Metabolic Stress

Large-scale European study indicates link between ultra-processed foods and higher levels of ‘bad’ fatty acids in the blood

A large European study found a correlation between ultra-processed food consumption and increased levels of harmful fatty acids in the blood. The study, which analyzed data from 15,200 participants, suggests that ultra-processed foods may contribute to metabolic stress and potential health risks.

How to remove a metabolic tattoo

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that exposure to high-fat diets induces persistent metabolic stress in killer T cells, but also discovered a pathway for protection through purine metabolism. By recycling xanthine, killer T cells can produce antioxidants to boost their ability to fight tumors.

A new mechanism explains how protein production is regulated in fatty liver under metabolic stress

From food to fuel: How leucine enhances mitochondrial energy production

A research team discovered that leucine prevents the degradation of specific mitochondrial proteins, enabling efficient energy production. This mechanism allows cells to adapt to increased energy demands during periods of nutrient abundance.

Leveraging microproteins to treat obesity, aging, and mitochondrial disorders

Researchers at Salk Institute discover a new microprotein, SLC35A4-MP, that regulates mitochondrial structure and function in brown fat tissue. The study reveals the microprotein's role in maintaining healthy cellular metabolism and regulating body temperature.

Reshaping tumor neighborhoods to give treatments a boost

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys found that blocking macropinocytosis reshapes the tumor microenvironment, allowing more access to immune cells. This change made immunotherapy and chemotherapy more effective in treating PDAC tumors in mice.

Masonic Medical Research Institute publishes breakthrough study on combating heart disease linked to obesity and high-fat diet

A groundbreaking study published in Science Signaling has identified protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B as a key driver of maladaptive cardiac metabolism and dysfunction under dietary stress. Mice lacking PTP1B in cardiomyocytes were resistant to harmful changes, highlighting the enzyme's role in heart disease progression.

Neurons use built-in ‘backup batteries’ that fuel the brain under stress

Researchers found that neurons have a built-in 'backup battery' in the form of stored glycogen, which helps them function during periods of metabolic stress. This discovery challenges traditional views on brain energy metabolism and opens new avenues for exploring treatments for neurological conditions.

How artificial light at night damages brain health and metabolism

Dr. Randy J. Nelson's research reveals that artificial light exposure disrupts immune function, causes neuroinflammation, and influences mood regulation. His work has significant implications for understanding depression and anxiety disorders, as well as the obesity epidemic.

Neurons burn sugar differently. The discovery could save the brain

A new study from the Buck Institute has uncovered how breaking down glycogen in neurons may protect against toxic protein buildup and degeneration. Researchers found that restoring an enzyme called glycogen phosphorylase can reduce tau-related damage and improve oxidative stress reduction.

Creatine is safe, effective and important for everyone, longtime researcher says

Creatine has broad health benefits beyond athletic performance, including maintaining energy in stressed cells and preventing muscle loss with aging. Studies have shown no significant side effects from creatine supplementation, contradicting common misconceptions.

Stress genes clear dead cells, offering disease insights

Researchers have discovered a novel cell-clearance pathway linked to diseases such as Chediak-Higashi Syndrome, which affects immune system function. The study used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology and live imaging to characterize this pathway and identify key genes involved.

Interview opportunity: Women are overtaking men in the most extreme sports events

A recent study found that women are more metabolically efficient under extreme conditions, closing the performance gap with men. Women's greater fat mass may contribute to this advantage, enabling them to complete longer distances without burning out.

City microbes surviving on disinfectants, research reveals

A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.

Fat flies live longer on a diet at any age

Researchers found that switching fruit flies to a low-calorie diet extends their lifespan, even in old age. This study suggests that obese humans may benefit from reducing calorie intake in old age, as it can dramatically change their metabolisms and extend their lives.

Intracellular recycling: the key to surviving potent anti-cancer drugs

Autophagy helps protect cardiomyocytes from damage caused by anthracycline drugs like Doxorubicin. The study found that a protein regulator called ER-phagy alleviates Dox-induced cardiomyopathy, promoting cell survival.

In resistance training, focusing on load or number of repetitions leads to same muscle growth

A recent study by researchers at UNICAMP found that low-load with many repetitions and high-load with fewer repetitions both promote similar muscle growth. Muscle activation patterns were different, but metabolic stress was the same in both groups.

Cracking the case of mitochondrial repair and replacement in metabolic stress

Researchers uncover the critical link between cellular energy levels and mitochondrial damage through protein FNIP1. The study reveals that FNIP1 enables communication between AMPK and TFEB, instructing genes to remove damaged mitochondria and create new ones.

Biological network in cells helps body adapt to stresses on health

Scientists at the University of Utah Health have discovered a complex network of protein-metabolite interactions within cells that enable them to respond to environmental cues and maintain homeostasis. The study, published in Science, highlights the importance of these interactions in regulating metabolic processes and preventing disease.

Drunk mice sober up after a hormone shot

A hormone called FGF21 protects mice from ethanol-induced loss of balance and righting reflex by activating a specific part of the brain that controls alertness. The study reveals that higher FGF21 concentrations can dramatically accelerate recovery from intoxication.

Heterogeneous development of β-cell populations in diabetes-resistant and -susceptible mice

Diabetes-resistant mice develop a protective beta cell cluster with reduced glucose uptake and increased beta cell division, while diabetic-prone mice experience metabolic stress and beta cell failure. This study reveals the key role of adaptive gene expression in protecting against type 2 diabetes.

Stop the clock: new therapeutic strategy targets “old” cells to prevent ageing

Researchers from Juntendo University developed a vaccine targeting senescent cells using glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB). The vaccine showed significant improvements in mice with age-related diseases, including atherosclerosis and progeria. This breakthrough has exciting potential for new anti-aging therapies.

Study characterizes insulin secretion in response to metabolic stress

Researchers found that IL-1β increases insulin levels in healthy human islets. In contrast, islets from obese individuals with type 2 diabetes were not responsive to IL-1β stimulation. The study suggests that IL-1R signaling plays a crucial role in glucose homeostasis.

Researchers find changes to protein SirT1

Studies suggest that maintaining a normal level of the protein SirT1 may be effective in preventing obesity- and age-related diseases. Researchers have demonstrated that changing three amino acids on SirT1 can produce a 'super-sirt' that functions normally despite metabolic stress.

Formula-feeding linked to metabolic stress and increased risk of later disease

A new study found that formula-fed rhesus monkeys experienced metabolic stress, similar to those who were breastfed, which may explain the link between early feeding practices and chronic diseases. Reducing protein content in infant formula could be beneficial in reducing metabolic stress.

Researchers identify new target for common heart condition

A new study found that metabolic stress can increase the onset of atrial arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, by activating KATP channels in the atria. Blocking these channels with anti-diabetic drugs reversed the effects of metabolic stress and prevented atrial arrhythmia induction.

Eco-friendly bug sucker

A new method, metabolic stress disinfection (MSDD), sucks the life out of bugs by subjecting them to alternating vacuum and carbon dioxide, effectively suffocating organisms. The technique could replace post-harvest pesticides and may complete phasing out ozone-depleting methyl bromide, reducing chemical costs and environmental impact.