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Why thinking hard makes you tired

A study found that prolonged mental labor leads to glutamate accumulation in the prefrontal cortex, causing cognitive fatigue and altering control over decisions. Researchers suggest taking rest and sleep as a solution to overcome this limitation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Research links red meat intake, gut microbiome, and cardiovascular disease in older adults

A new study found that higher red meat consumption is linked to a 22% increased risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults, with gut bacterial metabolites like TMAO playing a key role. The study also suggests that traditional ASCVD risk pathways like blood cholesterol and blood pressure may be less important than previously thought.

SourceTufts University·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2022

Increased heart disease risk from red meat may stem from gut microbe response to digestion

Research suggests that chemicals produced by gut microbes after eating red meat may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study found a 22% higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with increased red meat consumption, which was partly attributed to elevated levels of TMAO and related metabolites in the blood.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateAug 1, 2022

New dog food? Study shows Fido's gut bacteria could turn over within a week

A new study from the University of Illinois found that dog gut bacteria can change rapidly after introducing a new diet, with microbial turnover occurring in under a week. The research also confirmed previous findings on the health benefits of high-fiber diets over high-fat and high-protein diets.

Preterm birth is more likely with exposure to phthalates

A Rutgers researcher contributed to a National Institutes of Health study confirming a link between phthalate exposure and increased risk of preterm birth. The study examined data from 6,045 pregnant women in the U.S., finding that higher concentrations of phthalate metabolites were associated with slightly higher odds of preterm birth.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2022

Worms as a model for personalized medicine

Researchers used C. elegans to investigate inter-individual variation in metabolism and found genetic variants that affect metabolic differences between individuals. They discovered unique metabolites in different strains of the worm, which could help tailor biomedical recommendations to individual metabolism.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2022

Collaborative effort led by UMass Chan Medical School spotlights worms as model for personalized medicine

A team of researchers developed a model system to study individual differences in metabolism using C. elegans worms. They identified a novel metabolic condition linked to variation in the hphd-1 gene, which has implications for personalized medicine and tailoring dietary advice and disease treatment to an individual's genome sequence.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 11, 2022

Lack of diversity of microorganisms in the gut or elevated metabolite implicated in heart failure severity

A systematic review found that reduced gut microbiome diversity and elevated trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) metabolite levels are associated with increased risk of death and hospital visits in heart failure patients. Further research on the impact of diet and potential interventions is underway.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalHeart Failure Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

Western diets rich in fructose and fat cause diabetes via glycerate-mediated loss of pancreatic islet cells

A high-fat diet can lead to increased fructose metabolism in the small intestine, resulting in the release of glycerate into circulation. This can cause damage to insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, increasing the risk of glucose tolerance disorders and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

New study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis reveals influence of host plant on medicinal qualities of mistletoe

A study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis found that the quality of mistletoe, a traditional Chinese medicine, is affected by its host plant. The researchers used metabolomics to investigate the influence of host plants and environmental factors on mistletoe's medicinal qualities. The results show that both host plants an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

Antagonistic interactions of plant defense compounds

Researchers found that tobacco hornworms can convert two plant defense substances, chlorogenic acid and HGL-DTGs, into less effective forms after ingestion. Plants adapt to their environment by selectively producing essential compounds and suppressing others, potentially avoiding mutual detoxification.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

New discoveries in lupus research

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified blood biomarkers predicting heart disease in lupus patients and urine biomarkers for diagnosing kidney inflammation in children with lupus. These findings hold promise for early preventive measures and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateJun 2, 2022

How eating eggs can boost heart health

A recent study published in eLife found that eating up to one egg per day may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers identified 24 metabolites associated with self-reported levels of egg consumption and found that individuals who ate eggs regularly had higher levels of a protein called apolipoprotein A1.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMay 24, 2022

E. coli bacteria exploits Crohn’s disease inflammation

Research finds that intestinal inflammation liberates chemicals that nourish E. coli's growth and promote inflammation, highlighting new treatment targets for Crohn's disease. The study identifies key compounds that feed E. coli, such as phospholipids and amino acids, and shows that these compounds can enhance the bacteria's virulence.

SourceCornell University·JournalJCI Insight·DateApr 27, 2022

Nature Medicine publishes full results from axial therapeutics’ phase 1b/2a clinical trial in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The Phase 1b/2a clinical trial found that AB-2004 lowered blood and urinary levels of gut-derived metabolites and improved irritability and anxiety in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study's results support the potential of AB-2004 as a novel therapeutic approach for treating co-occurring conditions associated with ASD.

SourceDigital Mantra Group·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 2, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Fungus found to synthesize valuable compounds in perennial plant found in Northern Asia

A study discovered that fungus Cyanodermella asteris synthesizes valuable compounds in plant Aster tataricus, influencing its growth. The interaction reveals a two-way dialogue between the microbe and host, with the fungus producing beneficial compounds while also being influenced by plant hormones.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Meat, MS and the microbiome

A study by UConn Health and Washington University School of Medicine found that eating more meat correlates with worse MS symptoms, altered gut bacteria, and increased immune cells. The research identified key bacteria and metabolites associated with the disease, providing new insights into its causes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2022

Urinary metabolic ‘signatures’ predict diet quality and metabolic health in European children

Researchers identified four metabolites that indicate adherence to a Mediterranean diet, while ultra-processed foods consumption was associated with lower levels of these metabolites. The study's findings support public health efforts to recommend increased Mediterranean diet adoption and limiting ultra-processed food intake in childhood.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

The genomic structure of microbial communities can predict metabolic activity

A new study reveals that the genes present in a microbial community can predict its dynamic metabolic activity, with implications for the nitrogen cycle and other biogeochemical processes. The research provides insights into how scientists can infer metabolite dynamics from aggregate gene content, design microbial communities for speci...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022

Cannabis use could cause harmful drug interactions

New research suggests that cannabis use can lead to harmful drug-drug interactions by interfering with two families of enzymes that metabolize a wide range of drugs. This could result in unintended side effects such as toxicity or accidental overdose, particularly for older individuals using medications.

SourceWashington State University·JournalDrug Metabolism and Disposition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

Metabolic differences in the diagnosis of and treatment refinement for episodic and chronic depression

A study in young psychiatric outpatients with episodic or chronic depression found differences in one-carbon and energy metabolism, which could aid in diagnosis and targeted treatments. The preliminary results suggest potential mechanisms behind chronicity, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to confirm findings.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·DateDec 8, 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus linked to altered gut microbiome

A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a link between systemic lupus erythematosus and an altered gut microbiome. Researchers at Osaka University identified two species of Streptococcus bacteria significantly increased in SLE patients, which can affect the body's functions by altering plasma metabolites. T...

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021

New biomarker for severe COVID-19

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a carbohydrate called mannose as a biomarker for severe COVID-19 disease severity. The study found that glycolysis and glutaminolysis play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's spread and growth, providing potential new therapeutic strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

The hidden talent of fungi

Researchers at TU Wien propose a new method to interpret and mine fungal genomes to predict essential genes for the production of valuable substances. The FunOrder method identifies co-evolved genes that are functionally necessary, distinguishing them from gap genes.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2021

Body clock off-schedule? Prebiotics may help

A new study suggests that prebiotics can help realign sleep-wake cycles and core body temperature after chronic disruption of rhythms, hosting health-promoting microbes and a different metabolome. Researchers hope to develop customized prebiotic mixtures for individuals with frequent circadian disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Signs of dementia are written in the blood, reveals new study

A new study published in PNAS has identified 33 metabolic compounds associated with dementia, which could aid in diagnosis and treatment. The researchers found that levels of these metabolites differed significantly between patients with dementia and healthy elderly individuals.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Aptasensors helpful in detection of mycotoxins

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungi that contaminate agricultural products, posing severe health risks. Aptasensors utilize aptamers to specifically detect mycotoxins with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for fast and reliable detection in field settings.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalChemosensors·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 8, 2021

Probiotics prove effective in treating antibiotics-induced dysbiosis in mice

A study by Kazan Federal University found that probiotics administered to antibiotic-treated mice improved behavior, reduced oxidative stress, and restored gut microbiota diversity. The researchers demonstrated a strong link between the gut microbiota and brain functioning, with potential therapeutic benefits for treating dysbiosis-rel...

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLife·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2021

Like Venom Coursing Through the Body: Researchers Identify Mechanism Driving COVID-19 Mortality

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified an enzyme called secreted phospholipase A2 group IIA as a key mechanism driving COVID-19 severity. The enzyme is found to be associated with increased mortality rates, particularly when its levels are high, and could provide a new therapeutic target for reducing ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021