Researchers have developed a way to biosynthetically produce an otherwise rare sugar called tagatose, which can provide the sweetness and natural taste of sucrose -- table sugar -- without its potential harms. Tagatose is as sweet as sucrose with 60% fewer calories. It's metabolism limits effects on blood sugar levels, and it inhibits growth of dental cavity-causing bacteria. 

Select gut bacteria protect mice against post-influenza virus secondary bacterial pneumonia, according to a study published by researchers in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University.