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Wise plant analysis

A new database of plant metabolites and computer tool have been developed to identify healthful antioxidants in tomato skins. The researchers found that valuable substances produced by exotic plants may be derived from more common species, and these findings suggest a broader range of potential uses for plant metabolism.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2017

A blood test for autism

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed an algorithm that accurately predicts whether a child is on the Autism spectrum of disorder based on levels of metabolites found in a blood sample. The algorithm, which uses big data techniques, correctly identified 96.1% of neurotypical participants and 97.6% of children with ASD.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 16, 2017

Wise plant analysis

A new method of plant analysis has identified more than twenty metabolites in tomatoes that had never been reported before, including certain antioxidants in the skin. The Weizmann team's tools, WeizMass and MatchWeiz, can help study plant metabolism and identify useful biological activity

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2016

Plants modulate accumulation of metabolites at organ level

Researchers used a new approach to measure metabolic diversity in various plant tissues, revealing distinct profiles for each tissue. The study identified specific genes regulating the biosynthesis of ecologically-important secondary metabolites, shedding light on how plants modulate their metabolite accumulation at the organ level.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2016

Choline deficiency during pregnancy influences milk composition in sows

Researchers found that choline deficiency during pregnancy alters choline metabolite profiles, fatty acid compositions, and amino acid levels in sow milk. This study provides new insights into the importance of choline for human development and highlights the need for mandatory fortification programs to address this nutrient deficiency.

From DNA to disease, study describes rare, new brain disorder

Researchers have identified a rare neurological disorder caused by GPT2 gene mutations, replicating the disease in lab cultures and mouse models. The study reveals insights into brain development, neurotransmitter function, and metabolic pathways, providing new opportunities for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2016

Genetic diversity of enzymes alters metabolic individuality

Research at Tohoku University reveals genetic variants affecting enzymatic activities in healthy individuals, suggesting that moderate and rare variants contribute to metabolic differences and disease susceptibility. The study identifies five associations between metabolites and gene variants, including four related to metabolic diseases.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 31, 2016

Researchers identify characteristic chemical signature for chronic fatigue syndrome

A study published in PNAS identifies a unique chemical signature for chronic fatigue syndrome, revealing an unexpected connection to hypometabolic syndromes like dauer. The findings show that CFS has a characteristic metabolic response, with 80% of diagnostic metabolites decreased, and provide a basis for personalized therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

New protocol enables analysis of metabolic products from fixed tissues

A team of scientists at Helmholtz Munich developed a protocol to analyze metabolite composition in fixed tissues using mass spectrometry imaging. This method allows for the study of spatial distribution of molecules with high precision, enabling the identification of new predictive, diagnostic and prognostic markers.

Scientific secrets for successful aging?

Scientists at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University identified 14 age-related compounds that decrease with age, including those related to muscle strength and antioxidants. These findings suggest the importance of consuming antioxidant-rich foods and exercising regularly after 65 to improve body conditions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2016

Asparagus freezing tolerance related to rhizome traits

Researchers found that asparagus rhizome traits, specifically water content and metabolite levels, are key indicators of freezing tolerance. The study tested three cultivars, with Guelph Millennium proving to be the most tolerant, suggesting that adapting to colder climates may depend on optimizing rhizome characteristics.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalJournal of the American Society for Horticultural Science·DateMar 8, 2016

Potential diagnostic for dengue fever outcomes based on metabolomic profiles

Researchers from Colorado State University have discovered a potential diagnostic tool for dengue fever by analyzing metabolomic profiles in patient serum. The study found that distinct metabolic clusters were associated with different disease outcomes, including the progression to hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2016

Real-time analysis of metabolic products

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a method to analyze hundreds of metabolites simultaneously in real-time, allowing for rapid analysis of cellular responses to external stimuli. This breakthrough enables the study of complex biological processes and has potential applications in developing new pharmaceutical agents.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 30, 2015

CSI -- on the metabolite's trail

A team of bioinformaticians at the University of Jena has developed a new search engine, 'CSI:FingerID', that significantly simplifies the identification of molecular structures of metabolites. The tool reduces the number of possible compounds from thousands to ten, making it feasible for precise lab tests to identify specific compounds.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2015

Dirty, crusty meals fit for (long-dormant) microbes

Researchers used exometabolomics to study the interactions between soil microbes and their adaptations in desert biocrusts. The team found that diverse microbes target specific metabolites, supporting diverse microbial communities. This discovery suggests a possible mechanism for promoting soil biodiversity by specialization.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2015

Getting a picture of the molecules in a cell in just minutes

Researchers at RIKEN and Hiroshima University create technique to analyze metabolites, hormones, nutrients, and lipids in individual cells using nanospray tip and mass spectrometer. This breakthrough could speed up understanding of molecular distribution in time and space, transforming agricultural science.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Protocols·DateAug 27, 2015

Researchers find key player in diabetic kidney disease through power of metabolomics

A new study by University of California, San Diego researchers has identified a pivotal player in diabetic kidney disease and a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring chronic kidney disease. The study uses metabolomics analysis to clarify a central mechanism of action involving the NADPH oxidase proteins NOX1 and NOX4.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 22, 2015

Using bacterial 'fight clubs' to find new drugs

A team of Vanderbilt chemists used a novel approach called 'fight clubs' to identify promising new anti-cancer compounds from natural sources. By analyzing the interactions between bacteria and other microorganisms, they discovered a class of biomolecules with broad-spectrum activity.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateJun 29, 2015