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A simple compound to control complex gut microbes

Researchers at RIKEN discovered that acetate triggers an immune response against harmful bacteria by increasing IgA production and altering the balance of intestinal bacteria. The study suggests that acetate can be used to regulate the gut microbiome and prevent disease.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateJul 19, 2021

NIST uses method to understand the molecular underpinnings of a disease affecting corals

Researchers at NIST used an emerging molecular profiling method to analyze a type of tumor-like disease called growth anomalies in corals. The study identified 18 small molecules that promise to help better understand the series of molecular reactions leading to the disease, which affects coral skeletons and soft tissues.

The earthworm in new light

A team of researchers has developed a new imaging technique to visualize the chemical interactions between small animals and their microbes. This allows for a better understanding of how these interactions form and persist in animal tissues. The method, called chemo-histo-tomography, combines chemical imaging with micro-computed X-ray ...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

A research team identifies a metabolic footprint associated with the perception of satiety

A research team has discovered a metabolic footprint associated with the perception of satiety, revealing that higher concentrations of glycine and linoleic acid are linked to increased satiety. The study involved 140 volunteers with overweight and obesity, showing that certain metabolites in the blood can predict postprandial satiety.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 22, 2021

New antifungal compound from ant farms

Researchers have identified a potent antifungal agent, attinimicin, produced by nearly two-thirds of Pseudonocardia strains in Brazilian ants. This compound has broad geographic distribution and shows promise as a potential drug candidate for fighting fungal infections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 20, 2021

Tiny molecules with a big impact

Researchers discovered hundreds of previously unknown genetic variations affecting small molecule concentrations in the blood, which can impact diseases such as diabetes and eye disorders. The findings provide valuable biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and therapy.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 13, 2021

Gut microbes: a key to normal sleep

A study published in Scientific Reports found that mice without gut microbes had altered sleep patterns, including increased REM and non-REM sleep episodes. The researchers discovered that gut microbes play a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate sleep-wake cycles.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2020

What fuels the beating heart? Study reveals nutrients used by normal and failing hearts

A recent study has provided a detailed picture of fuel and nutrient use by the human heart, establishing a new framework for studying heart function in health and disease. The study found that healthy hearts rely heavily on fatty acids as energy sources, while failing hearts consume more ketones and release more amino acids.

Early trauma influences metabolism across generations

A study by University of Zurich's Brain Research Institute found that early childhood trauma can lead to changes in lipid metabolism and glucose levels in offspring and grand-offspring. The researchers discovered a molecular mechanism involving the PPAR receptor, which is activated by fatty acids and regulates gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 15, 2020

Deep learning gives drug design a boost

A new computational tool, Metabolite Translator, uses deep learning to predict metabolites in the human body, providing a broader understanding of how drugs interact with enzymes. The method has been shown to perform as well as existing rule-based methods and identified novel enzymes involved in drug metabolism.

SourceRice University·JournalChemical Science·DateOct 5, 2020

Time-restricted feeding improves health without altering the body's core clock

A new study by University of Copenhagen scientists found that time-restricted feeding alters the rhythmic concentration of metabolites in blood and muscle, influencing gene expression and amino acid transport. The study suggests that time-restricted feeding's positive health impact may be driven by diet rather than the body's core clock.

Study tracks human milk nutrients in infant microbiome

A new study published in Journal of Lipid Research reveals that the gut microbiomes of breastfed infants differ from those of formula-fed infants due to dietary sphinganine, a nutrient found in human milk. Researchers developed a technique to track specific nutrients as they interact with gut microbes, identifying two types of bacteria...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 1, 2020