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Medical News Today
3 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Type 2 diabetes: Sugary drinks may significantly raise risk
A new study finds a link between sugar-containing drinks and the risk of type 2 diabetes. Stockah/Getty Images When it comes to managing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, there is no safe level of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, according to a new study. At the same time, the study finds that moderate consumption of sugars contained in solid foods or eaten with them may actually lower the risk of developing diabetes. The study supports a beneficial role of sugar in a balanced, healthy diet, as long as it does not include sweetened liquids such as soft drinks or fruit drinks. Although a sweet tooth is often associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a new meta-study shows that the link between sugar and the condition is more nuanced than one might think. While sugars consumed in sweetened beverages significantly increase one's risk of developing type 2 diabetes, sugars eaten in foods do not. In fact, they may even have a slight protective effect against developing the condition, a new study indicates. This new, large meta-study is the work of researchers at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, in collaboration with colleagues at Paderborn University and the University of Freiburg in Germany. The researchers included in their analysis the findings of 29 studies conducted in Europe, the United States, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. The study is published in the journal Advances in Nutrition . This study confirmed previous research, finding that the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks, was closely linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. The meta-study found that for each 12-ounce daily serving of a sugar-sweetened drink, the risk of diabetes increased by 25% relative to their existing level of risk. Fruit juice is considered by many to be a healthy alternative to such drinks and may contain fewer potentially harmful additives. However, it still contains a significant amount of sugar. With each serving of fruit juice, the risk of diabetes increased by 5%, in the meta-study. Some may be surprised by the study's finding regarding the connection, or relative lack thereof, between sugar consumed in or with foods and the risk of developing diabetes. The researchers found that an intake of 20 grams of sugars per day had an inverse relationship to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This suggests eating sugar may actually make a person less likely to develop diabetes. We were not surprised by the meta-study's findings, said lead author Karen Della Corte, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science at Brigham Young University. 'Our hypothesis was shaped by emerging research on glycemic response, liver metabolism, and the concept of the food matrix. [It] was based on the idea that sugar's impact depends on how it's delivered — not just how much you eat, but what else comes with it,' she said. No 'safe' lower limit 'What did surprise us was how consistently the harmful associations with sugary drinks showed up across so many diverse populations — and that this increased risk was evident even with just one serving per day. That suggests there's really no safe lower limit when it comes to sugary beverages.' — Karen Della Corte, PhD Della Corte also reported her team was intrigued by the extent to which the moderate intake of sugars in solid foods was not only not associated with harm, but may even be beneficial in terms of diabetes risk. 'That challenged the popular narrative that all sugar is inherently harmful, and it highlighted the importance of food context — including fiber, protein, and other nutrients — in how the body processes sugar,' Della Corte said. When we consume sugars in drinks, they enter our bodies in a much different manner than they do when they're ingested with food. Della Corte explained, 'When sugar is dissolved in liquid, it floods the system fast — and this rapid delivery overwhelms the body's ability to process it in a healthy way.' 'One key reason,' she said, 'is that sugary drinks deliver large amounts of sugar quickly and without any of the components that normally slow down digestion, like fiber, protein, or fat.' These nutrients, on the other hand, do typically accompany sugars when they are eaten. 'Liquid sugars are absorbed quickly, leading to sharp blood sugar spikes and insulin responses,' added Michelle Routhenstein, MS RD CDCES CDN, Preventive Cardiology Dietitian and Heart Health Expert at who was not involved in the study. As our system is overwhelmed by liquid sugars, particularly fructose common in sugary drinks, a pathway to T2D is easy to imagine. How sugary drinks heighten diabetes risk 'When the liver is hit with a sudden, high dose of fructose, it can't keep up. When overwhelmed, it diverts more of the excess fructose into fat production, a process known as 'de novo lipogenesis.' This buildup of fat in the liver can interfere with insulin signaling and contribute to metabolic dysfunction, leading to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.' — Karen Della Corte, PhD When sugars are consumed as an ingredient in foods, or eaten with foods, it is absorbed more slowly and readily by the body. Routhenstein pointed out that sugars in beverages 'also don't make us feel full, so people tend to consume more overall calories.' The meta-study clearly shows that avoiding sugar-sweetened drinks is a sensible precaution to take to avoid type 2 diabetes. It also clearly supports the idea that sugar has a place in a healthy diet. 'One point I'd like to emphasize is that this study challenges the idea that 'all sugar is bad' in a blanket sense. Our results show that the health effects of sugar depend heavily on how it's consumed. That opens the door to more nuanced nutrition guidance that focuses on carbohydrate quality, not just quantity.' — Karen Della Corte, PhD 'This study reinforces the idea that carbohydrates, including sugars, are an important part of the diet, and how we consume them really matters.' 'I don't support very low-carb diets because research shows they are often linked to high LDL and apoB levels, and can cause fast progression of plaque formation in the arteries,' she noted. 'Instead,' Routhenstein concluded, 'I focus on helping patients choose carbs wisely — pairing them with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to slow sugar absorption and support overall health. It's about balance and quality, not simply cutting out sugar completely.' Diabetes Type 2 Nutrition / Diet
Korea Herald
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Korean-born German philosopher Han Byung-chul recognized in Spain for advancing humanities, social thought
Korean-born German philosopher and essayist Han Byung-chul has been named the recipient of Spain's 2025 Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities, the award committee announced Thursday. The Princess of Asturias Awards recognize 'the scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanitarian work carried out at an international level by individuals, institutions or groups of individuals or institutions.' Considered one of the most prominent contemporary philosophers, Han has developed the concepts of the 'burnout society," the 'transparency society' and "shanzhai," a Chinese neologism meaning "fake," through which he traces the mode of deconstruction in Chinese culture, according to the jury for the award, convened by the Princess of Asturias Foundation. Born in 1959, Han studied German literature and theology at the University of Munich, and philosophy at the University of Freiburg, where he received a Ph.D. in 1994 for his dissertation on Martin Heidegger. He has taught at the University of Basel (Switzerland, 2000-2012) and has lectured in philosophy and cultural studies at the University of Fine Arts in Berlin, after having worked at the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design, alongside philosophy and media art professor Peter Sloterdijk. This year's Communication and Humanities Award saw 47 nominations from 16 countries. It is the first of the eight Princess of Asturias Awards to be announced in the prize's 45th edition. The corresponding awards in the categories of literature, social sciences the arts, sports, concord, technical and scientific research and international cooperation will be announced in the coming weeks. The awards ceremony will be held in October in Oviedo, Spain, and will be presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, alongside Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia. Each laureate receives a Joan Miro sculpture, a diploma, an insignia and a cash prize of 50,000 euros ($56,500).
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists develop pine cone-inspired technology with revolutionary capabilities — here's how it could transform future buildings
Researchers have developed an innovative self-adjusting shading system inspired by a surprising natural feature: pine cones. According to a post by the University of Stuttgart on Tech Xplore, scientists at the university and the University of Freiburg have created an energy-autonomous system that passively adapts to the weather. Inspired by the movement mechanisms of pine cones, the researchers developed the Solar Gate, a weather-responsive architectural facade. Thanks to the biomaterial used to build the structure and the advanced computational design, the Solar Gate opens and closes in response to humidity and temperature changes. The best part? It does so without consuming any metabolic energy. Do you think all new homes should use heat pump technology? Definitely Let each state decide Let homeowners decide No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As a result, the Solar Gate is the "first weather-responsive, adaptive shading system that operates without electrical energy," the post on Tech Xplore wrote. To construct the shading system, the scientists used cellulose, a natural, renewable material that contracts and constricts according to humidity changes. This opening and closing mechanism is found in pine cones, which utilize this capability for seed dispersal. After over a year of testing, the Solar Gate was installed on the livMatS Biomimetic Shell, a research building at the University of Freiburg. During the summer, the Solar Gate closes its elements to minimize solar heat, and during the winter, it opens to maximize natural heating. "The Solar Gate thus represents an energy-autonomous and resource-efficient alternative to conventional shading systems," the post on Tech Xplore wrote. "As buildings account for a significant proportion of global carbon emissions due to the typically high energy needed to maintain indoor comfort, reducing the energy required for heating, cooling and ventilation is of high importance." By transitioning toward energy-efficient systems such as the Solar Gate, buildings can reduce their environmental footprints and utility bills. Less pollution means fewer harmful gases exacerbating the climate crisis. Moving forward, the Solar Gate offers a potential blueprint for companies looking to implement cost-effective heating and cooling systems that utilize renewable materials. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Korea Herald
09-02-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
IUFRO chief lauds Korea's rehabilitated forests, advises on future management
From postwar desolation to reforestation excellence, South Korea has been planting seeds of a green future both in Korea and beyond. Examining this transformative path is Daniela Kleinschmit, president of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations and chair of Forest and Environmental Policy at the University of Freiburg, Germany, who recently visited Seoul. In an interview with The Korea Herald, Kleinschmit, as the head of a global network for forest science cooperation, examined Korea's forestry sector, focusing on its challenges and management strategies. Her insights come at a crucial time, especially when the Korea Forest Service seeks to enhance and sustain its reforestation model. United by a vision of addressing forest-related challenges for the benefit of both nature and people, the two organizations are charting a common path forward. Below is an excerpt of The Korea Herald's interview with Kleinschmit. The Korea Herald: South Korea has achieved remarkable success in reforestation over the past 50 years. What are your thoughts on this accomplishment and what direction should Korea's forestry take moving forward? Kleinschmit: The Republic of Korea can be considered a real success story in rehabilitating devastated landscapes, rebuilding forest ecosystems and related services such as soil and water conservation, erosion control, biodiversity enhancement, wildlife habitat and human recreation. At the same time, Korea is depending on imports of wood and wood products to a large degree from other countries, such as Vietnam, to respond to the increasing national demand. Following different global scenarios, the demand for wood will also increase in the next decades. This is fueled not only by a growing population but also by the understanding that using forest-based resources can reduce CO2 emissions when replacing fossil-based products. Depending on the sources of wood and the underlying standards for wood production, this might lead to over-utilization of forests and unsustainable practices of forest management. Making sustainable use of forests for ecosystem services, including wood production, is therefore a way forward, not only to fulfill market demands and support a bio-based economy, but also to ensure wood supply from responsibly managed sources. KH: Despite Korea only harvesting 20 percent of its annual forest growth, there's significant public resistance to timber harvesting. How does this compare to European practices and public sentiment? Kleinschmit: As can be observed in many other industrialized countries, particularly among urban populations, the perception of forest management and wood production has become ever more critical. This is despite the fact that the annual harvest of wood is well below yearly growth. The annual forest utilization rate in European forests is around 70 to 80 percent. We have also recognized in European countries an increasing polarization when it comes the question on how to manage forests and whether using it for wood production is acceptable or not. KH: How can we address the paradox where people appreciate wooden products but oppose tree harvesting? Kleinschmit: We have been aware of this slaughterhouse syndrome -- being in favor of wood products but being against harvesting trees -- for a long time. The solution is not trivial as it becomes obvious that increasing communication efforts are not always effective. Having said this, it is still a prerequisite of forest management to communicate with the diverse stakeholders about the needs for forest management, the sustainable use of forests and the measurements taken. The discourse on a forest-based bioeconomy that has developed in the last decades is one way to foster understanding, in particular, as the bioeconomy concepts build on the idea that nonsustainable products linked to a high degree of emissions can be replaced by renewable resources like wood. In European countries, this discourse has been very much facilitated by the public authorities at the EU level, the national level and subnational level. Instruments installed comprise informational tools -- such as dialogues, platforms, pedagogic (tools) and uni-directional communication products like brochures -- and economic instruments, providing financial support for innovative and optimized ways of using wood, while also taking into account small-scale forest owners who are partly lacking the intent to manage their forests. KH: Forest road infrastructure remains a significant challenge for Korea's forest management. What would you say to those who oppose forest road development? Kleinschmit: There is a huge discussion about the need and density of forest roads in European countries as well. There seems to be a trade-off between the required density of forest roads for harvester access and the recreational use of forests. This has been analyzed in several studies. One of the conclusions was the idea of a participatory forest road assessment approach. I am not aware whether this has been implemented, is feasible and will have the projected effect. KH: Korea's forest ownership structure, dominated by small-scale owners, bears similarities to Germany's. Does Germany have policies in place to address these issues? Kleinschmit: Austria and Germany implemented a concept of cooperatives, where small forest owners become members of and jointly manage their forests. This has supported small forest owners in their management. However, we still recognize that there are many owners that are not taking care of their forests and it is very hard to communicate with them. National forest legislation requires making provisions for operating such cooperatives and would also include incentive systems for forest operations such as road construction, harvesting and rejuvenation of forests. KH: Are there any potential collaboration opportunities between IUFRO and the Korea Forest Service that you'd like to explore? Kleinschmit: In the framework of its Science-Policy Program, IUFRO carries out global and regional scientific assessments on issues of high political concern to equip decision-makers and stakeholders with solid knowledge. The topic of the societal polarization between forest conservation and harvesting would be suitable for such an assessment. The outcomes of this scientific report would help base Korea's forest-use discussions on scientific expertise, evidence and rational arguments. IUFRO would be happy to collaborate with the Korea Forest Service in this regard. KH: As IUFRO president, this was your first official visit to Korea. What were your impressions? Kleinschmit: My visit to Korea has been my first official visit to another country in my capacity as the President of IUFRO. The visit has afforded me a unique opportunity to meet representatives from the Korean government, scientific community and international organizations, while givng me first-hand insights into Korea's current forest-related developments, outstanding accomplishments, as well as some challenges faced by the sector.
Fox News
06-02-2025
- Science
- Fox News
Smart windows take a page from nature's pinecone playbook
Have you ever wondered how a pine cone knows when to open and close? It's not magic, it's science. Now, researchers have taken this cue from nature to create something pretty cool for our homes. Let's dive into how this revolutionary window technology works, keeping your home comfortable without using a single watt of electricity. Pine cones have these amazing scales that respond to moisture. When it's damp, they close up tight. But when it's warm and dry, they open wide to release their seeds. This simple yet effective mechanism has inspired scientists to develop a smart window system that could change the way we think about energy efficiency in buildings. Scientists from Germany's universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have developed what is known as the Solar Gate window facade system. It's like having tiny pinecones built right into your windows. These smart windows have special elements that curl up when it's cool and moist, letting in sunlight to warm your home. But when it's hot and dry, they flatten out to block the sun and keep things cool inside. The Solar Gate system consists of a gridded array of pine-cone-scale-inspired self-bending elements housed between two panes of glass in an aluminum-frame window unit. Each element is ingeniously crafted with three distinct layers, each serving a unique purpose. The bottom layer is composed of a cellulose powder and a thermoplastic blend that swells when exposed to moisture. Above this lies a middle layer made of thermoplastic, which remains unaffected by moisture. The top layer consists of flexible biocomposite filaments that serve to hold the entire structure together. When exposed to moist air, the bottom layer expands, causing the element to curl upwards. Conversely, in dry conditions, it returns to its flattened state. This simple yet effective mechanism allows the window to respond automatically to changing weather conditions, providing optimal shading and light penetration as needed. The Solar Gate system underwent rigorous real-world testing to prove its effectiveness. In a comprehensive year-long study, researchers installed 424 Solar Gate elements in the south-facing skylight of a research building at the University of Freiburg. The results of this extensive trial were nothing short of impressive. During the cool, wet winter months, the elements responded by curling upwards, allowing ample sunlight to penetrate the building. This natural response effectively warmed and illuminated the interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial heating and lighting. Conversely, as the seasons changed and brought warmer, drier summer conditions, the elements automatically flattened out. This flattening action served to block excess sunlight, effectively keeping the building's interior cool and comfortable without the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. The test demonstrated the system's ability to autonomously adapt to changing weather conditions, providing optimal comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year. This innovative approach to building technology has far-reaching implications beyond just window systems. Researchers have already begun exploring similar biomimetic principles in a variety of applications. For instance, studies have investigated the development of shading systems using wooden slats that can open and close in response to environmental conditions. In the realm of textiles, scientists are working on "smart" clothing fabrics that can adapt to ambient temperature, providing optimal comfort for wearers. Perhaps most intriguingly, these principles are even being applied to the field of robotics, with researchers developing tiny mobile robots that can respond to environmental stimuli in ways inspired by natural mechanisms. As we continue to draw inspiration from nature's ingenious designs, the potential for creating more sustainable and responsive technologies seems boundless. Nature never ceases to amaze us with its ingenious solutions, and the Solar Gate window system is a brilliant example of how we can harness these natural wonders. By mimicking the pinecone, scientists have created a game-changing technology that could revolutionize how we approach energy efficiency in our buildings. It's exciting to think about a future where our homes and offices adapt to the environment just like living organisms do. Who knew that the key to smarter buildings was hiding in our forests all along? Would you feel comfortable having windows that automatically open and close based on moisture and temperature — without any electrical controls? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
