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Vitamin A metabolite preserves T cells’ function as KAIST points to a new strategy for treating intractable brain tumors

A KAIST research team found that all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) preserves T cells' function and enhances the efficacy of immunotherapy for intractable brain tumors. ATRA suppresses 'terminal exhaustion' in cancer-attacking CD8⁺ T cells, allowing them to maintain their ability to kill brain tumor cells.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalSignal Transduction and Targeted Therapy·DateSep 7, 2026

UofL scientists unlock gut-healing power of fruits and nuts paired with the right gut microbes

Scientists discovered a natural microbial compound that protects the gut and supports future treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. UroA activates a protective pathway in intestinal epithelial cells, triggering the release of molecules associated with maintaining normal intestinal function and repairing the gut lining.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2026

Clarifying the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism

Researchers investigated the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism, finding that gut microbiota transform selenium into metabolites influencing utilization, detoxification, and excretion. The study also revealed that Se intake affects bacterial diversity and that gut microbes produce unique selenometabolites.

SourceChiba University·JournalFood Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2026

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.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Natural Products·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2026

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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 24, 2026

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2025

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.

SourceTufts University·JournalAging Cell·DateOct 22, 2025

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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2025

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.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateAug 20, 2025

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.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 4, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 14, 2025

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.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2025

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2025