for the health of Missourians and beyond. The Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building at MU anchors the overall initiative and expands collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and industry partners in the state-of-the-art research facility.

I think by being at the right institution with access to a great facility like the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building, will allow us to build on our existing findings and take the necessary steps to further our research, and make the necessary improvements, faster, Yolcu said.

Haval Shirwan and Esma Yolcu. Credit: University of Missouri

Shirwan and Yolcu, who joined the faculty at MU in the spring of 2020, are part of the first group of researchers to begin working in the NextGen Precision Health building, and after working at MU for nearly two years they are now among the first researchers from NextGen to have a research paper accepted and published in a high-impact, peer-reviewed academic journal.

Reference: FasL microgels induce immune acceptance of islet allografts in nonhuman primates by Ji Lei, Mara M. Coronel, Esma S. Yolcu, Hongping Deng, Orlando Grimany-Nuno, Michael D. Hunckler, Vahap Ulker, Zhihong Yang, Kang M. Lee, Alexander Zhang, Hao Luo, Cole W. Peters, Zhongliang Zou, Tao Chen, Zhenjuan Wang, Colleen S. McCoy, Ivy A. Rosales, James F. Markmann, Haval Shirwan and Andrs J. Garca, 13 May 2022, Science Advances.DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9881

Funding was provided by grants from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (2-SRA-2016-271-S-B) and the National Institutes of Health (U01 AI132817) as well as a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowship and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funding agencies.

The studys authors would also like to acknowledge Jessica Weaver, Lisa Kojima, Haley Tector, Kevin Deng, Rudy Matheson, and Nikolaos Serifis for their technical contributions.

Potential conflicts of interest are also noted. Three of the studys authors, Garca, Shirwan, and Yolcu, are inventors on a U.S. patent application filed by the University of Louisville and the Georgia Tech Research Corporation (16/492441, filed Feb. 13, 2020). In addition, Garca and Shirwan are co-founders of iTolerance, and Garca, Shirwan, and Markmann serve on the scientific advisory board for iTolerance.

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The #1 Best Drinking Habit To Manage Diabetes, New Study Suggests Eat This Not That – Eat This, Not That

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:49 am

If you're struggling with type 2 diabetes, you could potentially suffer from circulatory, nervous, and immune system disorders and damage. Your pancreas isn't producing enough insulin, or your cells are responding poorly to your insulin to keep your blood sugar levels in check. If this is the case, you need to make sure you manage your diabetes to eliminate further damage.

In some cases, you can manage your type 2 diabetes through exercise and diet, including switching up your drinking habits. In new research posted in the BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care Journal, drinking a small serving of whey protein before each meal has been linked to helping control blood sugar for those with type 2 diabetes.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

In the research, 18 participants who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes drank a pre-made 100-milliliter shot containing a small dosage of whey protein. They would consume the beverage 10 minutes before breakfast, lunch, and dinner over one week. During a separate week, the same participants drank a control shot with no whey protein.

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Continuous monitoring automatically throughout the week tracked blood glucose levels.The results showed that the glucose levels were more stable when consuming the whey supplement before each meal. On average, the participants had 2 extra hours daily of normalized blood sugar levels versus the week of the controlled shot.

Compared to the controlled supplement, the average participants' daily blood glucose levels were 0.6 millimoles per liter lower.

Whey protein is animal-based, meaning it will naturally have all essential amino acids. It includes branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), which promote muscle recovery and synthesis. Whey protein is also fairly rich in calcium, healthy fats, and other beneficial compounds like omega-3 fatty acids.

RELATED:What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Whey Protein Powder

The effects of whey protein have also helped revive insulin. It has been shown that whey protein consumed before a carbohydrate-heavy meal can stimulate insulin and incretin hormone secretion. It can also slow gastric emptyinga condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying. This could lead to a noticeable reduction in postprandial glycemiaa blood glucose test that determines the amount of glucose in the plasma after a mealin type 2 diabetes.

Another study posted in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition had researchers use whey protein as a supplement to a fat-rich meal in patients with type 2 diabetes. They determined that the whey protein performed better than other proteins (such as fish or egg whites) in terms of postprandial lipemia improvementthe rise in circulating triglycerides containing lipoproteins following consumption of a meal. This makes it a very beneficial protein (if consumed in the proper proportions).

RELATED: 4 Healthy Snack Recipes to Manage Diabetes, According to a Dietitian

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The #1 Best Drinking Habit To Manage Diabetes, New Study Suggests Eat This Not That - Eat This, Not That

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Study links diabetes and worse outcomes in long-term survivors of metastatic breast cancer – EurekAlert

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:49 am

Women who are longer-term survivors of metastatic breast cancer may have a worse survival rate if they have diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar levels, according to a new study presented Sunday, June 12 at ENDO 2022, the Endocrine Societys annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga.

This is the first study to specifically examine the effect of blood sugar control on cancer outcomes in patients with advanced breast cancer, according to lead researcher Y.M. Melody Cheung, M.D., of Brigham and Womens Hospital, Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass.

To date, there has been little research conducted on the effects of diabetes, and in particular, the impact of poor blood sugar control on advanced breast cancer outcomes. Existing studies have primarily focused on patients with early rather than advanced cancer.

Researchers studied 488 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Half had diabetes. The study found that overall survival at five years was similar between the two groups. However, amongst those that survived at least 8 years after their cancer diagnosis, survival for those without diabetes was better than those with diabetes (87% vs. 67% at 10 years). In these longer-term survivors, survival was also better among those with good blood sugar control compared with those with poor blood sugar control (83% vs. 63% at 10 years).

Our findings suggest that in patients with breast cancer who have a relatively good prognosis despite their cancer diagnosis, a more proactive management of blood sugar may lead to a longer lifespan, Cheung said.

These findings are important as they suggest that diabetes treatment and blood sugar goals should be tailored specifically to patients even with advanced cancer based on their projected prognosis, she added.

It remains uncertain whether control of blood sugars in patients with diabetes and breast cancer can improve the outcomes of the cancer itself, Cheung said. In some instances, blood sugar control may not be strongly pursued by doctors, especially in cases where the cancer is advanced, and strict diabetic control may be considered overly burdensome for patients. A link between poor blood sugar control and worse cancer outcomes may modify the way doctors treat diabetes in patients with advanced breast cancer.

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Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the worlds oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.

The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site atwww.endocrine.org. Follow us on Twitter at@TheEndoSocietyand@EndoMedia.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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What is the link between zinc and type 2 diabetes? – Medical News Today

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:49 am

Zinc is an important nutrient that can help the immune system and may reduce the risk of certain illnesses. Some evidence suggests that zinc may be beneficial for the management of type 2 diabetes. Other research notes a potential link between zinc deficiency and diabetes. However, more research is necessary.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting more than 37 million Americans. It occurs when a person does not respond typically to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar.

Zinc is a nutrient that occurs naturally in many foods, such as beans, meat, and fish. People can also take it as a dietary supplement. It helps support a number of functions in the body, most notably helping the immune system, as it possesses antioxidant properties. While zinc deficiencies are rare in the United States, they may occur if a persons diet lacks adequate nutrition.

Due to the possible health benefits of zinc, some evidence notes it might have a protective effect against diabetes and may improve the prognosis for those living with this condition.

In this article, we discuss the potential connection between diabetes and zinc, including whether zinc can help manage type 2 diabetes.

More research is necessary to understand the association between zinc and type 2 diabetes. Some evidence notes that there may be a link between zinc deficiencies and the development of diabetes. Research also suggests zinc supplementation helps reduce risk factors for developing diabetes and assists with managing the condition.

A 2020 study found that people with diabetes are more likely to have a zinc deficiency than those without the condition. The researchers also suggest that individuals with glycemic control issues also led to lower zinc levels. Similarly, a 2021 study also states that low zinc levels are a good indicator of issues with glycemic control in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

As such, this may suggest that zinc supplementation may help with the management of diabetes as an adjunct therapy. A 2022 study indicates that zinc may help due to its antioxidant properties. Relatedly, a 2019 meta-analysis found that zinc supplementation may improve glycemic control, leading the authors to conclude that zinc supplementation could prevent and help manage diabetes.

Another 2019 meta-analysis also suggests that a moderately high dietary zinc intake could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 13%. A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that low dose, long-duration zinc intake from supplements and food may reduce risk factors for the condition.

Therefore, zinc could benefit the management of diabetes. However, lower zinc levels may coincide with nonnutritious eating habits that may contribute to the development of the condition. As such, more research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between diabetes and zinc.

While zinc is present in many foods, some research estimates that roughly 17% of people worldwide have a zinc deficiency. Generally, most individuals can consume an adequate amount of zinc from dietary sources. Such foods can include:

Zinc is also available in supplements that people can have in addition to dietary sources to ensure a sufficient intake of the nutrient. However, before taking supplements, it may be advisable to seek a doctors advice.

It is important for individuals to get an accurate impression of their dietary zinc needs. Although zinc is a very important dietary element, consuming too much can result in zinc toxicity, which can cause problems. A 2022 paper lists the following as possible side effects of excessive zinc intake:

Additionally, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) note that a regular excessive intake of 150450 milligrams a day of zinc may lead to:

In addition to its potential beneficial effects on diabetes, evidence notes that zinc may possess many other health benefits.

Evidence notes that the body uses zinc for many different purposes, including wound healing, cell growth, and cell division. Sufficient zinc levels are necessary for a properly functioning immune system and could help prevent severe complications from diseases, such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhea. Additionally, it is also essential for growth and development.

In some cases, it is possible for an individual to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by implementing certain lifestyle changes. This can include regular exercise and maintaining a moderate weight.

Similarly, a 2020 study notes that incorporating healthy lifestyle choices can also help manage type 2 diabetes or potentially put it into remission. In addition to managing weight and regular physical activity, it recommends eating a nutritious diet, stopping smoking if applicable, and managing stress.

In some cases, a person may also require medications to help them manage the condition. A doctor could recommend suitable medications to help individuals control their blood sugars and delay or prevent the harmful effects of diabetes.

Click here to learn more about controlling type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that can significantly affect an individuals health. Some research suggests that adequate zinc levels could help prevent the development of diabetes and make the condition easier to manage. However, more research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between zinc and diabetes.

While further research is still necessary, evidence notes that incorporating healthy lifestyle changes, which can include a nutritious diet with sufficient zinc, may help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and assist in managing blood sugars.

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Type 2 diabetes: Signs and dietary precautions to follow to control the condition – Times of India

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:49 am

Food containing high sugar and carbohydrates trigger the sugar levels and prove harmful.

Fruits are considered as a healthy option to be consumed as snacks or as a part of a balanced meal. It cannot be denied that they have important nutrients such as fibre but, there are some fruits such as pineapples, raisins, mangoes, cherries , bananas, oranges and figs cause blood sugar level to rise. Similarly starchy vegetables that are rich in carbohydrates such as green peas, carrots, potatoes, beetroot, onions, beans and sweet corn can spike blood sugar.

All carbohydrates get converted into glucose and when people with diabetes consume too many carbs at a time, their blood sugar levels can rise to dangerously high levels. It can also damage the bodys nerves and blood vessels which may lead to heart disease, kidney disease and other serious health issues, therefore artificial trans fats, white bread, rice, pasta, sweetened breakfast cereals, fruit flavoured yogurt, honey, dried fruits, fried food and packaged snack foods should be avoided as it contains large amount of carbohydrates.

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Addressing stress and postpartum symptoms early may reduce risk for type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes – EurekAlert

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:49 am

Addressing stress early on in postpartum women who recently experienced gestational diabetes might help curb an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, according to research being presented Sunday, June 12 at ENDO 2022, the Endocrine Societys annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been shown to increase the risk for postpartum depressive symptoms, or the maternity blues, which can limit womens ability to practice healthy behaviors, said Jennifer Dias, B.A., a medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, N.Y.

Dias, whose clinical research areas of focus include pregnancy complications and gestational diabetes, worked with colleagues to identify key factors associated with depressive symptoms following childbirth among women with recent gestational diabetes (GDM) from the Balance after Baby Intervention study.

The two-year study for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in women with GDM was performed at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, Mass., and the University of Colorado Hospital and Denver Health Medical Center in Aurora, Colo. The study included 181 women between 2016 and 2019.

Data reveal 19% of women scored>9 on the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and 53% of women scored>14 on the Perceived Stress Scale at the postpartum visit.

Perceived stress was associated with postpartum depressive symptoms.

To help address postpartum depressive symptoms, it may be important to provide support to decrease perceived stress, Dias said.

TheEndocrine Societys Clinical Practice Guideline on Diabetes and Pregnancyrecommends all women who have had gestational diabetes receive counseling on lifestyle measures to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, a plan for future pregnancies and regular diabetes screening, especially before any future pregnancies.

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Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, from diabetes and obesity to infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the worlds oldest and largest organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.

The Society has more than 18,000 members, including scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in 122 countries. To learn more about the Society and the field of endocrinology, visit our site atwww.endocrine.org. Follow us on Twitter at@TheEndoSocietyand@EndoMedia.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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More than 1m people in the North have diabetes – with upwards of 30,000 in Newcastle and Gateshead alone – Chronicle Live

Posted: June 13, 2022 at 1:49 am

More than one million people in the North of England have diabetes - with 30,000 of those in Newcastle and Gateshead alone, and a massive 38,000 in County Durham.

That's according to NHS Digital figures highlighted by the charity Diabetes UK at the beginning of Diabetes Week. And the charity is also concerned that thousands of people are not able to access the vital care for the condition which they need.

The charity pointed to figures which show how - across the North of England - just 34% of people with diabetes had all eight of the recommended health checks diabetes should have - and it's understood this is worse in more deprived areas of the country.

Read more: How taking a protein shot before meals could help thousands control type 2 diabetes

According to the latest figures, covering the year 2020-2021, in North Tyneside there are 14,241 diabetics, Northumberland had 22,911, South Tyneside 10,026, Sunderland 18,357. Newcastle and Gateshead has 30,323 and County Durham has a massive 38,062.

The charity has also conducted a survey of patients and said 48% had spoken of difficulties managing their condition during 2021. This was much more likely to be the case, according to the survey, for those living in the most deprived communities - with the figure rising to 56% there. 67% attributed this to not having enough access to healthcare.

Clare Howarth heads up Diabetes UK's North of England team. She said: "Diabetes cant wait. Without access to essential care people with diabetes risk serious complications, such as amputation, stroke, heart disease, sight loss and mental health problems.

"These complications devastate lives and can even lead to early death, yet we know these are all avoidable if people receive the care and support they need and deserve.

"We know the NHS has worked tirelessly to keep us safe throughout the pandemic, but the impacts on care for people living with diabetes have been vast. Urgent action is now required, which is why were calling on the UK Government to prioritise the recovery of diabetes care."

She said she hoped the Government would recommit to improving outcomes for diabetics in the NHS Long Term Plan.

The Government has continually affirmed that it recognises the seriousness of diabetes. Most recently in May a spokesperson said: We recognise the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of early intervention, and our NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme has helped over a million people receive support for healthy behavioural changes to avoid type 2 diabetes since 2016.

Additionally, our NHS Low Calorie Diet programme, which provides low-calorie diet treatment for eligible patients, has now been extended across half the country, with a further 11 locations starting delivery in early 2022."

The spokesperson said the Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid had been clear about his "priority" to tackle health disparities. Diabetes Week runs from June 13 to June 19.

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