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Using science for more animal welfare

Using science for more animal welfare: Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have developed an alternative to foie gras by mimicking the structure of real foie gras. The new pâté closely mimics the mouthfeel and melt of traditional foie gras, thanks to a treatment process that restructures fat using goose lipases.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Making foie gras without force-feeding

Researchers have created a process to replicate foie gras without force-feeding, using the duck's own lipases to treat the fat. The resulting dish has a similar mouthfeel and physical properties to traditional foie gras, with a simple recipe involving liver, fat, and sterilization.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 25, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A novel mechanism may be effective in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia and prior episodes of acute pancreatitis

A phase 2 study found that ANGPTL3 inhibitor therapy reduced triglycerides by up to 70% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia who had previously experienced acute pancreatitis. The treatment, evicanumab-dgnb, also showed potential for cardiovascular prevention by reducing apolipoprotein B levels.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023

Investigators identify a new candidate therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified LIPE, a lipase that degrades triglycerides, as a promising candidate therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. Inhibiting LIPE reduced alpha-synuclein inclusions and alleviated neurodegeneration in patient-derived neurons and a C. elegans model of toxicity.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

In the quest for a TBI therapy, astrocytes may be the bull’s-eye

Researchers discovered that inhibiting the breakdown of a neuroprotective molecule called 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in astrocytes promotes recovery from traumatic brain injury. The study suggests that targeting this molecule could lead to the development of new therapies for TBI-induced disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Blocking energy pathway reduces GVHD while retaining anti-cancer effects of T-cells

MUSC researchers discovered blocking an energy pathway for T-cells after hematopoietic stem cell transplant reduces graft-versus-host disease, while maintaining ability to kill leukemia cells. The study uses a lysosomal acid lipase-deficient mouse model, showing promising results with FDA-approved inhibitor orlistat.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Four innovations that aim to improve the environment

Researchers have developed biomarkers to detect harmful environmental contaminants in wildlife, enabling faster development of diagnostic tools. Additionally, scientists have created a more sustainable method for producing biodiesel from low-cost cooking oil waste using nanoparticles.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 22, 2018

Enzyme with surprising dual function

Scientists at the University of Bonn have found that ceramide synthase not only produces vital lipids but also regulates gene activity, particularly in response to nutritional status. The enzyme's homeodomain plays a crucial role in adapting gene expression to energy requirements.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 23, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

No need for water, enzymes are doing it for themselves

Researchers at University of Bristol discovered that enzymes can function without water, enabling the development of thermally robust industrial enzymes for harsh processing conditions. This breakthrough has potential applications in detergent technologies and biofuel production.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2014

ASU scientists bring the heat to refine renewable biofuel production

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel method that utilizes heat to enhance the yield and reduce costs of high-energy biofuels production. This breakthrough could pave the way for more widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, as the new process is more efficient and cost-effective than previous methods.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Biotechnology·DateSep 27, 2012

Key to burning fat faster discovered

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered an enzymatic ignition key that can be turned on and off, allowing enzymes to work three times harder. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding and potentially curing diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and acne.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 22, 2012

UNC's Saskia Neher selected as 2012 Pew Scholar

Saskia B. Neher, a UNC School of Medicine assistant professor, is one of 22 promising scientists to receive the 2012 Pew Scholars award, supporting her research on LPL regulation and its implications for cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJun 14, 2012
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New human genetic link to high levels of 'good' cholesterol

A new study identifies a human genetic link to high levels of 'good' cholesterol, highlighting the role of endothelial lipase enzyme mutations in HDL-C levels. Researchers discovered rare mutated forms of the LIPG gene that significantly increase plasma HDL-C levels.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 16, 2009

Story ideas from the Journal of Lipid Research

Researchers found that alternate-day fasting shrinks fat cells and boosts fat breakdown mechanisms. Statin drugs also reduce cholesterol and fats in blood vessels by affecting lipases. Exercise after a high-fat meal stimulates the breakdown of fats in skeletal muscle, making it healthier.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 17, 2007

What makes a fungus virulent? It's lipase

Gene deletion study shows Candida parapsilosis growth and virulence reduced without lipase activity, suggesting enzyme's key role in pathogenicity for immunocompromised individuals and premature infants

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 13, 2007

Connecticut's Hand to receive IADR Salivary Research Award

Dr. Arthur R. Hand is recognized for his significant work on salivary gland ultrastructure and function, including the role of cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase and lingual lipase and amylase. He has made major contributions to our understanding of salivary glands and their various components.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 21, 2007
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Gene linked to rare disease activates fat breakdown

The gene CGI-58 boosts the activity of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) up to 20-fold, solving a puzzle in lipid storage disease CDS. This activation limits lipid accumulation and restores normal fat breakdown.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 9, 2006

A new player in human atherosclerosis

A study found a significant association between high EL concentrations, low HDL-C levels, and early stages of atherosclerosis. This suggests that EL concentrations may be useful in predicting an individual's risk for atherosclerosis.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 19, 2005

Genomic data viewed on biological pathways with new computer program, GenMAPP

GenMAPP organizes gene expression results by biological process, allowing researchers to see coordinated changes in gene expression. The program uses graphical representations of biological pathways to analyze gene expression data, providing a systems approach to interpreting biological data.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 6, 2002

A new tool in the fight against obesity?

The long-term study found that orlistat helped successful dieters keep weight off. The accompanying editorials suggest that orlistat's benefits are modest.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 1, 1999
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.