Add BrightSurf on Google Email

People with NAFLD have decreased expression of a liver enzyme needed for medication processing, according to researchers from Indiana University and Eli Lilly

A study from Indiana University School of Medicine found that people with NAFLD have significantly decreased levels of the liver enzyme CYP2C19, which is important for medication processing. This decrease may lead to slower clearance of certain medications and reduced effectiveness of medicines like antidepressants and clopidogrel.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2023

Beneficial bacteria in the infant gut uses nitrogen from breast milk to support baby’s health

Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered that beneficial microbes in infant gut use nitrogen from human milk to support pediatric nutrition and development. The study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of these processes, which could lead to improved infant health around the world.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2023

Sweets change our brain

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that consuming small amounts of high-fat and high-sugar foods regularly rewires the brain, leading to a preference for these types of food.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

In hot water: Ocean warming impacts growth, metabolic rate and gene activity of newly hatched clownfish

A new study finds that ocean warming can impact the growth, metabolic rate, and gene activity of newly hatched clownfish larvae. The researchers found that warmer temperatures led to faster growth rates, higher metabolic rates, and changes in gene expression.

NTU Singapore study shows new way to spur brain immune cells to clear toxic waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at NTU Singapore have found a way to spur brain immune cells to clear toxic waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease by targeting their metabolism. The study reveals a ‘metabolic switch’ in the brain’s immune cells that can be manipulated to improve their function.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

New drug to lower brain pressure could treat blinding IIH headaches, trial finds

A phase two trial found that exenatide significantly reduced brain pressure and monthly headaches in seven patients with Idiopathic Intercranial Hypertension (IIH). The study showed a rapid action of the drug, with results indicating significant reductions in brain pressure and headache days compared to the placebo arm.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBrain·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2023

Keck School of Medicine study finds “forever chemicals” disrupt key biological processes

A Keck School of Medicine study found exposure to PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' disrupts key biological processes in children and young adults, increasing risk of diseases such as developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The study highlights the importance of regulating PFAS as a class of chemicals.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Scientists at Ben-Gurion University have stumbled upon a groundbreaking approach for treating Alzheimer's disease that has shown remarkable success in mouse models

Scientists at Ben-Gurion University have discovered a groundbreaking treatment approach targeting the mitochondrial gatekeeper VDAC1 for Alzheimer's disease. The new therapy, VBIT-4, demonstrates significant improvement in mouse models, preventing cell death and neuroinflammation while promoting healthy neuron growth.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalTranslational Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2023

Stowers scientists use cavefish to learn more about metabolism and the evolutionary basis of being a couch potato

Researchers studied cavefish metabolism to understand how humans might adapt over long periods of inactivity, finding genetic changes that enable muscle endurance and efficient energy storage. The study suggests potential implications for understanding and mitigating the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles on human health.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

Mother’s health and lifestyle during pregnancy shape neurodevelopment of 2-year-old children

A new study conducted at the University of Turku found that maternal gestational diabetes mellitus may have unfavourable effects on the neurodevelopment of 2-year-old children. A healthy diet during pregnancy supports child's neurodevelopment, while higher maternal body fat percentage is associated with weaker cognitive and motor skills.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPediatric Research·DateJan 19, 2023

A plethora of plant molecules provides a ple"flora" of data

A searchable library of 1,600 chemically-diverse plant extracts has been established, providing valuable insights into plant metabolites' roles in drug development. The library shares both data and methods, making it an exceptional resource for advancing chemodiversity digitization.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Microprotein increases appetite in mice

Researchers at Salk Institute discover thousands of previously unknown microproteins in brown and white fat tissue, finding that one, Gm8773, increases feeding activity in mice. This discovery could lead to the development of a therapeutic to promote weight gain in certain disease situations.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 3, 2023

Study links genetic variant to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas disease

Researchers identified a genetic variant linked to digestive disturbances in patients with Chagas megaesophagus, a disorder characterized by esophageal dilation and loss of motility. The study suggests that increased interferon-gamma production leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to the development of the disease.

How Much Water Do We Need a Day?

A new study published in Science found that the recommended eight 8-oz glasses of water per day is too high for human needs. Water turnover, measured objectively using a stable isotope technique, showed higher values in hot and humid environments, athletes, pregnant women, and individuals with high physical activity. The researchers de...

Adversity in childhood is linked to increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases in early adulthood

A large study found that children who experienced adversity, including serious family illness or death, poverty, neglect, or dysfunctional relationships, are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in early adulthood. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, followed nearly 1.3 million children and found a 60%...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2022

Activity 'snacks’ following meals may help maintain muscle mass: University of Toronto Study

Researchers found that short bursts of activity after meals can improve the body's ability to use amino acids from food to build muscle proteins. Breaking up prolonged sedentary periods with brief activity 'snacks' may help maintain muscle mass and quality, according to a University of Toronto study.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2022

New insights on how some individuals with obesity can lose weight – and keep it off

A new study suggests that exercise training is crucial for individuals with diet-resistant obesity, improving skeletal muscle metabolism and enhancing weight loss capacity. The research challenges the one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity and has the potential to help reshape the science of weight-loss programs.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2022