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Scientists have long known that coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing , but researchers out of China may have figured out why.
Researchers Ling Zheng,, of Wuhan University, and Kun Huang, of Huazhong University of Science and Technology,, have found that compounds in coffee inhibit hIAPP (human islet amyloid polypeptide), a substance linked to diabetes. Their study appeared in a recent issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Prior global epidemiological studies have shown that those who drink four or more cups of coffee a day have a 50 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes,, the most prevalent type of diabetes accounting for 95 percent of all cases. Every additional cup reduces the risk by an additional 7 percent.
Scientists looking for ways to prevent diabetes have been investigating ways to block hIAPP,, which is present in high levels in the pancreases of those with the disease. Zheng and Huang decided to study whether coffee was doing that.
They analyzed the effects of the major active compounds in coffee, including caffeic acid and caffeine, on hIAPP, and found it inhibited hIAPP significantly. "These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of coffee consumption on type 2 diabetes may be partly due to the ability of major coffee components to inhibit the toxic aggression of hIAPP," the authors concluded.
"A beneficial effect may thus be expected in regular coffee drinkers," they said.
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You don’t need to be a car buff to enjoy the Chicago Auto Show taking place Friday through Feb. 19 at McCormick Place. The 104th edition of the show will once again feature several Chicago athletes appearing on behalf of various manufacturers.
Guests can line up to meet the Bears’ Earl Bennett Friday and Feb. 18, the Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews Sunday (maybe you’ve seen their Chevy commercials?) and the Bulls’ Joakim Noah and Ronnie Brewer Feb. 17 and Feb. 19,, respectively.
Manufacturers will likely book more celebrity appearances at the last minute,, as in years past. Each will have its own set of rules for the meet-and-greets. Chevy is limiting fans to one autographed item and no personal photos during Kane and Toews’ appearance, but other manufacturers might be more lenient.
“(Blackhawks legend) Bobby Hull was here last year with Bridgestone and he signed everything but the dinner check,” said Paul Brian, spokesman for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which produces the Auto Show.
Guests likely won’t see any cars from the entertainment world such as the Batmobile or Bumblebee from “Transformers.” Brian said you’re more likely to see those sort of cars at World of Wheels, set for March 2-4 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. But the Auto Show has featured its share of stars from the entertainment industry, including actors Kevin Bacon and Anthony Edwards,, singers Cyndi Lauper and Kelis, and “Entertainment Tonight” host Nancy O’Dell.
“Cyndi Lauper danced on the hood of a Mercedes SL when she performed at First Look For Charity (in 2004),” Brian recalled. “She dug her heels into the aluminum and left her heel prints. They had to replace the whole hood of the car.”
Help wanted: The people behind “Ace of Cakes” and “Flipping Out” are looking for married and soon-to-be daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law who have a “complicated” relationship for a new cable reality show. If you fit that description and would like to resolve your issues, call 323-250-2278 or email motherinlawcasting@gmail with your name, contact number, email address, city/state and a description of the relationship. The show’s producers will be in Chicago next week to meet with select applicants.
On the record: "At guard,, No. 1, his favorite movie is 'The Notebook' -- Derrick Rose." - Actor Will Ferrell,, who handled before the Bulls-New Orleans Hornets game at New Orleans Arena Wednesday.
Heads up: “Project X” stars Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper and Jonathan Daniel Brown will meet with media in Chicago February 23 to promote the upcoming comedy. “Project X” hits theaters March 2. … “E! News” host Giuliana Rancic will appear at Fab-Fest 2012 at the Four Seasons Hotel April 15. Sign up at . … Former WWF Superstar Ultimate Warrior will appear at the Oak Lawn Pavilion in Oak Lawn March 24. … “Degrassi” cast members Luke Bilyk, Jahmil French, Aislinn Paul and Melinda Shankar will attend the “Party with Degrassi” screening at Harris Theater in Millennium Park Monday. For tickets, go to .
Sightings: Actor and Cubs fan John Cusack and Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein had dinner at Chicago Cut Steakhouse Tuesday. Cusack is a regular at Chicago Cut Steakhouse and celebrated his 45th birthday there in June. … Director Spike Lee had lunch at Wave in the W Hotel – Lakeshore Wednesday.
Twitter @aboutluisgomez
April 27, 2012
Heroes may inspire — but it's the scalawags,, the rogues,, the blackguards and the mountebanks who captivate. In an aphorism that I've taken to quoting almost hourly,, because it so perfectly expresses our propensity to embrace the bad boys and to admire but quickly grow bored with the saints,, Mark Twain once noted, "Heaven for the climate,, hell for the company."
