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Longevity controlled by calorie quality, not quantity

Researchers found that reducing yeast in flies' diet increased life span by over 60%, suggesting protein or fat plays a greater role in longevity than sugar. The study's findings challenge the conventional wisdom that eating less promotes longevity and provide insight into the effects of different nutrients on life span.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 30, 2005

UQ researcher journeys to the centre of the cell

Researchers at UQ's IMB have discovered a new pathway for particle and nutrient uptake into cells, which is vitally important for cellular survival. This finding presents unexplored avenues for developing new drugs to fight certain viral infections and opening up possibilities for drug delivery or gene therapy.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 10, 2005

Marine scientists discover nutrient pollution boosts fungi, bacteria killing Caribbean reefs

A study by University of North Carolina researchers suggests that chemical nutrients washed into the sea can increase the severity of coral diseases, leading to significant declines in Caribbean reef health. The findings support calls for reducing nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage and deforestation.

Purdue research plots new field in plant genomics

Purdue University researchers have developed a new field called 'ionomics,' which studies how genes regulate all the ions in a cell. This research holds promise for creating mineral-efficient plants that need little fertilizer, crops with better nutritional value, and plants that can remove contamination from the soil.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 31, 2003

U.S. forests may be products of pollution

New research suggests that unpolluted forests may exhibit more uniform nitrogen biogeochemistry than previously thought, with complex and idiosyncratic responses to human activities. This challenges long-held assumptions about the ecological function of forests near populated regions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·DateMar 13, 2002

Food, mood and behaviour

The article reviews the possible psychopharmacologic effect of several nutrients on mood and behaviour. Key findings include the potential mild antidepressant effects of SAMe, folic acid, and tryptophan, as well as the relation between carbohydrate consumption and sedation.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 21, 2002

Insects caught in a nutrient-poor food web

A study published in Nature found that plant-eating insects have diets so poor in nutrients they impair growth, unlike aquatic animals which thrive on nutrient-rich foods. The researchers analyzed the chemical composition of plants and animals to determine how different environments affect food webs.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·DateNov 28, 2000