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Hyperpolarized proton MRI used to observe metabolic processes in real time

A new hyperpolarized proton MRI method has been developed by researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz. This technique uses parahydrogen to track biochemical processes in real-time, enabling the observation of metabolic processes without the drawbacks of existing hydrogen-based imaging methods.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 11, 2021

Spanish scientists uncover early links between cardiovascular risk and brain metabolism

Researchers found a link between elevated cardiovascular risk and low brain metabolism in middle-aged individuals, with hypertension being the most closely associated factor. Atherosclerosis was also linked to lower brain metabolism, particularly in areas implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 15, 2021

Turbo boosters for the immune system

Researchers led by Olaf Groß will test the effectiveness of their IMMUNOSTIM compounds in boosting cancer treatment and vaccine efficacy. The team aims to develop a new class of immune-activating drugs that can enhance the body's natural defense against infectious diseases.

Beating the bulge with a nice cup of tea

A recent study by the University of Tsukuba found that drinking two cups of oolong tea a day can increase fat breakdown by about 20% in healthy volunteers. This effect was observed even when participants were asleep, suggesting a potential role for oolong tea in weight management.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNutrients·DateJan 6, 2021

Nerve cells with energy saving program

Researchers discovered a metabolic adaptation in nerve cells that allows them to counteract degeneration and promote survival. This 'metabolic rewiring' involves the activation of the Krebs cycle anaplerosis pathway, which makes neurons resistant to progressive damage.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 2020

T cell immunity in the elderly

Researchers found that T cells increase their metabolism to survive, contradicting previous assumptions about immune function. The study suggests that targeted interventions like vaccines or immunotherapies could boost T cell immunity in the elderly.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2020

Subcellular chatter regulates longevity

Research at Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing reveals that NFYB-1 regulates mitochondrial function through lysosomal prosaposin, a key factor in cellular longevity. The study used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism and found that restoring cardiolipins improved worm health.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMay 19, 2020

Not so sweet

Researchers found that cool temperatures reduce the appeal of sweetness by activating other sensory cells via protein rhodopsin 6, which is typically associated with light detection. This suppresses communication between sweet-sensing taste neurons and the brain, leading to reduced feeding behavior in fruit flies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2020

Hydrogen energy at the root of life

A new study by Dr. Martina Preiner and colleagues simulates the emergence of life in a lab environment using hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide as starting materials. The team found that these simple chemical reactions can produce the same building blocks used by early cells, providing insight into the origins of life.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 2, 2020

Women with PCOS experience poor health and quality of life beyond reproductive years

A new study by The Endocrine Society reveals that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) suffer from poor health and quality of life in their late forties, primarily due to ongoing mental health concerns. Women with PCOS have lower life satisfaction and poorer health compared to those without the condition.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 23, 2020

Magnetized molecules used to monitor breast cancer

Researchers have developed a new scanning technique using magnetized molecules to monitor breast cancer, detecting differences in tumor size, type, and grade. The scan reveals the 'topography' of tumors, providing detailed information on metabolism and identifying potential treatment options.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

Hops compounds help with metabolic syndrome while reducing microbiome diversity

Researchers found that xanthohumol and its derivatives can decrease microbiome diversity while reducing inflammation and improving energy metabolism in laboratory animals with high-fat diets. The study suggests that hops compounds may help combat metabolic syndrome by altering bile acid metabolism and changing gut microbiota.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateNov 25, 2019

Slowed metabolism helps migrating geese soar

Researchers have discovered that bar-headed geese are able to fly high for long periods of time by reducing their metabolism in low-oxygen conditions. The study found that six out of seven birds could fly in moderately low-oxygen levels and three were willing to fly in severely low-oxygen conditions.

SourceeLife·DateSep 3, 2019

High-protein bedtime snacks no problem for active women

Researchers challenge widespread misconceptions about nighttime eating and weight gain, finding protein consumption before bed has no effect on belly fat metabolism or whole-body fat burn in active women. Contrary to previous beliefs, a high-protein snack at night can actually have beneficial effects on fat release and metabolism.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 28, 2019