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Researchers identify useful tool for diagnosing endocrine dysfunction in sick foals

A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that an AVP stimulation test can reliably diagnose endocrine dysfunction in sick foals. The test, which involves administering arginine vasopressin to stimulate the release of hormones, showed promising results in detecting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal gland axis (HPAA) dys...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2026

New treatment for a rare and aggressive cancer improves survival rates in breakthrough clinical trial

A new treatment combining a novel drug with traditional chemotherapy has been shown to increase the survival of patients with malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The ATOMIC-meso trial found that this treatment quadrupled the survival at 36 months compared to placebo-chemotherapy.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 15, 2024

The nutrient that cancer cells crave

Researchers found that arginine levels are limited in human cancers, prompting cancer cells to manipulate proteins to take up the amino acid. Starving cancer cells of arginine may lead to mutations that make them more recognizable to the immune system.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 3, 2023

Scientific literature review confirms watermelon’s health potential

A comprehensive review of watermelon consumption has found evidence that eating watermelon regularly may promote cardiovascular and metabolic health. The fruit contains essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids that support blood pressure regulation, lipid reduction, and glucose control.

SourceWild Hive·JournalCurrent Atherosclerosis Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 24, 2022

Which came first?

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Hebrew University of Jerusalem reconstructed ancient protein sequences that may resemble those of early life forms. They discovered a way these primitive proteins could have progressed to form living cells, with positively-charged amino acids playing a crucial role.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2020

Depression linked to reduced arginine levels

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people with major depressive disorder have reduced arginine levels, which can affect nitric oxide production and vascular regulation. The study also suggests that depression may be linked to lower arginine bioavailability, but further research is needed

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateFeb 21, 2018

The recipe for life

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found evidence that the amino acid arginine was essential for protein-aptamer interactions, potentially altering our understanding of the origin of life. This discovery provides new insights into the ideal conditions for life to emerge, with implications for various hypotheses and experiments.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2018

Molecular switches researched in detail

The researchers used spectroscopy to visualize the arginine finger bonded to the GTP molecule at high precision, revealing how its snap affects geometry and charge distribution. This discovery has implications for understanding switch processes in the body and developing treatments for cancer and genetic diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2016

New potential cause for Alzheimer's: Arginine deprivation

A new Duke University study in mice found that immune cells consuming an important amino acid called arginine may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Blocking this process with a small-molecule drug prevented characteristic brain plaques and memory loss in mouse models, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy.

Pollution linked to lethal sea turtle tumors

A new study published in PeerJ found that pollution in urban and farm runoff in Hawaii causes tumors in endangered sea turtles. The researchers discovered that high levels of nitrogen in the runoff promote the formation of tumors on the animals' eyes, flippers, and internal organs.

SourceDuke University·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 30, 2014

A symbiotic way of life

University of Miami researchers found that an amino acid transporter regulates glutamine supply to symbiotic bacteria in pea aphids, enabling the exchange of essential nutrients. This simple mechanism allows the insect-bacteria partnership to adapt to changing demand for nutrients.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2014

Amino acid with promising anti-diabetic effects

Researchers have demonstrated that the amino acid arginine significantly improves glucose metabolism in both lean and obese mice. The study found that arginine increases the body's production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an intestinal hormone that plays a key role in regulating appetite and glucose metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 9, 2013

Dietary supplement speeds silver cyclists

Researchers found that arginine supplements improved the cycling ability of older cyclists by increasing their anaerobic threshold. The study, published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, showed a significant increase in exercise capacity after just one week of supplementation.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateMar 23, 2010