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A novel shuttle for fatty acids

Researchers at Ludwig Maximilians University have identified a novel chloroplast membrane protein that plays a central role in transporting fatty acids from chloroplasts into the cell cytoplasm. This discovery may lead to new strategies for producing biofuels, which are rich in TAG-rich plant oils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 3, 2015

A fatty acid used to decode weight control

Researchers found that a fatty acid called myristoleic acid can help decode weight control by analyzing the lipidome, gene expression, and phenotype of obese women. This comprehensive insight may improve obesity management by understanding how adipose tissue responds to calorie restriction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 15, 2015

An avocado a day may help keep bad cholesterol at bay

Researchers found that eating one avocado a day as part of a moderate-fat diet can improve bad cholesterol levels in overweight and obese individuals. The study also showed favorable results for total cholesterol, triglycerides, small dense LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and other cardio-metabolic risk factors.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 7, 2015

Trans fats still weighing Americans down

A study found that American consumers consume more than 1% of their daily calories from trans fats, exceeding the American Heart Association's recommendation. Omega-3 fatty acids have not changed significantly over the past thirty years and may help improve cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 22, 2014

Scientists discover a 'good' fat that fights diabetes

Researchers have discovered a new class of lipids in humans called fatty acid hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) that are linked to reduced inflammation and improved blood sugar levels in diabetes. FAHFA levels are low in humans with a high risk for diabetes, suggesting potential therapeutic opportunities for metabolic disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 9, 2014

The accelerator of molecular motors

Researchers identify Pex22p module as key component in peroxisomal Ub machinery, boosting enzyme import and degradation of pollutants. This discovery sheds light on peroxisomal disorders like Zellweger syndrome and highlights the importance of reevaluating familiar proteins.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 22, 2014

Discovery yields master regulator of toxin production in staph infections

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a key enzyme that regulates toxin production in Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of serious infections. The discovery provides a promising target for developing new antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistant staph and related bacteria.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2014

Researchers uncover novel process for creation of fuel and chemical compounds

A team of researchers from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center has identified genes and enzymes that produce a promising compound, the 19 carbon furan-containing fatty acid. This compound has various potential uses as a biological alternative to compounds derived from fossil fuels. The discovery was published in Proceedings of th...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2014

Eating baked or broiled fish weekly boosts brain health, Pitt study says

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that eating baked or broiled fish once a week is associated with greater grey matter brain volumes in areas responsible for memory and cognition. The study suggests that lifestyle factors contribute to structural changes in the brain, rather than biological factors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 4, 2014

Why you need olive oil on your salad

A study by King's College London found that combining unsaturated fats with vegetables rich in nitrites and nitrates can protect against hypertension. The Mediterranean diet, which includes olive oil and nuts, was shown to inhibit the enzyme responsible for blood pressure regulation.

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2014

Investigators find something fishy with classical evidence for dietary fish recommendation

A new investigation in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology challenges the long-held recommendation to include oily fish in a heart-healthy diet. Researchers found that Greenland Eskimos, who were initially believed to have low rates of coronary artery disease, actually suffered from CAD at the same rate as other populations.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2014

The anti-inflammatory factory

Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University and Pittsburgh University have identified a new biosynthetic pathway for lipid mediators, producing molecules that regulate inflammation and cell death. The study's findings could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 21, 2014

Plague alters cell death to kill host

Scientists have discovered how Yersinia pestis alters cell death pathways to kill host cells and cause pneumonic plague. The study reveals that the bacterium destroys Fas ligand, a molecule that stimulates apoptosis, allowing it to overwhelm the lungs and kill its host.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 14, 2014

Can fish oil help preserve brain cells?

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that fish oil consumption may help preserve brain cells by increasing total brain volume and hippocampus area size. The study found that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were associated with larger brain volumes, equivalent to a delay of one to two years of brain health.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 22, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Sept. 9, 2013

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identify fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) as a predictive marker for poor overall survival in ovarian cancer patients. Overexpression of the gene encoding FGF18 was associated with enhanced tumor blood vessel formation and expression of cancer-promoting cytokines.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 9, 2013

Insulin secretion disrupted by increased fatty acids

Researchers found that increased fatty acid levels suppress incretin-associated insulin release, highlighting the importance of β cell connectivity. Maintaining β cell connectivity may be a useful strategy for restoring glucose balance in type 2 diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 9, 2013

Spicing up your fish fillets with science

Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan found that adding coriander oil to vegetable oil-based diets increases EPA and DHA levels in rainbow trout fillets. This alternative method reduces reliance on fish oil, promoting aquaculture sustainability and creating new market opportunities for spice growers.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Animal Science·DateAug 14, 2013