Articles tagged with Carotenoids
A new study suggests that phytoene, a colorless precursor of lycopene, may contribute to tomatoes' protective effects against fatty liver disease. Mice given phytoene developed substantially less fatty liver disease than those without the compound.
A new study has linked the diversity of a wild bird's gut microbiome with its ornamentation and body condition. Researchers found that a cardinal's gut microbiome can be predicted by its body condition, and the quality of its ornamentation, such as red plumage and beak. This discovery has important applications for conservation biology.
A novel computational technique using quantum chemical calculations analyzes carotenoid isomers quickly and accurately, reducing margin of error to 2% and boosting analysis speed by months.
Researchers discovered phytoene boosts nematode lifespan by 10-18.6% and reduces amyloid plaque formation by 30-40%. The study uses Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism.
Recent studies highlight the vital role of fruits, vegetables, and co-products in preventing chronic diseases. A diet rich in these foods can lower blood pressure, reduce heart disease risk, and improve overall health.
A new study reveals that whole wheat retains major minerals and trace minerals better than refined flour during milling and baking. The study also found that vitamin E levels dropped substantially with each processing step, regardless of the type of flour used.
A new study found that eating baby carrots just three times a week significantly increased skin carotenoid levels in young adults. The combination of baby carrots and a multivitamin containing beta carotene also showed an interactive effect on skin carotenoid accumulation.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered a simple method to increase Euglena gracilis carotenoid content ratio by exposing it to strong red-light irradiation in bonito stock. The approach has potential to enhance the nutritional profile and scalability of this edible microalga.
This study explores the role of Zinnia elegans carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (ZeCCDs) in regulating carotenoid metabolism and petal coloration. The results show that ZeCCD4-2 plays a crucial role in carotenoid cleavage and accumulation, highlighting its importance in understanding the molecular mechanism of petal coloration.
A novel S. cerevisiae yeast strain has been successfully developed to selectively overproduce carotenoids, overcoming the challenges of extraction and purification from natural sources. The optimized strain can increase carotenoid output by 5-fold and store carotenoids within the yeast microorganisms.
The project will assess how xanthophyll carotenoids in NutraMaize Orange Corn mitigate negative health effects associated with heat-induced oxidative stress. The researchers aim to improve egg-laying hen health and performance during heat stress events.
Researchers engineered bacteria to produce zeaxanthin and PDC simultaneously from underutilized plant fiber, offering a promising solution for sustainable biofuels. The discovery could lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved economics in the production process.
A genome study of over 600 carrot types finds that recessive genes controlling orange carotenoids are essential for the vegetable's orange color. The study also sheds light on carrot domestication in Western Asia and Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, respectively.
Researchers developed a novel biomarker-based indicator of the Mediterranean diet, which incorporates levels of fatty acids and carotenoids in blood. The study found that those with higher scores had lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, suggesting a stronger link than self-reported diet adherence.
A new mathematical theory developed by scientists at Rice University and Oxford University can predict the nature of motions in complex quantum systems. The theory applies to any sufficiently complex quantum system and may give insights into building better quantum computers, designing solar cells, or improving battery performance.
Researchers have created a biodegradable polymer using carotenoids from carrots, which can be selectively broken down with acid and sunlight. The resulting material exhibits electrically conductive properties, making it suitable for energy storage and biomedical applications.
A study by researchers from Hosei University and Kyoto University found that the red velvet mite's bright red pigment is primarily composed of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. This high concentration of antioxidants helps protect the mites from harsh environments caused by UV radiation and heat.
Researchers found that blue light exposure increases anthocyanin production in mango peels, making them redder. This leads to softer flesh with higher sugar content and more carotenoids.
A team of researchers at the University of Tokyo has discovered a newly found trait in the Causonis japonica flower, which changes color depending on its maturation cycle and then reverses. The pigments involved are related to nutrient-rich colorful vegetables, suggesting potential downstream applications in improving nutrient yields.
Diatoms have a complex pathway to produce the brown pigment fucoxanthin, which enables efficient light harvesting during photosynthesis. The discovery provides new insights into the synthesis of this important pigment, with potential applications in biotechnology and ecology.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a method to produce crocins, a key ingredient in saffron, using a common garden plant. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable and efficient production of these compounds for pharmaceuticals, food coloring, and flavor additives.
Research from the University of Georgia suggests that a diet rich in bright-colored fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in lutein and zeaxanthin, can help prevent visual and cognitive loss in women. This is due to the antioxidant properties of these carotenoids, which have been shown to improve central nervous system degener...
Researchers have found that altering carotenoid metabolism in tomato plants increases fruit yield by up to 77% and enhances nutritional content. The modified plants also show improved tolerance to abiotic stresses like drought and salinity.
Researchers at the University of Seville conducted a study on deficit irrigation for Sunchocola tomatoes, finding no significant changes in commercial quality but increased carotenoids and phenolic compounds. The results have significant nutritional importance and potential for global irrigation water savings.
Researchers in Brazil and Portugal create biodegradable plastic film using eutectic solvents and natural pigments extracted from yeast. The process is environmentally sustainable and has potential applications in smart packaging with antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
A novel molecular mechanism underlying the orange-fruited phenotype of tomato has been discovered through a new study. The gene SlIDI1 is found to produce both long and short transcripts simultaneously, which are involved in carotenoid biosynthesis.
The Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization has awarded more than $143,000 to three projects led by researchers in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Veterinary Medicine. Guri Johal is developing a corn variant that could impact worldwide corn production with Trask funds supporting his project on clon...
A new study from the University of Tsukuba finds that tomato pigments impact flavor by influencing sugar content and volatile organic compounds. The researchers developed a rapid analysis method to explore how pigments affect taste and aroma, revealing positive associations with sugar and apocarotenoid volatile content.
Researchers have identified a genetic mechanism called CHLORAD that plays a crucial role in the tomato ripening process. Activated CHLORAD systems produce more lycopene, a health-promoting compound, resulting in faster red coloration and higher nutritional value.
A research group has identified a genetic mechanism called CHLORAD that regulates tomato ripening by promoting carotenoid production and altering chloroplast transformation. Activated CHLORAD systems produce tomatoes with more lycopene, leading to higher nutritional quality and attractive color.
Researchers from Federal Research Centre of Biotechnology RAS deciphered activation mechanism of Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) upon exposure to light. The study used structural biology, biochemistry, spectroscopy, and quantum chemistry methods to determine OCP's crystal structure with high spatial resolution.
Researchers at Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University have developed a method to extract high-carotenoid biomass from microalgae, suitable for the food industry. The obtained biomass can be used as a dietary supplement to prevent vitamin A deficiency and reduce the risk of oncological diseases.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have unveiled the core structure of cyanobacteria's light-harvesting antenna, revealing key features that collect energy and block excess light absorption. The study provides insights into future energy applications and helps explain how living organisms maximize photosynthetic efficiency.
Researchers discovered that peppers undergo a transformation from chlorophyll-rich chloroplasts to carotenoid-rich chromoplasts as they ripen. This process differs from tomatoes, which continue to ripen after harvesting due to an increased respiratory activity.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba used gene editing to introduce diversity into tomatoes, improving their nutrition and environmental sustainability. The study found that 10 out of 12 resulting tomato lines contained high levels of carotenoids, a precursor to vitamin A with antioxidant properties.
A team of researchers at CSIC and CRAG has discovered a new method to transform chloroplasts in leaves into chromoplasts, which produce high levels of carotenoids. This process can increase the nutritional value of crops and provide a sustainable source for the food and cosmetic industries.
A University of Arizona study found that mechanisms making organisms fit into current environments are distinct from those responsible for change, and occur sequentially in evolution. The research used the house finch as a model, tracking carotenoid pigments in feathers across different regions.
Researchers identified BCO2 gene as key driver of dichromatism in mosaic canaries, where males and females have strikingly different coloration. The findings provide insights into the evolution of sexually selected traits like dichromatism.
A new study reveals that plants transfer excess energy from chlorophyll to carotenoids, which release it as heat, preventing photodamage. This discovery could help scientists develop new ways to improve crop yields by understanding the natural photoprotection system of plants.
Researchers at KAUST identified a key metabolite called anchorene that regulates plant anchor roots and promotes water and nutrient uptake. Increasing anchorene levels in deficient soil can rescue root growth in crops, increasing yields.
Researchers have identified the gene Xanthophyll acyl-transferase (Xat) as the key to lutein esterification in bread wheat. This process increases carotenoid stability and retention during storage, maintaining nutritional quality. The discovery opens new opportunities for improving cereal nutrition and addressing carotenoid degradation.
Researchers found that cooking vegetables with extra virgin olive oil increases the absorption and release of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols. This process may explain the anti-inflammatory effects observed in tomato sauce, suggesting a potential role for Mediterranean gastronomy in improving health outcomes.
A UA team shows that evolution is driven by dependency on other species within ecological communities, testing a long-held idea of the UA's late, great George Gaylord Simpson. This research confirms the prediction and reveals mechanisms for understanding how species gain and lose reliance on others in their communities.
Scientists identify 10 compounds that protect against age-related diseases by safeguarding proteins from damage. These compounds, known as putative longevity vitamins, may help prolong healthy aging and prevent the acceleration of insidious diseases associated with vitamin deficiencies.
A study by University of Seville researchers found that deep-freezing orange juice can increase the absorption of carotenoids, including phytoene and phytofluene. Freshly squeezed orange juice, however, had a higher concentration but lower bioaccessibility of these compounds.
A study published in Food Chemistry shows that reducing water usage for cherry tomato crops by 50% maintains quality and increases carotenoid levels. This technique can be applied to other crops, offering a sustainable solution for farmers and consumers.
Scientists found that biofortified corn flour retained the highest percentage of carotenoids after boiling, while deep-fried cornmeal puffs lost most of the compounds. Cooking methods like microwaving, pan-frying, and hard-boiling eggs also preserved carotenoids, but scrambling caused some destruction.
Researchers have successfully created tomatoes with significantly higher antioxidant properties by introducing a variant of HMGS into the plant. This enhancement includes increased vitamin E, carotenoids and phytosterols content, making it a promising step towards developing healthier crops.
Researchers from MSU have discovered a novel mechanism of carotenoid transfer between two proteins, opening doors for the development of water-soluble protein complexes to deliver antioxidants to cells. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic applications, such as protecting healthy tissue during cancer treatment.
A study in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology reveals that 32% of bird species have complex plumage patterns produced by melanins, not carotenoids. Melanins control pigmentation on a cellular level, while carotenoids require dietary intake and specialized structures.
Supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin isomers has been shown to improve macular pigment optical density, visual performance, and reduce symptoms of blue light exposure. The study found a significant reduction in eye strain and fatigue after six months of supplementation.
Researchers at Linkoping University discovered that lutein can suppress long-term inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease. The study found that higher levels of lutein were associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers and reduced inflammatory activity in immune cells.
A portable measuring device has been developed to detect optimal ripeness in tomatoes, allowing producers to monitor the fruit's composition without destroying it. The device uses Raman spectroscopy and can be used for other foods that change color during ripening, such as peppers and pumpkins.
A randomized, double-blind study found that supplementation with lutein and zeaxanthin isomers improved psychological stress levels and measures of emotional and physical health. Chronic stress is linked to various health issues, making these findings promising for billions worldwide.
Researchers found that beta-carotene supplementation increased overall yellowness and redness of the skin, making faces more attractive and perceived as healthier. However, the treatment did not affect any health functions or actual health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that mice lacking functional copies of the Bco1 gene had lower blood concentrations of testosterone and smaller prostates. The study suggests that Bco1 may also play a role in regulating prostate growth and androgen synthesis, challenging current understanding of carotenoid metabolism.
A case report reveals that high-dose lutein supplements can cause the formation of crystal deposits in the eyes, highlighting the importance of balanced intake. The study suggests that patients should follow a diet rich in eye-healthy foods and only take AREDS2 supplements as recommended by their ophthalmologist.
Increasing nitrogen concentrations significantly impact purslane's carotenoid and chlorophyll content. Researchers found that higher nitrogen levels increased chlorophyll and beta-carotene levels in the plant.
Researchers found a gene called CYP2J19 that converts yellow carotenoids into red ones in the skin and feathers of red birds. The study suggests that for a bird to grow red feathers, it needs not just the redness gene but also a special form of the gene involved in feather growth.
The carrot genome study sheds light on its domestication history and reveals new insights into the accumulation of carotenoids. Researchers found a new gene responsible for this process, which was likely inadvertently selected for by early growers.