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Low-protein, amino acid-supplemented ‘longevity diet’ linked to longer healthy lifespan, lower fat mass and frailty risk, and better metabolic health

A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that a low-protein, amino acid-supplemented 'longevity diet' improved cardiometabolic markers and reduced frailty and fat mass in mice. The diet was associated with longer healthy lifespan and better metabolic health in both mice and humans.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2026

New peer-reviewed paper by more than 20 protein experts calls for rethinking dietary protein guidance beyond "eat more protein": National Pork Board reports

A new paper by over 20 protein experts examines widely held propositions about dietary protein, concluding that some science is insufficient or not robust enough to support certain claims. Key findings include the importance of protein quality, individual essential amino acids, and nuance in high-protein intake during weight loss.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2026

A common metabolite may help treat autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered itaconate's modulatory effect on T helper and T regulatory cells, potentially leading to new treatments for autoimmune diseases. The study found that itaconate inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and promotes Treg cell development, reducing disease symptoms in mice models.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

Amino acid supplement key to reproductive health in dairy cows

A University of Illinois study shows rumen-protected lysine can improve uterine health in dairy cows during the transition period. The supplement reduced genes involved in inflammatory proteins and increased genes keeping the uterus clean, leading to less inflammation and improved reproductive outcomes.

Study preserves memory in mice, offering promising new basis for active immunization against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a promising new basis for active immunization against Alzheimer's disease. By injecting a recombinant methionine-rich protein into mice with the disease, they were able to improve short-term memory and learning abilities by up to 50%. The treatment also showed potential in reducin...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAntioxidants·DateMay 3, 2022

Tackling metabolic complexity

Researchers applied CRISPRi technology to understand metabolic robustness in E. coli, revealing mechanisms that buffer enzyme knockdowns. The study identified specific buffering mechanisms across multiple metabolic pathways, paving the way for developing industrially useful microbes with controlled metabolism.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 24, 2020

Breakthrough in industrial CO2 usage

Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed an enzymatic process to produce methionine from gaseous CO2, replacing the current petrochemical-based method. The new process requires just two enzymes and has a yield of 40 percent, compared to photosynthesis which uses 14 enzymes with only a 20 percent yield.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 26, 2018

Methionine could be key to improving pregnancy rate in dairy cattle

A University of Illinois study found that supplementing Holstein cows' diets with methionine during prepartum and postpartum periods increased the number of lipid droplets in preimplantation embryos, allowing them to survive more stress. This may lead to lower embryonic death rates and improved pregnancy outcomes.

Researchers discover underlying genetics, marker for stroke, cardiovascular disease

Researchers have discovered a genetic variant linked to an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. The study found that variants in the FOCM pathway, which regulates homocysteine metabolism, are associated with differences in methionine processing, highlighting potential new targets for disease prevention and treatment.

Study finds B-vitamin deficiency may cause vascular cognitive impairment

A new study published in PNAS found that a B-vitamin deficiency can cause vascular cognitive impairment in mice. The research, conducted by researchers at Tufts University, used an experimental model to examine the effects of dietary B-vitamin deficiency on metabolic, cognitive, and microvascular changes.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2008

U of I scientist develops enzyme inhibitor that may slow cancer growth

Researchers have developed an enzyme inhibitor that targets betaine-homocysteine-S-methyltransferase (BHMT), slowing cancer growth by reducing methionine production. The BHMT inhibitors show promise as a potential treatment for cancer, with the possibility of enhancing efficacy when combined with other drugs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2006