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Fish consumption may prolong life

A large study found that consuming fish was associated with a reduced risk of mortality from all causes, as well as specific chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and Alzheimer's. Higher intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids also showed significant protective effects.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJul 18, 2018

Illinois study finds benefits and tradeoffs in feeding rice bran to pigs

A new study from the University of Illinois provides information on the effects of rice bran on growth performance and carcass quality of growing-finishing pigs. The results show that including 30% full-fat rice bran in diets improves gain-to-feed ratio without affecting carcass characteristics or meat quality.

Using MRSA's strength against it

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified how MRSA absorbs human fatty acids to resist antimicrobials, providing a new target for developing more effective treatments. By inhibiting the cell membrane's ability to produce lipids, scientists may improve the efficacy of existing antibacterial agents like triclosan.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMay 14, 2018

New imaging study reveals how saturated fatty acids damage cells

Researchers at Columbia University developed a new microscopy technique to track fatty acids in living cells, revealing that saturated fats cause hardened membrane patches that can lead to cellular damage. In contrast, unsaturated fats can 'melt' these patches, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for lipid disorders.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2017

New study backs up earlier findings -- Omega-6 fatty acids do not promote low-grade inflammation

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland supports earlier findings that omega-6 fatty acids do not increase inflammatory responses. The research found that a high serum linoleic acid level is associated with lower CRP levels, suggesting that linoleic acid may actually alleviate inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 13, 2017

Trigger for fatty liver in obesity

Researchers identified a signaling pathway in liver cells that contributes to fatty liver disease in obesity. The study found that increased Fas content leads to liver steatosis and insulin resistance, while low BID content protects against fatty liver development.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2017

Study: Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation via cannabinoids

Researchers found an enzymatic pathway that converts omega-3-derived endocannabinoids into potent anti-inflammatory molecules, which bind to receptors in the immune system. This discovery demonstrates how omega-3 fatty acids can produce medicinal qualities similar to marijuana without a psychotropic effect.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2017

Fat can neutralize listeria

Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can switch off the specific genes that make listeria bacteria dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acids took about half an hour to neutralize the bacteria, according to the study published in Research in Microbiology.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalResearch in Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2017

Studies link healthy brain aging to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood

Researchers found correlations between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and fluid intelligence in healthy elderly adults, suggesting a potential role for dietary intake of these nutrients. The studies also linked the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to memory preservation and brain structure.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateMay 18, 2017

Cause of inflammation in diabetes identified

A study by Washington University School of Medicine researchers found that blocking the production of fat inside immune cells may prevent chronic inflammation in people with diabetes. This could have a profound impact on health and potentially lead to new treatments for cancer and other conditions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2016

Additional benefit of omega-3 fatty acids for the clearance of metabolites from the brain

Research suggests that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can enhance the glymphatic system, facilitating clearance of waste from the brain, including amyloid-β peptides. This improvement may provide benefits for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, traumatic brain injury, and sleep impairment.