Two studies, published last month in Nature Genetics and Nature Neuroscience report:
“The gene behind the most seductive of taste receptors — sweetness — has been at last identified.”
The New Scientist, UK
Not surprisingly, the studies generated much media interest:
“Can't resist that daily dose of chocolate? Piling on the pounds with puddings? Fear not, you are not suffering from a weak will; you can now blame it on your genes.”
The Times , UK
It might explain why you take “three lumps of sugar in [your] coffee, as opposed to one lump or two.”
The New York Times, US
The good news is that this research could
“Pave the way for a new generation of designer diet foods and even drugs to encourage healthy eating.”
The Times , UK
And, for those who can't resist a snack ...
“Decreasing the activity of this gene may enable people to control their urges to overindulge in sweets.”
The New York Times, US
Having a sweet tooth also makes evolutionary sense.
“Sweet things are high in carbohydrates with a high nutritional value. [Discerning] bitterness also stops you from eating unripe fruit or many poisonous plants.”
The Times , UK
Commenting on the nature of the difference between the receptor in two strains of mouse:
“ 'It seems fitting that the presence or absence of a sugar chain on a sweet taste receptor should determine sensitivity and preference for sweetness in life.' ”
BBC News Online
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Casci, T. Sweet genes?. Nat Rev Genet 2, 407 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35076550
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/35076550