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Omega-3 fats have little or no effect on type 2 diabetes

Researchers analyzed 83 randomized controlled trials involving 121,070 people with and without diabetes. They found that increasing long-chain omega-3 fats had little or no effect on likelihood of diabetes diagnosis or glucose metabolism. In contrast, higher doses of long-chain omega-3 may have negative effects on diabetes risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 21, 2019

Dry feed for superfood producers

Researchers investigated how insects, such as crickets and locusts, respond to different dry feed variants containing cornstarch, protein-rich cowpea leaves and vitamin-enriched carrot powder. The study found immense species-specific differences in metabolism and digestion between the two insect species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAnimal Feed Science and Technology·DateAug 5, 2019

How HIV infection may contribute to wide-ranging metabolic conditions

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV-infected cells release a viral protein called Nef, impairing cholesterol metabolism and triggering inflammation in uninfected bystander cells. This impairment causes the formation of excessive lipid rafts and triggers inflammation, potentially contributing to various co-morbidities ass...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 25, 2019

Rutgers researchers identify the origins of metabolism

Researchers reverse-engineered a primordial protein and inserted it into a living bacterium, successfully powering its metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The discovery sheds light on the origins of metabolism and has implications for synthetic biology and bioelectronics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2019

ALS patients may benefit from more glucose

A new study by University of Arizona researchers suggests that ALS patients may benefit from more glucose, as it can help increase energy production and improve cellular function. The findings, published in eLife, reveal that when ALS-affected neurons are given more glucose, they are able to survive longer and function better.

A biosynthetic dual-core cell computer

Researchers have developed a biosynthetic dual-core cell computer using CRISPR-Cas9 components, enabling scalable and flexible computing. This biological system can process up to 100,000 different metabolic molecules per second, far surpassing previous cell computers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2019

Fat cells work different 'shifts' throughout the day

Researchers identified 727 genes in fat tissue that express their own circadian rhythm, many carrying out key metabolic functions. Morning-peaking transcripts regulate gene expression and nucleic acid biology, while evening-peaking transcripts are associated with redox activity and organic acid metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2019

Mindfulness training may help support weight loss

Researchers found that participants who completed mindfulness training lost an average of 3 kilograms more than those who did not attend the course. The study suggests that mindfulness techniques can help improve eating behavior and facilitate successful weight loss in individuals with obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 18, 2018

One hundred percent success

The University of Freiburg has been granted two Clusters of Excellence, CIBSS and livMatS, with funding of up to 100 million euros over seven years. The clusters will focus on biological signalling studies and bioinspired materials research.

Flaw found in water treatment method

A recent study from Johns Hopkins University reveals a flaw in the water treatment process that can create toxic transformation products, including 2-butene-1,4-dial. This compound has been linked to negative effects on human cells and may be responsible for toxicity in cigarette smoke and car exhaust.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2018

Study links 'good' brown fat and exercise

A new study by Ohio State University reveals that a lipid released from brown fat, called lipokine, surges in the bloodstream after exercise. This finding suggests that burning of brown fat and this lipid play an important role in the metabolic benefits of exercise.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 1, 2018

Brown adipose tissue made transparent

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive method to measure the metabolic activity of brown adipose tissue, making it easier to verify its heat generation. The method uses multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) to visualize changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, allowing scientists to study its effects on energy b...

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 12, 2018

Camelina oil improves blood lipid profile

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that camelina oil reduces overall and LDL cholesterol levels in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism. Camelina oil, rich in alpha-linolenic acid, showed a positive effect on blood cholesterol levels but had no similar effects for fatty or lean fish.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJan 8, 2018

Novel histone modifications couple metabolism to gene activity

Scientists have discovered two new classes of histone modifications that couple cellular metabolism to gene activity, providing a potential mechanism for environmental influences on gene expression. The novel marks, propionylation and butyrylation, are linked to fatty acid metabolism and can drive transcription in test tube experiments.