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USF Health researchers uncover a hidden brain region that helps regulate metabolism

USF Health researchers have uncovered a previously unknown brain region, the dorsal posterior periventricular hypothalamic nucleus, which plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic health in response to cold temperatures. The discovery offers a potential new pathway for developing treatments to improve metabolic function and prevent ...

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2026

Pennington Biomedical researchers offer new perspective on how protein restriction may promote healthy aging and longevity

Pennington Biomedical researchers propose a new understanding of how protein restriction promotes healthy aging and extends lifespan by triggering a coordinated whole-body response. The response connects cellular nutrient sensing with hormones, brain function, and changes throughout the body, influencing healthy aging and longevity.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 10, 2026

Muscle-boosting molecule released during exercise

A key molecule released during exercise, L-β-aminoisobutyric acid (L-BAIBA), has been discovered to strengthen muscles, improve exercise performance, and protect against muscle damage in type 2 diabetes. The study reveals L-BAIBA's role in muscle adaptation, metabolism, and contraction, offering promising insights for future therapies.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2026

Clinically meaningful weight loss and slightly higher diet quality among pork consumers through a 6-month weight-loss plan

Adults who continued to eat pork while participating in a 6-month digital weight management program lost a clinically significant 5.3% of starting body weight and improved their overall diet quality scores by 4.3 points. This study challenges the notion that pork is automatically off-limits within a healthier eating plan.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrition and Diabetes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2026

UT Health San Antonio study reveals how the liver’s internal clock may influence metabolism

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have uncovered how the liver's internal clock coordinates the release of proteins that regulate metabolism. The findings suggest that understanding this internal clock could help guide future research on metabolic disease and inform optimal timing for meals and medication.

Dreams drain energy: the REM sleep paradox

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a paradox in REM sleep where the brain's energy molecule decreases despite an increase in fuel supply. This finding suggests that the brain dynamically adjusts its energy economy to support complex internal processing, revealing new insights into biological computation and sleep function.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 27, 2026

New cell-based method could expand human milk oligosaccharides available for infant formula

Researchers developed a new cell-based approach to produce several sugars naturally found in human breastmilk, including complex oligosaccharides. The method involves engineering cultured mammalian cells to express essential enzymes, allowing for the production of structurally diverse HMOs with potential applications in infant nutrition.

Pennington Biomedical earns fifth NIH renewal for nationally recognized Nutrition Obesity Research Center, one of only 11 in the nation

The Pennington-Louisiana Nutrition Obesity Research Center has received a five-year, $5.66 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The award reaffirms Pennington Biomedical's position as a national leader in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health research. The center su...

Copper isotope ratios and metallomic profiling in serum: new clues for child health

Researchers have identified a sensitive isotopic biomarker for early anemia detection using copper stable isotope ratios (δ⁶⁵Cu) in pediatric serum. The study also uncovered distinct serum metallomic patterns linked to body mass index (BMI), including a strong positive association between serum lead levels and increasing BMI.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology·TypeCase study·DateJul 17, 2026

Chonnam National University researchers reveal isoform-specific HIF signaling in skeletal muscles

Mouse study uncovers how oxygen-sensing transcription factors regulate muscle physiology, improving glucose tolerance and producing erythropoietin. The findings suggest that selectively targeting each isoform can lead to different physiological outcomes.

SourceChonnam National University, The Research Information Management Team, Office of Research Promotion·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2026

UofL scientists unlock gut-healing power of fruits and nuts paired with the right gut microbes

Scientists discovered a natural microbial compound that protects the gut and supports future treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. UroA activates a protective pathway in intestinal epithelial cells, triggering the release of molecules associated with maintaining normal intestinal function and repairing the gut lining.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2026

Low-protein, amino acid-supplemented ‘longevity diet’ linked to longer healthy lifespan, lower fat mass and frailty risk, and better metabolic health

A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that a low-protein, amino acid-supplemented 'longevity diet' improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced frailty and fat mass in mice. The diet was associated with longer healthy lifespan and better metabolic health in both mice and humans.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

Body clock found to control inflammatory responses in macrophages

Researchers from Kyushu University discovered that the circadian clock protein BMAL1 drives macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory M1 state by activating inflammatory signaling pathways. This mechanism links the body clock to intracellular metabolism and immune function, offering new insights into treating inflammatory diseases.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

New peer-reviewed paper by more than 20 protein experts calls for rethinking dietary protein guidance beyond "eat more protein": National Pork Board reports

A new paper by over 20 protein experts examines widely held propositions about dietary protein, concluding that some science is insufficient or not robust enough to support certain claims. Key findings include the importance of protein quality, individual essential amino acids, and nuance in high-protein intake during weight loss.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2026

Clarifying the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism

Researchers investigated the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism, finding that gut microbiota transform selenium into metabolites influencing utilization, detoxification, and excretion. The study also revealed that Se intake affects bacterial diversity and that gut microbes produce unique selenometabolites.

SourceChiba University·JournalFood Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

Metformin’s real power may be in the gut

A new Northwestern University study finds metformin primarily targets the gut, driving glucose utilization inside cells lining the intestine to prevent blood sugar levels from rising. The drug slows mitochondrial energy production in gut cells, allowing the intestine to metabolize extra sugar and regulate blood sugar levels.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMay 8, 2026

Sustained reduction in abdominal fat preserves cognitive function

A long-term MRI study finds that lower accumulation of visceral fat is associated with preservation of key brain structures, better cognitive performance, and slower brain atrophy. The study suggests that glucose control and insulin sensitivity mediate the relationship between abdominal fat and brain aging.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 3, 2026