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A low Omega-3 index is just as strong a predictor of early death as smoking

A new study found that a low Omega-3 Index is associated with increased risk of early death, comparable to the risk of smoking. The research used data from the Framingham Heart Study and suggested that biomarkers integrating lifestyle choices could help identify individuals at risk and inform treatment approaches.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 24, 2021

Close-up look at brain uptake of omega-3

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the transport of omega-3 fatty acids across the blood-brain barrier. The study revealed the structure and function of a protein called MFSD2A, which plays a crucial role in delivering essential fatty acids to the brain.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2021

An omega-3 that's poison for tumors

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain discovered that DHA slows the development of tumors by poisoning cancer cells through a phenomenon called ferroptosis. This mechanism is triggered when acidotic tumor cells absorb excessive amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, leading to cell death.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 11, 2021

Synthesized very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids improved retinal function in mice

Synthesized very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) have been shown to increase lipid levels in the retina and improve visual function in both normal and defective ELOVL4 mice. The study opens up a new area of research, raising questions about oral administration, blood transport, and selective targeting to the retina.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2021

Fatty acid may help combat multiple sclerosis

A new Yale University study finds that a lack of oleic acid in fat tissue can trigger an abnormal immune response in multiple sclerosis. Introducing oleic acids into fatty tissue increased regulatory T cells, which can help combat the disease.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 19, 2021

Scientists unlock promising key to preventing cancer relapse after immunotherapy

Researchers found that targeting the fas protein can prevent cancer cells from escaping immunotherapies, leading to longer-lasting positive responses and improved survival rates. By combining immunotherapies with small molecule inhibitors, bystander tumor cell killing may be potentiated to eliminate antigen-loss variants.

Boost to develop microalgae into health foods

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a novel protocol to detect lipid production in microalgae, enabling the mass production of omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy compounds. The technique improves on traditional fluorescent probes, allowing for easy and rapid evaluation of lipid conditions within microalgae.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers·DateOct 14, 2020

Stop Livin to make lymphoma cells stop living

Lymphoma cells can resist therapy by evading apoptosis due to the presence of the Livin protein. Targeting Livin using inhibitors may be effective in refractory cases. Researchers have identified a promising immunotherapeutic strategy by combining CD40-mediated Fas expression with specific targeting of Livin.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 16, 2020

Refined finish for fine fish oil

Researchers developed a superior method to produce high-quality dietary Omega-3 health supplements using vortex fluidic device processing. The process enriches Omega-3 fatty acid content without changing sensory values, improving shelf life and purity.

Nutrients in microalgae: An environmentally friendly alternative to fish

A new study by scientists from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that microalgae farming has a similar environmental impact to fish production, but produces more omega-3 fatty acids per unit area. This could lead to a more sustainable source of essential nutrients for humans and reduce pressure on the world's oceans.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·DateJul 7, 2020

Chanterelle mushrooms as a taste enhancer

Researchers at TUM have developed a new method to quantify the key substances in chanterelles responsible for their distinctive kokumi effect. These natural fatty acid derivatives can be used as quality control markers and potentially improve flavor profiles in mushroom dishes and other savory foods.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

Blood vessels can make you fat, and yet fit

Researchers have identified Angiopoietin-2 as a hormone that enables the proper transport of fatty acids into blood vessels, preventing insulin resistance and promoting healthier weight distribution. By targeting this mechanism, scientists hope to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating obesity-induced metabolic disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2020

Rapid screening method targets fatty acids in yeast; Key to sustainable bioproducts

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a high-throughput screening tool to rapidly profile medium-chain fatty acids produced in yeast. They identified seven new genetically engineered mutants that produce higher levels of those fatty acids, which are crucial components of biodiesel and other industrial chemicals.