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Mapping an enzyme offers clues to treating rare genetic disease

Scientists at Mount Sinai Hospital have mapped the complete structure of the AASS enzyme, revealing how its activity can be controlled. The findings provide a new avenue for developing treatments for glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1), a rare genetic disorder that causes toxic substances to accumulate in the body.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2026

New study explains why we may feel the cold more as we age

A new study reveals that the decline in thermogenic fat activity with age may explain why older people feel the cold more. The research suggests that restoring thermogenic fat activity could help understand and treat age-related metabolic problems, including obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2026

Even substitute PFAS cause metabolic stress in zebrafish embryos

PFBS exposure leads to genetic, metabolic, and morphological disruptions in zebrafish embryos, including oxidative stress, heart function impairment, and visual response deficits. The study suggests that PFBS, despite being a safer alternative, can still have negative effects on living organisms.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2026

Earlier bedtime linked to weight loss in prediabetes

A randomized controlled trial found that adding sleep coaching to a diabetes prevention lifestyle program helped participants sleep better and feel less sleepy during the day, leading to greater weight loss. Falling asleep earlier was associated with about 1.3 pounds of weight loss over eight weeks, independent of sleep duration.

SourceNew York University·JournalNursing Research·DateNov 2, 2026

Dr. Petter Bjornstad named Senior Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Dr. Petter Bjornstad will lead Pennington Biomedical Research Center in advancing research in metabolic disease, with a focus on improving the health and well-being of Louisiana residents. He brings exceptional expertise in diabetes and kidney disease, with a vision to translate world-class science into better health outcomes.

Exercise is good for us—but why?

A molecular atlas of exercise-associated changes in mice reveals distinct responses to exercise varying by tissue, cell type, sex, and circadian phases. The atlas provides a comprehensive resource for understanding systemic molecular adaptations to endurance exercise, enabling the development of personalized exercise strategies.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 15, 2026

Inflammation is already elevated at the earliest stage of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome

A new analysis of US national health data found that inflammation increases across the stages of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, with the largest increase at the earliest stage. Average hs-CRP nearly doubled between stage 0 and stage 1, crossing the 2 mg/L threshold commonly used to signal increased cardiovascular risk.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateOct 14, 2026

Large clinical study in China uncovers “clocks” of human aging that may predict chronic disease and mortality

A comprehensive study of 18,476 Chinese participants reveals 'clocks' of human aging that can predict chronic disease and mortality. The research provides clinically relevant metrics for health monitoring and disease prevention, shedding light on aging's impact on metabolism.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2026

Unexpected link identified between rare metabolic disease gene and inherited blindness

An international study found that variants in the IDUA gene, associated with mucopolysaccharidosis type I, can cause inherited retinal disease without broader health problems. The study highlights the importance of understanding how genetic variants affect the body, potentially leading to earlier recognition and treatment opportunities.

SourceGreenwood Genetic Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2026

Clinical trial provides preliminary evidence of blood-pressure effect from feijoa

A clinical trial found that feijoa powder improved systolic blood pressure in people with prediabetes, which was an unexpected finding in a study designed to test its effects on weight loss and blood sugar control. Larger trials are needed to confirm these results and fully understand the potential benefits of feijoa powder.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalDiabetes Obesity and Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2026

Higher GLP-1 costs lead to lower adherence

A new study from the University of Georgia found that patients with high out-of-pocket costs for semaglutide (GLP-1) are less likely to adhere to their medication, with nonadherence rising to over 80% when costs exceed $75. This suggests that policymakers and insurers should consider restructuring out-of-pocket costs and insurance desi...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 30, 2026

Researchers discover bullfrog brains can make their own backup fuel

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that bullfrogs can generate ketone bodies in their brains, allowing them to continue critical neural functions even when glucose levels are low. This finding could have implications for understanding human brain health and potentially treating neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2026

Effects of obesity decoded

Researchers discovered that immune cells in adipose tissue require the enzyme ACC1 to maintain metabolic health, but its inhibition leads to metabolic impairment and inflammation. The study provides new insights into the complex relationship between obesity, immune cells, and metabolic health.

Weight loss alone does not explain lower heart disease for those on semaglutide

A new study suggests that semaglutide reduces heart disease risk beyond just weight loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. The study analyzed data from a clinical trial of semaglutide, which found that patients taking the drug had a 20% lower risk of heart disease, but only half of this reduction could be explained by changes in kno...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 23, 2026

Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference: “Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy” to be held Sept. 24

The 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference, 'Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy,' will explore strategies for preventing and treating childhood obesity, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and community leaders. The conference will feature keynotes, sessions, and poster presentations on emerging topics in pedi...

Shouldering the changes in bone mineral density

Researchers found distinct patterns of bone density change after anatomical and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, with significant declines in bone mineral density over time in patients with osteoporosis. These findings suggest that optimizing osteoporosis treatment and monitoring bone density may improve long-term outcomes after re...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Bone & Joint Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2026

A promising new weight loss and diabetes treatment helps burn fat while keeping muscle

A new molecular compound, TOFA, identified by UC Berkeley scientists, helps cells burn extra energy with no change in food intake or exercise, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose control. The treatment, which works by increasing energy expenditure, shows promise in mouse models and may be used in combination with GLP-1 medications.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2026

Muscle-boosting molecule released during exercise

A key molecule released during exercise, L-β-aminoisobutyric acid (L-BAIBA), has been discovered to strengthen muscles, improve exercise performance, and protect against muscle damage in type 2 diabetes. The study reveals L-BAIBA's role in muscle adaptation, metabolism, and contraction, offering promising insights for future therapies.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2026