Metabolites

Blood-based 'ageing clock' predicts dementia risk and earlier onset

Digital twin can reveal alcohol consumption in crime cases

Researchers at Linköping University developed a digital twin model to predict alcohol consumption and drinking patterns. The tool uses data from exhaled breath, blood, and urine samples to generate individualised results, providing a more accurate picture of when a person last drank.

The brain’s power could also help predict its decline

A team of researchers, led by Bistra Iordanova and Liang Zhan, are developing multiscale models of brain metabolism to predict cognitive decline and dementia. They will analyze data from brain imaging, blood flow, and neural activity to identify metabolic changes that affect brain function in aging.

Decoding the chemical messengers: Gut microbes talk to the whole body through metabolites

Research systematically maps how bacterial metabolites influence disease progression and immune cell functions, highlighting their dual effects on the body. The review emphasizes the need for holistic regulation of metabolite profiles to achieve precision interventions.

Ketone supplementation improves immunotherapy outcomes in mice; human clinical trial underway

Researchers at Arc Institute and Stanford University found that ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate strengthens CAR T cell fitness and antitumor activity. BHB supplementation improves CAR T cell expansion and tumor killing in mice, mirroring the effects of a ketogenic diet.

Why one herb smells stronger: Genomics explains the chemistry behind Xiangru quality

A comprehensive multi-omics study reveals how genome evolution, specialized metabolites, and microscopic leaf structures jointly determine the quality of Xiangru, a traditional medicinal and edible herb. The study identifies key biosynthetic genes and transcription factors that regulate aroma-producing compounds and trichome formation.

Turning over a new leaf in analyses of natural products

Researchers created an automated method to quickly analyze the metabolic effects of natural products, such as kratom, using high-resolution mass spectrometry and molecular network mapping. This breakthrough provides a detailed view of how chemicals are reshaped by human metabolism, marking a major step in natural products research.

From bud to brew: Multi-omics study decodes tea leaf development

Researchers used single-nucleus RNA sequencing and metabolomics to map tea leaf development, identifying distinct cell types and dynamic shifts in phytohormones and flavonoids. The study reveals how key genes coordinate leaf expansion and flavonoid biosynthesis, offering a cellular-level framework for understanding tea flavor and quality.

AI provides a more precise time of death

Researchers at Linköping University have developed an AI model that can accurately determine the time of death from blood samples, providing crucial information in murder investigations and police work. The method uses metabolites to analyze changes in small molecules over time, outperforming current methods.

Green chemistry: Friendly bacteria can unlock hidden metabolic pathways in plant cell cultures

Researchers have discovered that endophytic bacteria can coexist with plant cells without harming them, triggering the production of previously unattainable compounds. This method has the potential to expand the diversity of obtainable plant-derived compounds for various industries.

New method predicts asthma attacks up to five years in advance

Researchers have identified a new method to predict asthma exacerbations with a high degree of accuracy, analyzing data from three large asthma cohorts. The study found that the ratio between sphingolipids and steroids was the most powerful predictor of future health.

How do the active ingredients of monkfruit affect health?

Research identifies Luohan Guo's terpenoids, flavonoids, and amino acids as key compounds affecting health. The study's findings provide insights into the potential antioxidant mechanisms of monkfruit's active ingredients.

Artificial metabolism turns waste CO2 into useful chemicals

Researchers at Northwestern University and Stanford University develop a new artificial metabolism that converts waste carbon dioxide into acetyl-CoA, a universal metabolite used by all living cells. The system, called Reductive Formate Pathway (ReForm), uses engineered enzymes to perform metabolic reactions never seen in nature.

Metabolic analyses of animal fossils helps scientists reconstruct million-year-old environments

Researchers discovered metabolites in fossilized bones of animals that lived 1.3 to 3 million years ago, providing insights into their health, diets, and environments. The findings revealed warmer and wetter conditions compared to today.

Metabolites produced in the intestine play a central role in controlling obesity and diabetes

Researchers identified a group of metabolites produced in the intestine that travel to the liver and heart, influencing metabolic pathways and insulin sensitivity. The study found that environmental factors can regulate these metabolites, which play a crucial role in obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Scientists reveal molecular cause behind "Stuck" beer fermentation

A metabolomics study found galangin accelerates yeast sedimentation and promotes premature flocculation in beer fermentation. Researchers identified galangin as a key promoter of yeast aggregation and propose strategies to improve fermentation control.

World's largest metabolomic study completed, paving way for predictive medicine

The final set of data on nearly 250 metabolites has been released by UK Biobank, helping researchers predict disease risk and drive treatment strategies for neurological conditions, heart disease, and cancer. The data will also aid in understanding the biological processes that genetic or protein data alone might miss.

The “MDME Axis”: A new view on how microbial metabolites epigenetically shape host health

Microbial metabolites from the gut microbiome influence gene expression, cellular function, and host health. The MDME axis proposes a unified theoretical framework explaining this complex dialogue.

Low-dose THC reduces side effects of HIV treatment

A new study from Texas Biomedical Research Institute found that low-dose THC significantly reduced side effects and inflammation caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy. The treatment also increased serotonin levels, lowered cholesterol and toxic bile acids, and improved cardiovascular health.

Uncovering the biology of growing old

A large study in pet dogs has uncovered molecular clues that could shed light on how aging unfolds in pets and people alike. The researchers found that a type of metabolite called post-translationally modified amino acids (ptmAAs) appeared strongly linked with aging across dogs of all breeds, sizes, and sexes.

Elucidating aging mechanisms and identifying a biomarker for aging and overall health status

Scientists found that CtBP2 levels decrease with age, but are higher in long-lived individuals. This biomarker may estimate the degree of aging and overall health status.

1000-litre “corn-to-carrier” demo turns stover into 10.6 g L⁻¹ microbial lipids

Researchers transform corn stover into microbial lipids using alkaline storage, gentle steam, and squeeze detoxification. The process delivers high sugar recovery and lipid content, reducing water demand by one-third compared to conventional methods.

Genetics pioneer transforms global depression research through multi-omics discoveries

Dr. Amin's transformative insights reshape international understanding of depression genetics, identifying novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Her systemic disease model challenges traditional views of depression as a brain disorder.

Root chemistry determines how antibiotic resistance spreads from manure to crops

A new study published in Agricultural Ecology and Environment found that the rhizosphere, surrounding plant roots, is a hotspot for manure-derived antibiotic resistance genes. Crop root chemistry plays a crucial role in how these genes are transferred to plants, with leafy vegetables accumulating more ARGs than fruit-bearing crops.

Oral bacteria linked to Parkinson’s via the gut-brain axis

Research links oral bacteria to Parkinson's disease via the gut-brain axis, finding Streptococcus mutans produces metabolite imidazole propionate that contributes to disease progression. Targeting the oral-gut microbiome may offer a new therapeutic approach for Parkinson's treatment.

Cancer cells can use backup routes to fuel their growth

A new study reveals cancer cells can convert a ketone into acetyl-CoA through an alternative pathway, reshaping the relationship between diet and cancer. This finding suggests that glucose may not always be the primary nutrient source for cells, adding to the complex understanding of cellular metabolism.

What gut bacteria like

Researchers have discovered that gut bacteria can recognize diverse chemical signals, including those from nutrients, DNA, and other metabolites. This allows them to detect and respond to nutritional values, suggesting that finding sources of nutrients is a primary function of motility in these bacteria.

Mouth to gut bacteria migration explains why smoking is good for inflamed bowels

Researchers discovered that smoking produces metabolites that encourage mouth bacteria to grow in the large intestines, triggering an immune response. These bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mitis, help reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis by triggering a specific immune response.

Integrated analysis of serum and fecal metabolites reveals the role of bile acid metabolism in drug-induced liver injury: Implications for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers

Researchers identified bile acid metabolites as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid were found to distinguish DILI patients from healthy individuals, exhibiting predictive potential for chronicity.

The metabolic dialogue between intratumoral microbes and cancer: implications for immunotherapy

The article discusses how intratumoral microbial metabolites modulate immune cell function, influencing cancer immunotherapy outcomes. The review examines the impact of glucose, amino acids, lipid, and other metabolites on the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy efficacy.

Early antibiotics alter immune function in infants

A study found that early antibiotics exposure can impair infant immune systems, disrupting lung immunity and making them vulnerable to respiratory infections. Supplementing with a naturally occurring metabolite called inosine may help restore their ability to fight such infections.

Gut microbes key to understanding how exercise boosts cancer immunity

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh shows exercise improves cancer outcomes and enhances response to immunotherapy in mice by reshaping the gut microbiome. The research found that a specific compound called formate, produced by gut bacteria in exercised mice, was associated with better outcomes in patients with melanoma.

How gut bacteria change after exposure to pesticides

A study in mice found that pesticide exposure changes specific gut bacteria growth patterns and nutrient processing, hinting at a probiotic approach to preventing health effects. The research identified certain microbes that can degrade pesticides and may lead to therapeutic strategies.

Metabolic markers found in obese adolescents guide vascular aging intervention

Researchers identified biomarkers like uric acid and bile acids as critical regulators of arterial stiffness and inflammation in adolescents with obesity. These findings provide new avenues for early intervention to prevent the progression of vascular stiffness and cardiovascular disease.

Molecules in blood and urine could reveal how much ultra-processed food you eat

Researchers identified poly-metabolite scores in blood and urine associated with ultra-processed food consumption, providing an objective measure of UPF intake. The study found hundreds of metabolites linked to energy from UPFs, enabling the creation of a score predictive of diet quality.

Phthalates may impact key genital measurement in 3-year-olds

Research finds high levels of phthalates in mothers' urine associated with shorter anogenital distances in 3-year-old boys and girls, a marker of reproductive health and hormone disruption. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures to protect vulnerable groups from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Black tea and berries could contribute to healthier aging

A systematic review found that higher flavonoid intakes from foods like black tea, berries, and citrus fruits are linked to a lower risk of frailty, impaired physical function, and poor mental health in older adults. Consuming more flavonoids may support healthier aging by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Metabolites in blood plasma offer news insights for measuring diet

Researchers analyzed metabolites in blood plasma to evaluate dietary patterns, revealing promising data on the foods we eat. The study found that specific metabolites changed significantly with the portfolio diet, providing potential biomarkers for assessing adherence to similar dietary patterns.

Intestinal depletion of TM6SF2 exacerbates high-fat diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease through the gut-liver axis

This study found that intestinal depletion of TM6SF2 exacerbates high-fat diet-induced MASLD by altering the gut microbiota and liver lipid content. The absence of TM6SF2 also led to increased serum biomarkers associated with MASLD progression.

The gut health benefits of sauerkraut

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that sauerkraut's metabolites can maintain intestinal cell integrity and support long-term gut health. The researchers found that both store-bought and lab-made sauerkraut samples protected gut function, with no noticeable difference between the two.

USC scientists find a gut-brain link that may affect behavior in children with autism

A new USC study suggests that gut imbalances in children with autism may disrupt neurotransmitter production and influence behavioral symptoms. The research connects the dots between the 'gut-brain' axis and autism, raising possibilities for new treatments.

A new tool for parsing the ‘metabolic dialogue’ between microorganisms

Scientists have developed MetaFlowTrain, a system that allows the study of metabolic exchange and interactions between microorganisms in complex environments. This innovation enables researchers to identify novel microbial exometabolites with bioactive or signalling properties.

Partnering diet and intestinal microbes to protect against GI disease

A study published in Cell suggests that the gut microbiome can play a key role in protecting against gastrointestinal (GI) diseases by breaking down certain plant compounds. The researchers found that specific intestinal microbes release beneficial small molecules that regulate inflammation and promote resistance to pathogens, such as ...

Sensor technology uses nature’s blueprint and machinery to monitor metabolism in body

Researchers developed a sensor platform that tracks multiple metabolites continuously, offering a window into disease onset and health status. The technology harnesses natural biochemical processes, enabling reliable detection of over 800 metabolites, with potential applications in diagnosing metabolic disorders and optimizing fitness.

PCSK9 and APOA4: the dynamic duo in TMAO-induced cholesterol metabolism and cholelithiasis

Researchers discovered that PCSK9 and APOA4 are key regulators of TMAO-induced cholesterol metabolism, leading to gallstone formation. Targeting these genes may be a promising approach for preventing and treating cholelithiasis.

Correcting imbalance with the gut microbiota after stroke could reduce brain inflammation, open pathway to potential therapies

Researchers found that changes in gut bacteria after a stroke lead to an increase in harmful substances and a decrease in beneficial ones, potentially causing inflammation. Restoring these beneficial substances from gut bacteria could help reduce inflammation after a stroke.

Blood metabolites may reduce genetic risk of glaucoma

A study found that adding blood metabolite data to genetic risk scores improves glaucoma prediction accuracy, particularly in individuals at high genetic risk. Higher levels of lactate, pyruvate, and citrate were associated with a reduced risk of glaucoma.

New Research: Strong link between Western diet during pregnancy and ADHD

A new study from Denmark reveals that a mother's diet during pregnancy, characterized by a Western dietary pattern high in fat and sugar, may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. Researchers found that even small dietary adjustments away from this pattern could potentially reduce this risk.

Chinese scientists reveal anti-bacterial role of plant metabolite

Researchers discovered that erucamide inhibits Type III Secretion injectisome assembly in Gram-negative bacteria, enhancing plant immunity and reducing disease susceptibility. Exogenous application of erucamide protects crops from bacterial diseases, offering a potential biopesticide for sustainable agriculture.

Bioanalytical assays for oligonucleotide therapeutics

The article discusses the need for bioanalytical assays to measure immune responses to oligonucleotide therapeutic drugs, especially when they include carriers or conjugates. Highly specific antibodies may enhance the development and production of ONTs, expanding studies on their safety and efficacy.

McMaster researchers uncover blood metabolites that may influence early childhood development

A McMaster University research team identified several small molecules in blood that inversely associate with developmental outcomes. The study highlights the complex connections between diet, gut health and a child's growth and cognitive milestones.

Pattern of compounds in blood may indicate severity of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

Researchers identified 19 metabolites and found that levels of certain compounds correlated with increased blood pressure, worse obstetric outcomes, and poorer end-organ function. The study expands scientific knowledge of preeclampsia and its mechanisms, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies.

Cholesterol metabolism byproduct linked to Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have discovered a critical link between a cholesterol byproduct and Parkinson's disease development in mice. The study highlights the role of 24-OHC in forming Lewy bodies and killing dopamine neurons, with potential therapeutic targets emerging as drugs that prevent its production.

U of T researchers invent method for metabolite detection using DNA sequencing

Researchers at U of T have developed a new platform called smol-seq that uses DNA sequencing to detect metabolites. This method enables the analysis of hundreds of metabolites simultaneously, making it faster and more precise than current methods.

Tattoo inks: How much color gets into the body?

A new clinical study by the BfR found that tattoo ink contains smaller amounts of liquid components than previously thought. The researchers were able to detect metabolites in blood samples shortly after tattooing began and showed that metabolism functions differently when substances are taken up through the skin.

Gut microbes may mediate the link between drinking sugary beverages and diabetes risk

Researchers identified a potential mechanism linking sugary beverage consumption to diabetes risk through alterations in the gut microbiome and blood metabolites. High sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with changes in bacterial species that produce short-chain fatty acids, negatively impacting glucose metabolism.

Testing the effect of thousands of compounds on cellular metabolism

A new method of testing the metabolic effects of thousands of active substances at the same time has been developed by researchers at the University of Basel, providing valuable insights into the modes of action of known medications. The study reveals previously unknown mechanisms and potential side effects.

Bacteria found to eat forever chemicals — and even some of their toxic byproducts

A University at Buffalo-led team has identified a strain of bacteria that can break down and transform at least three types of PFAS, as well as some of the toxic byproducts of the bond-breaking process. The bacteria, Labrys portucalensis F11, metabolized over 90% of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) after a 100-day exposure period.

SIDS discovery could ID babies at risk of sudden death

UVA researchers analyzed 300 blood serum samples from babies who died from SIDS and identified specific biological indicators linked to their deaths. The study found 35 predictors of SIDS, including ornithine and a lipid metabolite critical for brain and lung health.

Metabolome and RNA-seq reveal discrepant metabolism and secretory metabolism profile in skeletal muscle between obese and lean pigs at different ages

Researchers identified distinct metabolic profiles in skeletal muscle of Taoyuan Black pig compared to Duroc pig, with correlations to intramuscular fat content and lipid metabolism. The study provides insights into the muscle-adipose axis and potential targets for nutritional regulation.