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CNIC scientists identify therapeutic targets for the prevention of heart injury linked to cancer treatment

Scientists at CNIC have identified mechanisms by which anthracyclines damage the hearts of cancer patients, leading to cardiac injury. The study suggests that a protein-enriched diet may prevent muscle atrophy caused by anthracycline chemotherapy.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

Impact of aldehydes on DNA damage and aging

Researchers at Nagoya University discover aldehydes cause DNA damage and contribute to premature aging in humans. The team proposes a link between aldehyde-derived DNA damage and premature aging, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 10, 2024

A genetic difference in THC metabolism may explain why some young adults have negative experiences with cannabis

Researchers found that genetic variations in THC-metabolizing enzymes can influence how young adults experience cannabis, with slower metabolizers at higher risk for cannabis use disorder. The study suggests educating teens about the differences in cannabis effects could improve their understanding of risk factors.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAddictive Behaviors·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Chinese scientists provide novel insights into the effects of alternate day fasting on atherosclerosis

Researchers discovered that alternate day fasting aggravates atherosclerosis in mice by suppressing the expression of hepatic activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). ADF also increased cholesterol profiles, contradicting its protective effects against obesity and metabolic disorders. The study sheds light on the complex role of ATF3 ...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2024

Natural molecule found in coffee and human body increases NAD+ levels, improves muscle function during ageing

A recent discovery reveals that the natural molecule trigonelline can increase NAD+ levels and improve muscle function during ageing. Lower levels of trigonelline were found in older people with sarcopenia, a condition where muscles weaken and mass is lost.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 21, 2024

Overeating and starving both damage the liver: Cavefish provide new insight into fatty liver disease

Researchers have identified a gene responsible for the development of starvation-induced fatty liver in cavefish, which are able to protect their liver due to reduced fat accumulation. This genetic basis has implications for understanding and addressing liver conditions in humans, including Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

First heat map for individual red blood cells

A new approach enables scientists to measure entropy production at the nanoscale, shedding light on energy efficiency and metabolic processes in living systems. The study uses colloidal particles to measure fluctuations in the red blood cell membrane and apply minuscule forces to analyze heat flow.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2024

New study analyzes link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in footballers

A recent study by Swansea University analyzed the link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in professional football players. The research found that athletes with longer ring digits relative to their index fingers had more efficient oxygen metabolism, reaching high maximal oxygen consumption during a cardiopulmonary test.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2024

A single-nucleus resolution atlas of white adipose tissue in different depots

Researchers created a single-nucleus resolution atlas of white adipose tissue in five depots, including subcutaneous, epididymal, mesenteric, perirenal, and pericardial tissues. The study reveals diverse cell types, with immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblast-adipogenic progenitors being more heterogeneous across depots.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2024

Researchers leverage AI to develop early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer

Researchers have developed an AI-driven test that accurately diagnoses ovarian cancer in women clinically classified as normal, improving detection of early-stage disease. The test uses machine learning and blood metabolite information to assign a probability of disease presence or absence, offering a more clinically informative approach.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGynecologic Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 29, 2024

How obesity dismantles our mitochondria

A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that obesity is associated with the fragmentation of mitochondria in fat cells, leading to reduced energy burning and weight gain. Researchers identified a single gene responsible for this process and found that deleting it protected mice from diet-induced weight gain.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 29, 2024

Efficiently moving urea out of polluted water is coming to reality

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a material to selectively oxidize urea in water, producing hydrogen gas. The material, made of nickel and cobalt atoms with tailored electronic structures, enables the efficient conversion of urea into hydrogen through an electrochemical reaction.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2024

Deciphering molecular mysteries: new insights into metabolites that control aging and disease

Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute discovered a novel family of metabolites called acylspermidines that are linked to sirtuin activity. These compounds were found to influence lifespan in C. elegans and cell proliferation in mammals, providing new insights into the physiological functions of spermidine and sirtuins.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

PBX1 as a key regulator of mitochondrial pyruvate uptake

Researchers discovered that Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) in mitochondria inhibits pyruvate entry, facilitating cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Downregulation of YBX1 promotes cellular oxygen consumption and reduces lactic acid production, while inhibition of the MPC1/2 complex by YBX1 enhances metastatic capacity.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Sex differs in intestinal MCT1 function

A recent study reveals that intestinal MCT1 regulates inflammation and metabolism in a sex-dimorphic pattern, with male mice showing enhanced glucose tolerance and reduced inflammation, while female mice experience exacerbation of diet-induced obesity. The study suggests that gender-specific treatments are needed for metabolic disorders.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

New study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid recycling within cells

A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology has made significant progress in understanding autophagy and lipid recycling. Researchers used yeast as a model organism to identify key players in the process, including Atg15, Pep4, and Prb1, and demonstrated that Pep4 and Prb1 activate Atg15 to break down phospholipid bilayers.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

A “manganese bullet” targeting the top killer?

Researchers discovered that manganese ions can directly bind to the coat protein complex II (COPII) complex, enhancing its condensation and resulting in a unique bell-shaped regulation on blood lipid levels. This mechanism enables the reversal of atherosclerotic plaques in murine disease models.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023