Science Uncovers The ‘On Switch’ That Makes Sweets Irresistible

Researchers crack the code behind powerful sugar cravings In a nutshell * Scientists have mapped the exact structure of taste receptors that make us crave sweet foods, revealing how a single receptor recognizes both natural sugars and artificial sweeteners. * The TAS1R2 protein in our taste buds contains a pocket that grabs onto sweet molecules, which could help food scientists design better-tasting artificial sweeteners without calories. * This discovery explains why some animals (like cats) don’t care about sweets and offers potential new solutions to combat sugar-related health problems like obesity and diabetes. ==================================================================================== NEW YORK — That chocolate cake...