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Metabolite common among cancers

A study found that mutations in IDH1 enzyme result in excess production of 2-HG, a metabolite common among cancers including leukemia and brain tumors. Elevated serum levels of 2-HG were detected in approximately 8% of AML patients with these mutations.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2010

Marine lab hunts subtle clues to environmental threats to blue crabs

A research team from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new method to detect subtle clues to environmental threats affecting blue crabs. By analyzing metabolite levels in blue crab hemolymph using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, they found biomarkers that can identify specific sourc...

An easy way to find a needle in a haystack by removing the haystack

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology developed a new method, called MAILD, to quickly and reliably detect metabolites in biological samples. The technique uses classical mass spectrometry and enables the measurement of a large number of metabolites, opening doors for targeted and high-throughput metabolomics.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2009

How to spot a heart attack soon after it occurs

Researchers developed a new method for early detection of heart attacks using metabolite profiling, detecting changes in blood samples 10 minutes after the event. The approach has potential to improve early treatment and survival rates.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 2, 2008

The 21st century tomato

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the complex metabolic networks involved in tomato fruit development. By analyzing over 1200 quantitative metabolic loci (QMLs), scientists identified associations between metabolites and genes that regulate fruit metabolism. This knowledge can be used to alter metabolic pathwa...

Dietary calcium is better than supplements at protecting bone health

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that women consuming most of their daily calcium from food have healthier bones than those relying on supplements. The study showed a significant association between dietary calcium intake and increased production of active estrogen metabolites, favoring bone density and osteoporosis prevention.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 19, 2007

Nectar is not a simple soft drink

Researchers discovered that plant nectar contains secondary compounds, including nicotine, which repel pollinators and attract 'nectar thieves'. This finding suggests that plants may produce nectar to increase genetic diversity by attracting more visitors despite the potential risk of poisoning insects.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateFeb 27, 2007

Mining for gems in the fungal genome

A new method has been developed to identify secondary metabolites in fungi, which are compounds that can have medicinal properties. The technique, known as genomic mining, allows researchers to pinpoint the genes responsible for producing these compounds, offering a promising tool for finding new medicines.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateJan 23, 2006

Human Metabolite Of Taxol Synthesized In The Laboratory

Researchers have synthesized the major human metabolite of Taxol, 6-alpha-hydroxypaclitaxel, for the first time in a laboratory setting. This breakthrough will enable easier identification and quantification of the metabolite in complex mixtures, crucial for maximizing the clinical effectiveness of paclitaxel.