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Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Chris Morrison awarded up to $2 million NIH grant to study how the brain detects dietary protein restriction

Dr. Chris Morrison's research aims to understand how the brain detects changes in protein intake and adapts to dietary protein restriction. The study will focus on a specific population of neurons in the hindbrain that respond to FGF21, a hormone produced by the liver in response to protein restriction.

Efficacy and safety of semaglutide according to frailty status

A recent study found semaglutide to be effective in improving various clinical outcomes in patients with frailty, with greater benefits observed in those with higher frailty indices. The medication demonstrated a positive impact on health-related quality of life, highlighting its potential as a treatment option for this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 16, 2026

Pennington Biomedical researchers offer new perspective on how protein restriction may promote healthy aging and longevity

Pennington Biomedical researchers propose a new understanding of how protein restriction promotes healthy aging and extends lifespan by triggering a coordinated whole-body response. The response connects cellular nutrient sensing with hormones, brain function, and changes throughout the body, influencing healthy aging and longevity.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 10, 2026

Favorite music sets the brain's opioids in motion

A new study found that listening to favorite music activates the brain's opioid receptors, explaining why it evokes strong feelings of pleasure. The release of opioids is also linked to individual differences in music enjoyment and may help develop new music-based interventions for pain management and mental health disorders.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 16, 2025

Adipocyte-hepatocyte signaling mechanism uncovered in endoplasmic reticulum stress response

A team of Chinese researchers identified a novel intercellular signaling mechanism between adipocytes and hepatocytes in endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The study reveals that ceramide, a fat molecule, plays a key role in activating the unfolded protein response pathway in hepatocytes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2025

Tinkering with the “clockwork” mechanisms of life

Researchers at Université de Montréal successfully recreated two distinct mechanisms that can program the activation and deactivation rates of nanomachines in living organisms across multiple timescales. This breakthrough suggests how engineers can exploit natural processes to improve nanomedicine and other technologies.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 19, 2024

In rats, intrauterine exposure to cannabinoid affected cardiorespiratory function and sleep quality in adulthood

Researchers found that prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoid led to cardiovascular problems in female rats and increased respiratory sensitivity to carbon dioxide in male rats. Sleep quality also deteriorated in both sexes, with males experiencing sleep fragmentation due to frequent wakefulness episodes.

When serotonin dims the light

Researchers discover 5-HT2A receptor selectively suppresses visual information strength without inhibiting parallel processes. This mechanism regulates the importance attached to incoming information, which could help develop new therapies for psychiatric diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers discover tumor suppressor protein Par-4 triggers unique cell death pathway in cancerous cells

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered that the tumor suppressor protein Par-4 can cause a unique type of cell death called ferroptosis in human glioblastoma cells, while sparing healthy cells. This new understanding has the potential to inform the development of novel treatments for various hard-to-treat cancers and neurodegener...

SourceNew York University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 23, 2024

New technology to control the brain using magnetic fields developed

Researchers have developed Nano-MIND technology, which uses magnetism to selectively activate specific deep brain neural circuits, modulating complex brain functions such as cognition and emotion. The technology has been successfully tested in animals, demonstrating its potential to regulate feeding behaviors and maternal instincts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Study provides the first anatomical and functional representation of the ocular surface in the central nervous system

Researchers characterize thalamic and cortical neurons responding to ocular surface stimulation, showing diverse multimodal response profiles. The study provides insights into how sensory stimulus information is integrated from the peripheral nervous system into the brain's cortical networks.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalPhysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Researchers unveil molecular mechanisms of somatostatin receptor 5 activation by neuropeptides and drugs

A study published in PNAS reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying SSTR5 activation by neuropeptides and drugs, including cortistatin-17 and octreotide. The researchers employed single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine three-dimensional structures of SSTR5 bound to these ligands, showing how they trigger conformational ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2024

Sister hormone of GLP-1 can lead to better weight-loss drugs

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the GIP hormone's role in regulating insulin levels and weight loss. The study, involving over 500,000 individuals, found that inhibiting the GIP receptor may result in weight loss, while activating it without arresting its signal is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2024

Novel inhibitor insights offer pathway to preventing PXR-associated drug resistance

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have designed novel PXR inhibitors that can block the activity of pregnane X receptor, a key regulator of drug metabolism. The study provides new insights into the relationship between compounds that activate and inhibit PXR, with implications for designing more effective therapeutics.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2024