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Gene governs IQ boost from breastfeeding

A study of over 3,000 breastfed infants found that having the FADS2 gene variant increased intelligence by an average of nearly 7 IQ points. The researchers suggest that breastfeeding may account for these differences in intelligence due to the presence of certain fatty acids.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2007

Highlights from the October 2007 Journal of the American Dietetic Association

A study compared the dietary quality of popular weight loss diets, finding that some plans scored high on a cardiovascular disease-reducing index. Another study found that substituting canola oil for other vegetable oils increased compliance with fatty acid dietary recommendations, potentially reducing heart disease risk.

SourceAmerican Dietetic Association·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateOct 1, 2007

Protein's role in lipid absorption may be important to future weight-loss strategies

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have found that protein CD36 facilitates the uptake of fatty acids and cholesterol in the proximal part of the intestine. The team believes that targeting this process may provide a useful tool for obesity treatment, as animals without CD36 absorb fat less efficiently and eat less.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2007

JCI table of contents: June 21, 2007

Researchers found that a nutritionally balanced diet high in omega-3 fatty acid reduced prostate tumor growth and increased survival in genetically predisposed mice. Omega-6 fatty acids had the opposite effects. The study suggests a beneficial effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on delaying human prostate cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 21, 2007

New success in engineering plant oils

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a technique to convert unsaturated oils in temperate plants to tropical-like oils with higher saturated fatty acid levels. This can lead to the production of renewable feedstocks for industrial processes and more healthful nutrition.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2007

Plant-derived omega-3s may aid in bone health

A team of Penn State researchers found that plant-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may have a protective effect on bone health. The study, which included a controlled diet with three diets high in PUFA, showed significant decreases in biomarkers of bone resorption.

SourcePenn State·JournalNutrition Journal·DateFeb 19, 2007

New fat, same old problem with an added twist?

A new study conducted at Brandeis University and Malaysia found that a modified fat replacing trans fat causes an increase in blood glucose levels and depresses insulin in humans. The researchers discovered that this interesterified fat had a similar impact on cholesterol levels as trans fat, but with weaker effects.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2007

Video games: Medicine for the body

The Federation of American Scientists has developed a new educational video game called Immune Attack, which engages students in learning about immunology concepts. The game features a first-person strategy game where immune cells face off against bacterial and viral infections, aiming to make learning fun and exciting.

Fatty fish protects against cancer

A major study from Karolinska Institutet found that eating fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel at least once a week reduces kidney cancer risk by up to 74% over a decade. The study also highlights the protective effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in fatty fish.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·DateSep 20, 2006

Commonly used drug may prevent fetal alcohol syndrome

Researchers discovered that nicotinamide can protect mice from brain cell death and behavioral abnormalities caused by alcohol exposure. The study suggests that taking the drug soon after drinking alcohol may prevent some of the damage to the developing fetus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2006