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Worms as a model for personalized medicine

Researchers used C. elegans to investigate inter-individual variation in metabolism and found genetic variants that affect metabolic differences between individuals. They discovered unique metabolites in different strains of the worm, which could help tailor biomedical recommendations to individual metabolism.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2022

Diabetes: a step closer to a life without insulin

Researchers at UNIGE have found that the S100A9 protein can significantly improve insulin metabolism in diabetic patients, reducing the risk of severe side effects associated with insulin therapy. The protein's anti-inflammatory effect may also help to normalize ketone production and prevent life-threatening conditions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2022

New approach to treatment of deadly kidney cancer

A new study from Karolinska Institutet has identified a key mechanism behind treatment resistance in a deadly form of kidney cancer. By increasing mitochondrial content in cancer cells, researchers found that these cells became susceptible to the cancer drug sorafenib. This breakthrough offers hope for more targeted cancer treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJun 27, 2022

Malnutrition links kidney disease, weaker muscles

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that malnutrition contributes to sarcopenia in hemodialysis patients, characterized by muscle mass, strength, and function losses. The Nutrition Risk Index (NRI) is a simple and convenient metric developed in Japan, which shows significant relationships between NRI score and sarcopenia,...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2022

How high-intensity interval training can reshape metabolism

A study published in eLife found that high-intensity interval training increases the production of proteins essential for energy metabolism and muscle contractions, as well as alters key metabolic proteins through acetylation. These changes may contribute to improved metabolic health.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMay 31, 2022

New weight-loss intervention targets instinctive desire to eat

A new weight-loss intervention has been developed to target the instinctive desire to eat, particularly in individuals who struggle with resisting food cues. The Regulation of Cues program trains individuals to use natural hunger cues, reinforces tolerance of cravings, and inhibits urges to eat palatable foods when not physically hungry.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 18, 2022

From cavefish to humans: Evolution of metabolism in cavefish may provide insight into treatments for a host of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke

Researchers studied cavefish genome-wide map of liver tissue to understand metabolism evolution and its potential applications for humans. The study found striking similarities in metabolic adaptations among cavefish populations, raising questions about universal adaptation mechanisms that could be triggered in other species like humans.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may impair bone health in male teens

A new study published by The Endocrine Society suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates may impair bone health in male teenagers. Researchers analyzed urine and blood samples from over 800 adolescents, finding an association between certain PFAS and phthalates and reduced bone mineral density.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMay 3, 2022

Mother and child vulnerable to endocrine disruptor exposure

A Canadian research team found that pregnant women and their unborn babies are sensitive to environmental contaminants like endocrine disruptors. The study highlighted the role of the placenta in regulating maternal physiology and fetal development, and linked early exposure to certain EDs with breast cancer and prostate cancer risk.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2022

Bat box design, placement matter for energy balance in endangered bats

Research finds that bat box design and landscape placement significantly impact the energetic balance of endangered Indiana bats. A study by University of Illinois researchers tested five bat box designs and four landscape placements to determine their effects on bat metabolism, development, and survival.

Death in darkness: a new type of cell death discovered in fly guts

Researchers have identified a new type of programmed cell death, erebosis, that takes place in the intestines of fruit flies, contradicting the long-held theory of apoptosis. The process involves gradual cell death without nuclear membranes, mitochondria, and cytoskeletons, and is thought to play a role in gut metabolism.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 25, 2022

A calorie-reduced diet can not only delay the development of diabetes, but also has a positive effect on the immune system

A recent study published in Microbiome found that a calorie-reduced diet can alter the gut microbiome, improving metabolism and delaying immune senescence. Researchers used a low-calorie diet to investigate its effects on the gut microbiome and its impact on metabolism and the immune system.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalMicrobiome·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 22, 2022

Lower intramuscular fat for a stronger heart

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that measuring intramuscular fat in thigh muscles can predict cardiovascular health outcomes in heart failure patients. Patients with lower intramuscular fat had higher grip strength and were less likely to be hospitalized.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

ESMO Breast Cancer Congress 2022

The ESMO Breast Cancer Congress 2022 event will present more than 200 studies on various aspects of breast cancer, including new treatments and innovative clinical practices. The congress will be held onsite in Berlin, Germany, and online, offering a platform for breast cancer specialists to share knowledge and improve patient outcomes.

Yale researchers have uncovered a regulator of body weight that could lead to new treatments for metabolic disorders

Yale scientists have discovered a protein called augmentor-alpha that regulates body weight in mice, offering insights into potential new treatments for metabolic disorders. The protein is found in the hypothalamus region of the brain and plays a role in energy conservation during fasting.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2022

Research team from Goethe University discovers Achilles’ heel of dangerous hospital pathogen

A team from Goethe University has identified the spatial structure of the mannitol-synthesizing enzyme MtlD in Acinetobacter baumannii, which is crucial for its survival. This discovery could lead to the development of customized substances to inhibit the enzyme and combat this hospital pathogen.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

How sugar promotes inflammation

A study found that excessive sugar consumption can promote inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease and type 1 diabetes. Researchers identified GLUT3, a glucose transporter, as a key player in this process, and proposed blocking its activity to mitigate inflammatory responses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Appetite genes control how children grow

Researchers at the University of Bergen found that genes linked to extreme obesity, appetite, and energy consumption regulate child growth. The study, published in Nature Metabolism, provides insight into mechanisms controlling appetite and energy metabolism early in life, potentially leading to better treatment for obesity.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMar 21, 2022

Unravelling tautomeric mixtures: RIXS at BESSY II allows to see clearly

A team of scientists successfully investigated the electronic structure of tautomeric mixtures using inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) at BESSY II. They can now experimentally separate the signal of each individual molecule, providing detailed insight into their functionality and chemical properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

Furthering fat loss in the fasting response

A study by Osaka University investigated the relationship between autophagy and metabolism during fasting. Autophagy was found to play a key role in promoting fat loss during fasting, particularly through the upregulation of adipogenic genes. The findings may have important implications for understanding metabolism during aging.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAutophagy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022

A boost to sulfur metabolism

A recent study by ITQB NOVA scientists uncovered the crucial role of a small marker protein, DsrD, in increasing metabolic activity for sulfate respiration. The findings suggest that DsrD acts as an allosteric activator of the DsrAB dissimilatory sulfite reductase, enhancing energy efficiency in microbial metabolism.

Scientists show how artificial intelligence can help to study protein complexes

Researchers have developed an AI-based method to analyze cryo-electron microscopy data, enabling the simultaneous examination of multiple protein complexes in cells. This breakthrough can lead to a better understanding of protein functions and potentially create new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022