Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Can omega-3 fatty acid intake affect acne severity?

Following a Mediterranean diet and taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements, participants experienced significant reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions. Those who reached target omega-3 levels showed the most substantial improvement in acne severity.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology·DateJul 10, 2024

Declining iron levels in women in the military

A recent study published in BMJ Military Health found that female conscripts' iron deficiency more than doubled from 25% to 55% after five months of basic military training. The study also showed a significant decrease in ferritin levels, which can lead to anemia and fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMJ Military Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2024

Diet quality among children

Despite overall improvement, US children's diets remain suboptimal, with total dietary quality scores below the 5-point threshold. The study analyzed data from 2005-2020 and found that the increase remained lower than expected.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 8, 2024

Proteins and fats can drive insulin production for some, paving way for tailored nutrition

Researchers found that individual responses to proteins and fats can drive insulin production, challenging the long-held belief that fats have negligible effects on insulin release. This study has implications for tailored dietary guidance to manage blood sugar and insulin levels in individuals with diabetes or those at risk.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateJul 2, 2024

"A hearty debate" concludes plant-based meat alternatives are healthier for your heart than meat

A Canadian Journal of Cardiology review article finds that plant-based meat alternatives tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern, improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The authors recommend incorporating PBMAs into a healthy diet as an excellent protein source, with options lower in saturated fat and sodium.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2024

Myths about intermittent fasting, debunked

Research debunks four common myths about intermittent fasting: it does not lead to a poor diet, cause eating disorders, excessive lean muscle mass loss, or affect sex hormones. Studies show both types of intermittent fasting (alternate-day and time-restricted) are safe despite popular misconceptions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·DateJun 24, 2024

Wild chimpanzees seek out medicinal plants to treat illness and injuries

Chimpanzees have been observed seeking out specific plants with medicinal properties to treat their ailments, and further pharmacological testing has confirmed the presence of anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compounds. These findings highlight the importance of studying animal behavior in discovering new medicines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 2024

Dietary sucrose determines activity of lithium on gene expression and lifespan in drosophila melanogaster

Researchers found that lithium's efficacy in enhancing longevity and altering body composition is influenced by the sucrose content of the diet. The study reveals a significant overlap between the transcriptional responses to increasing dietary sucrose and adding lithium, suggesting a joint mechanism at play.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

The declining diet of Japan’s youth

Researchers found a negative association between highly processed food consumption and healthy eating among Japanese children and adolescents, with confectioneries positively correlated. The study suggests that reducing processed food intake could be beneficial for public health.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 17, 2024

Paternal use of metformin during sperm production not associated with major birth defects

A study of almost 400,000 live births found that paternal use of metformin monotherapy was not significantly associated with major congenital malformations. However, researchers noted that fathers prescribed metformin had higher rates of cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, which could affect reproductive health.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJun 17, 2024

Planetary Health Diet associated with lower risk of premature death, lower environmental impact

A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a 30% lower risk of premature death and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The diet emphasizes minimally processed plant foods and modest consumption of meat and dairy foods.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2024

Can big cats sing parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme?

A study by Kyoto University found that snow leopards consume the plant genus Myricaria in their feces when hungry. This suggests a link between prey and plant intake in these large alpine cat carnivores. The research provides insight into improved captive environments and suitable conservation plans for snow leopards.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2024

Poor quality diet makes our brains sad

A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

Pro-inflammatory diets are associated with higher levels of the heart failure biomarker NT-proBNP, with potential implications for cardiovascular risk, per study of more than 10,000 US adults

A study of over 10,000 US adults found a strong association between pro-inflammatory diets and elevated NT-proBNP levels, indicating potential increased cardiovascular risk. The research suggests that dietary inflammatory index may be an important factor in heart failure biomarker levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2024

Simple food swaps could cut greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by a quarter

A new study reveals that switching to environmentally friendly food alternatives can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries. The analysis found that making like-for-like product swaps within sub-categories of foods could lead to emission reductions of up to 26% or 71%.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2024

Intermittent fasting shows promise in improving gut health, weight management

A new study highlights the benefits of intermittent fasting and protein-pacing on gut health, weight loss, and metabolic responses. Participants showed improved diversity of the gut microbiota, decreased symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, and increased beneficial microbes linked to a lean body type.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2024

Future climate impacts put whale diet at risk

A new study predicts that future climate change will disrupt humpback whales' krill-heavy diet, as their primary prey item Antarctic krill becomes less abundant. The research found that all tested whale populations relied on Antarctic krill, which is essential for their migratory lifestyle.

SourceGriffith University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMay 22, 2024

Can diet help with advanced breast cancer? All indications are positive, researchers say

A small study at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that women with stage 4 breast cancer who followed a whole-foods plant-based diet experienced significant weight loss, improved cholesterol levels, and reduced fatigue. The diet also showed promise in reducing inflammation and changes in blood levels of amino acids.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 22, 2024

What pottery reveals about prehistoric Central European culinary traditions

A groundbreaking study in PLOS ONE analyzed fat residues trapped in pottery vessels to uncover the prehistoric culinary traditions of central Germany. The results show a diverse range of food sources, including dairy products, meat, and plant-based foods, with significant changes occurring between the Early Neolithic and Late Bronze Age.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

A long-term ketogenic diet accumulates aged cells in normal tissues, a UT Health San Antonio-led study shows

A new study led by UT Health San Antonio found that long-term ketogenic diets can induce senescence, or aged cells, in normal tissues, affecting heart and kidney function. However, an intermittent ketogenic diet regimen eliminated these pro-inflammatory effects.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024