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The broader a fungus’s diet, the better it kills insects and helps plants

Researchers found that a fungus's metabolic breadth, or range of nutrients it can use, links its ability to kill insects, partner with plants, and thrive in different ecological roles. Strains capable of using a wider range of nutrients were faster and deadlier at killing insects and more effective at colonizing plant roots.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 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

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

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

Can blood analyses in dogs provide insights into human aging?

Researchers analyzed blood samples from dogs in the Dog Aging Project and found that post-translationally modified amino acids are strongly linked to age, suggesting a promising indicator of physiological aging. The study also highlighted an important role of the kidney in the relationship between age and blood metabolites.

SourceWiley·JournalAging Cell·DateOct 22, 2025

How microbial strain variations influence neurobehavior

Researchers found that hosts harboring different microbial strains exhibited neurobehavioral differences. The study identified 34 significant associations between microbial single nucleotide variations and host plasma metabolites, primarily related to key physiological processes such as neuroactive regulation and oxidative stress.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2025

For the first time, scientists have access to a comprehensive data set for identifying unknown compounds – thanks to experts at IOCB Prague

Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a comprehensive data set called MSⁿLib, which contains millions of records on small molecules. This opens up new possibilities for faster drug discovery, environmental monitoring, and advances in artificial intelligence.

Evidence shows that life-long oral nicotine shapes motor and metabolic aging in mice

A recent study published in Advanced Science found that life-long oral nicotine administration attenuates age-associated motor decline in mice by reprogramming aging-related systemic metabolism via the sphingolipid-energy metabolic axis. Nicotine treatment also enhanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide availability, limited ceramide a...

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2025

Milestone for medical research: New method enables comprehensive identification of omega fatty acids

Researchers at the University of Graz and the University of California, San Diego have developed a novel method to determine omega positions of lipids in complex biological samples. This breakthrough enables the study of biological mechanisms in unprecedented detail, particularly for inflammation-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of Graz·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2025

Research suggests fresh grapes are a superfood

Research suggests that fresh grapes possess numerous health benefits due to their high antioxidant content, including promoting relaxation of blood vessels, healthy circulation, and modulating cholesterol levels. Grapes have also been shown to support brain, skin, gut, and eye health through various mechanisms

SourceCalifornia Table Grape Commission·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 24, 2025

For tastier and hardier citrus, researchers built a tool for probing plant metabolism

A new tool allows researchers to probe the metabolic processes of key citrus crop, clementine, to improve yields, flavor, and nutritional value. The comprehensive genome-scale model captures Citrus clementina's metabolism with exceptional accuracy, enabling simulating economically-relevant scenarios.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Acupuncture eases opioid therapy: 84% of patients slash methadone by 20%, boosting immune response and rebalancing gut microbiota

A randomized, placebo-controlled study shows that acupuncture can safely reduce methadone requirements and counteract opioid-induced immune and gut disturbances. Acupuncture was found to lower methadone doses by 20% in 84% of patients, while boosting antiviral gene activity and restoring bile acid balance.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateJul 13, 2025

Effects of electroacupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine on gut microbiota and metabolomics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Researchers investigated the effects of electroacupuncture on gut microbiota and metabolomics in ALS patients, finding a reduction in Eisenbergiella abundance and improvements in Lachnospiraceae levels. The study suggests that this treatment may be beneficial for patients with ALS.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateMar 7, 2025