{
  "id": 231863,
  "title": "Your Big Brain Wouldn’t Be Possible Without Sugar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/your-big-brain-wouldnt-be-possible-without-sugar",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-06T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Nautilus",
    "slug": "nautilus",
    "url": "https://nautil.us/your-big-brain-wouldnt-be-possible-without-sugar-1283454/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The human brain is a marvel of evolution, requiring a significant amount of energy to function. Traditionally, the focus has been on the role of protein from meat in fueling our big noggins. However, a new study published in Science challenges this narrative, highlighting the crucial role of glucose in brain development. The research, led by Jennie Brand-Miller from the University of Sydney and the University of Glasgow, modeled dietary intake against energy needs for hominins over the past 4 million years. By incorporating data from primates, dental analysis, and genetic studies, the researchers found that brain size increased dramatically from 300 grams in Australopithecus afarensis to 1,500 grams in modern humans. This expansion required a substantial increase in metabolic needs. The team calculated that glucose, derived from natural sugars in fruits, honey, and sweet foods, made up roughly 20 to 35 percent of energy intake throughout hominin evolution. The authors suggest that mastering fire allowed us to utilize the complex carbohydrates found in starchy foods like tubers, further supporting brain growth. This study not only explains our affinity for sweet tastes, especially in children who can burn almost two-thirds of their calories in the brain, but also casts a new light on dietary practices, particularly the popular paleo diet. The researchers advocate for a balanced approach, emphasizing high-quality carbohydrate sources such as whole fruits, legumes, and grains, rather than fearing carbohydrates. They conclude that our ancestors' diets should inspire us to enjoy sweet and nutritious foods as part of a healthy diet.",
  "summary": "Pass the glucose The post Your Big Brain Wouldn’t Be Possible Without Sugar appeared first on Nautilus .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}