Articles tagged with Digestion
A global study found that a group of bacteria, CAG-170, consistently appeared in high numbers in the gut microbiomes of healthy individuals. This species has the capacity to produce Vitamin B12 and break down carbohydrates, suggesting it plays a crucial role in maintaining human health.
A controlled feeding study out of South Dakota State University shows that older adults who reduced ultra-processed foods naturally consumed fewer calories, lost weight and abdominal fat, and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and inflammation. This study provides evidence that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can deliver s...
A recent study published in Cell Reports found that the vagus nerve's right branch is responsible for sensing nutritional information and reinforcing dietary behaviors. This research has implications for improving treatments of obesity, metabolic diseases, depression, and substance abuse.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that not all dietary proteins are digested the same way. The research found that specific proteins from different sources, such as soy and egg white, can be resistant to host digestion and interact with the gut microbiota in the large intestine.
A Northwestern University study reveals how Pseudomonas putida, a common soil bacterium, rewires its metabolism to thrive on complex carbons like lignin. The findings provide insights into the biomanufacturing industry's quest to harness bacteria for biofuel production and chemical synthesis.
A new cell type has been identified in Burmese pythons that produces large particles made from calcium, phosphorus, and iron to digest bones. This specialized cell type helps limit excessive calcium absorption and is found in multiple python and boa species as well as the Gila monster.
A recent study by the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich shows that less bitter-tasting pea protein hydrolysates can form bioactive peptides during digestion, which induce satiety signals via bitter taste receptors. The study reveals molecular mechanisms that can be used to optimize the tas...
A New Zealand study found that three-quarters of long-term vegans met daily total protein requirements, but only half met daily lysine and leucine requirements. Legumes and pulses were key contributors to overall protein and lysine intake.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that sauerkraut's metabolites can maintain intestinal cell integrity and support long-term gut health. The researchers found that both store-bought and lab-made sauerkraut samples protected gut function, with no noticeable difference between the two.
Researchers found that nutrient hoarding by selfish bacteria influences carbon and nutrient availability in freshwater ecosystems. In two Croatian lakes, mesotrophic Crniševo Lake showed higher rates of selfish activity than oligotrophic Kozjak Lake.
A study in the journal Cell Host & Microbe found that a diet rich in soluble fiber can protect against pathogenic bacteria like Clostridioides difficile. Consuming soluble fiber produces compounds like acetate, which regulates immune response and reduces inflammation.
A new classification system classifies dietary fibres into five key features, providing a more nuanced understanding of their health impacts. The researchers argue that current classifications are simplistic and do not capture the diverse structures and complex mechanisms through which dietary fibres influence human physiology.
Researchers found that supplementing gut bacteria with Clostridium scindens can improve recovery from colonic injury and enhance regeneration of the gut lining. This approach targets the underlying issue: impaired ability of the gut to heal itself by restoring natural bile acid balance.
A new enzyme discovered in a gut bacterium has the potential to synthesize unique glycans with prebiotic properties, supporting gut health. The novel β-galactosidase could drive innovation in prebiotic products and contribute to developing new treatments for diseases like Chagas disease.
Children who frequently miss school due to abdominal complaints are more likely to have gut-brain axis disorders like IBS, which can be missed by medical tests. The study found that frequent absences were nearly five times more likely to be caused by functional GI disorders than specific illnesses.
Researchers identified a potential mechanism linking sugary beverage consumption to diabetes risk through alterations in the gut microbiome and blood metabolites. High sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with changes in bacterial species that produce short-chain fatty acids, negatively impacting glucose metabolism.
Research from Edith Cowan University reveals camel milk contains more naturally occurring bioactive peptides than cow's milk, potentially providing anti-hypertensive properties and improving digestion. This hypoallergenic alternative has the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and offer a viable option for those with dairy ...
Researchers analyzed 74 leaf beetle species to understand how they digest plant cell wall components. They found that most species use either their own pectinases or those from symbiotic bacteria, with no overlap between the two.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that microplastic particles are excreted in the feces of marine animals, making them undetectable as plastic. This process can lead to increased carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor, promoting algal blooms and disrupting the marine food web.
A recent study reveals that gut bacteria modify bile acids to control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism. The body counters this influence by producing compounds that act as FXR antagonists, ensuring a finely tuned system.
Researchers from Jena have discovered how the soil fungus Mortierella alpina eliminates nematodes using natural products called malpinins. These malpinins accumulate in the digestive tract of nematodes and disrupt their function, leading to a slow but effective control of the pests.
Increasing serotonin levels in the gut epithelium improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in animal studies, suggesting a new therapeutic approach. The study also highlights the risk of digestive issues in children exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy.
A new study found that mealworms can ingest and absorb microplastics when fed a realistic diet, gaining weight in the process. The insects' digestive mechanisms hold potential for breaking down microplastics, offering a novel approach to addressing plastic pollution.
A new study found that changes in the gut environment influence the composition and activity of gut bacteria. The study involved swallowing a capsule with pH sensors through breakfast, revealing unique gut environments and travel times among individuals. This may help explain individual differences in digestion, nutrient uptake, and bo...
A recent study published in JSFA Reports confirms that various pork cuts, Italian hams, and sausages offer excellent protein quality. The study found that all tested pork products achieved a Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) greater than 100.
Researchers discovered genetic variation in sucrose digestion affects sugar consumption and preference. Individuals with complete SI gene deficiency consumed less sucrose-rich foods than those with partial functionality.
Researchers discovered that sea urchin larvae open their pylorus and anus entrances in response to different wavelengths of light, allowing for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. This light-regulated control of the digestive tract may have evolved to help metazoans adapt to changes in their environment.
Researchers from UT Arlington sequenced RNA genes of pythons, discovering conserved pathways in humans that are activated uniquely by these snakes. This knowledge helps explain intestinal regeneration and metabolism changes, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers at USC found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and kidney damage, which may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, suggests that changes in gut bacteria and related metabolites can explain up to 50% of decreased kidney function.
A new study finds that the gene for starch-digesting saliva may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes modern diet. This early duplication set the stage for significant variation in the amylase region, allowing humans to adapt to shifting diets with increasing starch consumption.
A new study published in Science reveals that the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes human digestion of starchy foods. This early duplication allowed for increased starch-digesting efficiency and may have played a role in human adaptation to new diets.
A novel nanoparticle therapy targets fat absorption in the small intestine, showing significant potential to prevent diet-induced obesity. The treatment involves inhibiting an enzyme called Sterol O-acyltransferase 2 (SOAT2), which plays a critical role in fat absorption.
A new treatment strategy combining ReCET and semaglutide has been shown to eliminate insulin therapy in 86% of type 2 diabetes patients, improving sensitivity to endogenous insulin. The novel procedure, which employs electroporation, is compliance-free and disease-modifying, addressing ongoing patient adherence issues.
A new study reveals how chronic stress disrupts the balance of gut microbiota to speed up the progression of colorectal cancer. The research identified a particular bacterial species as a potential therapeutic target, specifically Lactobacillus genus, which is essential for a healthy immune response against cancer.
Researchers have discovered that comb jelly species can fuse after injury, rapidly synchronizing their muscle contractions and merging digestive tracts to share food. This process allows the fused individual to survive for at least three weeks.
A study found increased antioxidant content and activity in Japanese apricot pickles made with salted red perilla leaves. The phenolic compounds' release was highest before digestion, but a significant increase occurred between 60 minutes and 120 minutes of small intestinal digestion.
Researchers found that patients with throat symptoms had reduced baroreflex sensitivity and higher resting heart rates compared to those without symptoms. The study suggests that throat problems can have a significant impact on autonomic nervous system function, potentially leading to long-term survival risks.
The study analyzes six major digestive system cancers worldwide and in China, revealing correlations between country HDI and cancer prevalence. Colorectal cancer is the most prevalent, while Asia accounts for 60.5% of new gastrointestinal cancer cases globally.
New nutrition strategies could slash methane emissions from dairy cows by a staggering 60%, according to a Journal of Dairy Science review. Diet reformulation, using feed additives like seaweed and 3-NOP, may be key to achieving this goal.
New studies from the University of Illinois found that adding honey to yogurt supports the survival of probiotic bacteria in the gut. The research suggests that pairing honey with yogurt is a delicious and healthy way to support digestive health and gut microbiome, with potential benefits for mood and cognition.
Researchers isolated three bacterial strains that produce amylase enzymes from sugar factory waste, showing great potential for production. The optimal conditions for amylase production were found to be 37°C and pH 7.0, leading to increased enzyme activity.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have identified a molecular mechanism in plant cellular recycling, crucial for managing environmental stress. The ESCRT machine plays a key role in sealing autophagosomes, allowing plants to recycle damaged cell components and recover valuable resources.
A robotic device mimics natural esophageal and intestinal movement to aid digestion, helping patients with blockages caused by tumors or stents. The device has the potential to improve quality of life for the aging population.
Researchers have solved the mystery of shipworms' ability to digest lignin, a tough wood substance. A population of symbiotic microbes in the typhlosole sub-organ produces enzymes that break down lignin, with potential practical applications in biotech and significant impacts on climate change and human health.
Desert isopods rigorously regulate their intake of macronutrients and calcium, preferring biological soil crust over plant litter. The research highlights the crucial role of ingested microorganisms in facilitating digestion and growth.
Researchers at U of T have identified two compounds, diindolylmethane and diindolylethane, produced by gut bacteria that can regulate the nuclear receptor CAR, potentially treating diseases like diabetes, fatty liver disease, and small intestine ulcerative colitis.
A study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that plant-based steaks and cold cuts have varying levels of protein quality and digestibility. The nutritional value depends on the plants used to create them, with some showing comparable profiles to their meat counterparts.
Researchers from the University of South Australia discovered that eating faeces helps birds absorb lost or deficient nutrients and adjust to seasonal variations in food sources. This coprophagy enables them to adapt to new environments and is especially important for long-migratory birds.
A study found that antibiotic use and high-fat diets reduced Clostridia gut microbes, leading to sorbitol intolerance. Restoring the balance with mesalazine may treat the condition.
Researchers analyzed ancient fecal samples to assess what details of the ancient people's lives could be ascertained from these samples. The study found DNA fragments of human betaherpesvirus 5, adenovirus F, and other viral and bacterial genetic material from thousands of years ago.
Researchers found that specific microbes in the gut reduce graft versus host disease after stem cell transplantation. Patients with low microbial metabolite risk index had better survival rates, fewer graft vs. host reactions, and reduced relapses.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that mitochondrial dysfunction disrupts dietary lipid processing in enterocytes, leading to abnormal fat accumulation and impaired nutrient delivery. The findings provide new insights into the gastrointestinal symptoms of mitochondrial disease and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
Researchers developed a protein-glutaminase treatment to improve the taste, juiciness, and digestibility of plant-based meat analogs. The treatment reduces beany off-flavors and enhances water/oil-holding capacity, making meat-free burgers more appealing.
A new study examines how a carnivorous fungus senses, traps, and consumes a worm. The research reveals key biological processes involved in the predation process, including increased DNA replication and secretion of proteins that aid in trap development.
Researchers developed soft, miniaturized wearables that continuously track subtle body sounds wirelessly across the body. The devices offer new functionalities and provide highly accurate, real-time evaluation of patient health.
A new data-driven framework uses machine learning to identify keystone microbial species in human gut microbiomes, varying across communities. The study found that keystone species have context-dependent essentiality and can aid digestion, breaking down complex starches.
Researchers found that as cats gained weight, their gastrointestinal transit time decreased, reducing nutrient extraction. The study also revealed changes in gut microbial composition, with an increase in Bifidobacterium and a decrease in Collinsella, opposite to what has been seen in overweight humans.
A large-scale prospective study identified significant variations in the gut microbiome of individuals who developed pre-cancerous colonic lesions. These findings suggest that the microbiome could act as a valuable tool to improve existing tests, advancing early detection methods for colorectal cancer.
Research has discovered a significant connection between birthweight and the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (MASLD) in young people. Babies born with low birthweight were found to be four times more likely to develop MASLD in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood.
Research has clarified how starch granules form in wheat seeds, unlocking diverse potential benefits for various industries. The discovery of the enzyme PHS1 crucial for B-type granule initiation offers opportunities to create variations in starch for different food and industrial applications.