Limiting Childhood Sugar Can Reduce Diabetes and Hypertension
A study has revealed that controlling sugar intake in infancy can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, later in life. Researchers analysing historical data from World War II’s sugar rationing in the United Kingdom found that limited sugar consumption in childhood led to healthier adult outcomes, emphasising the importance of diet in the early stages of life.
Economist Dr Tadeja Gracner from the University of Southern California led the research, published in Science.org. As per the report, the team explored the long-term effects of rationed sugar intake by reviewing health records of over 60,000 UK Biobank participants born from 1951 to 1956. The team then reportedly divided the participants into two groups, one experienced sugar rationing in early childhood, while the other grew up after the restrictions were lifted in 1953. Findings showed that those who had limited sugar intake as children were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes or hypertension later in life. The risk of diabetes was reduced by 38 percent, while hypertension risk dropped by 21 percent for those who grew up during sugar rationing, according to Science News.
First 1,000 Days Are Critical for Long-Term Health
Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told the publication that the first 1,000 days of life – starting from conception – play a crucial role in long-term health outcomes. Nutrient intake during this period can shape the development of a child’s body and brain. “The food a mother consumes directly influences fetal development,” she said in a statement.
The Challenge of Avoiding Added Sugars
Limiting sugar in children’s diets can be challenging, given the prevalence of added sugars in processed foods. The study notes that educating parents about nutritional choices, along with clearer food labelling, could empower families to make healthier choices. Moreover, the research further laid emphasises that occasional sugar treats aren’t harmful, but reducing regular sugar intake from an early age could be a simple way to promote better health over a lifetime.
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A new study has allowed physicists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and collaborators to measure the quantum geometry of electrons in solids. The research provides insights into the shape and behaviour of electrons within crystalline materials at a quantum level. Quantum geometry, which had previously been limited to theoretical predictions, has now been directly observed, enabling unprecedented avenues for manipulating quantum material properties, according to the study.
New Pathways for Quantum Material Research
The study was published in Nature Physics on November 25. As described by Riccardo Comin, Class of 1947 Career Development Associate Professor of Physics at MIT, the achievement is a major advancement in quantum material science. In an interview with MIT’s Materials Research Laboratory, Comin highlighted that their team has developed a blueprint for obtaining completely new information about quantum systems. The methodology used can potentially be applied to a wide range of quantum materials beyond the one tested in this study.
Technical Innovations Enable Direct Measurement
The research employed angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), a technique previously used by Comin and his colleagues to examine quantum properties. The team adapted ARPES to directly measure quantum geometry in a material known as kagome metal, which features a lattice structure with unique electronic properties. Mingu Kang, first author of the paper and a Kavli Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University, noted that this measurement became possible due to collaboration between experimentalists and theorists from multiple institutions, including South Korea during the pandemic.
These experiences underscore the collaborative and resourceful efforts involved in realising this scientific breakthrough. This advancement offers new possibilities in understanding the quantum behaviour of materials, paving the way for innovations in computing, electronics, and magnetic technologies, as reported in Nature Physics.
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France’s nuclear energy sector reached a significant milestone as the Flamanville 3 European Pressurised Reactor in Normandy was successfully connected to the national electricity grid. According to reports, this reactor, now the country’s most powerful with a capacity of 1,600 MW, began supplying electricity at 11:48 am local time on Saturday. Officials from EDF, the state-owned energy firm, highlighted to the media that the connection marks an important chapter in the nation’s energy strategy, despite facing years of technical issues, delays, and cost overruns.
Decades in the Making
The Flamanville 3 project, initiated in 2007, was designed to revive interest in nuclear energy across Europe following past disasters. Reports have indicated that its advanced pressurised water reactor technology offers increased efficiency and improved safety measures. EDF’s CEO, Luc Rémont, called the development “historic,” noting that it was the first new reactor to begin operations in France in 25 years. Challenges during the reactor’s construction phase extended its timeline to 17 years, with costs escalating from an initial €3.3 billion to an estimated €13.2 billion.
Testing Phase and Future Plans
As per reports, it has been confirmed by EDF that Flamanville 3 will undergo extensive testing at varying power levels until summer 2025. A full inspection, lasting approximately 250 days, is expected to occur in spring 2026. The facility is projected to supply power to over two million homes once fully operational. France’s nuclear programme remains one of the most prominent globally, contributing to about 60 percent of the nation’s electricity output.
Government’s Commitment to Nuclear Energy
President Emmanuel Macron has underscored the importance of nuclear energy in the country’s shift towards sustainable power sources in the media. The government has announced plans for six additional next-generation reactors and possible options for eight more, reflecting its commitment to reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Macron previously described nuclear development as essential to safeguarding both energy security and the climate.
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