Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found evidence that mixing the common additives aspartame (an artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate (MSG) causes nerve cell damage. The researchers found that when the additives were taken together, they interfered with nerve signaling systems and actually stopped the nerve cells from growing in mice. The mice were exposed to concentrations of MSG and aspartame relative to what a child would receive in an average snack and drink. Aspartame is commonly found in diet soft drinks (Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi), artificial sweeteners (NutraSweet, Equal, Splenda, Spoonful), candies and flavored medicines, while MSG is frequently found in chips, processed cheese and many processed foods. The results of the two-year study were published in the journal Toxicological Sciences.