Researchers discovered a protein called SLC25A34 that connects the body clock, temperature, and diet to how fat cells store and spend energy. This protein, found in mitochondrial cells, acts as a switch that responds to time of day, temperature, and food intake, influencing fat burning and storage.
MIT researchers developed a new technique to produce lipid nanoparticles with precise control over size and shape, accelerating the development of RNA and DNA therapeutics. The automated system can produce particles of varying sizes and shapes, enabling targeted delivery to specific organs and tissues.
Researchers at MIT identified a cellular pathway necessary for colorectal cancer metastasis, controlled by protein YAP1, which promotes cell proliferation and migration. A high-fat diet triggers activation of this pathway, and drugs blocking ceramide production may help prevent metastasis.
Researchers created a detailed atlas of lipids across the mouse brain, showing a precise, orderly pattern that lines up with the brain's anatomy. The study found distinct territories, each with its own signature mix of lipids, and revealed patterns that earlier methods have missed, such as varied zones in the brain's white matter and c...
Researchers found that impaired peroxisomal function can increase insulin secretion while promoting insulin oxidation and disrupting pancreatic beta cell maturity. Healthy peroxisomes play a role in protecting insulin from oxidative modification and degradation, and helping beta cells maintain their specialized characteristics.
A study found that higher breastfeeding intensity is associated with more favorable early postpartum lipid profiles among women with prior gestational diabetes. Greater breastfeeding intensity may be linked to a more favorable early cardiometabolic profile in these women.
Researchers developed a bioinspired lipid nanoparticle that delivered gene-editing machinery to the liver, reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by over 20% and showing fewer signs of inflammation and toxicity. The nanoparticles also demonstrated positive effects on inflammation and healthy blood flow in cell experiments.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new delivery vehicle for circular RNA (cirRNA) using a novel lipid nanoparticle, FL0445-LNP, which improves the stability and efficacy of mRNA-based therapeutics. The technology has potential applications in cancer vaccines, genome editing, and protein supplements.
Researchers identified 13 branched-chain fatty acids in cat urine that remain stable within individuals and among related cats. These compounds, stored in kidney lipid droplets, may help cats maintain a stable chemical
Researchers create engineered extracellular vesicles from red blood cell lipids, evading immune cells and targeting cancer cells. The technology offers flexibility in cargo loading and packaging, enabling delivery of genetic material, proteins, and whole viruses.
LipidLibrarian harmonizes fragmented lipid data from international databases, enabling researchers to identify new diagnostic markers quickly. The platform accelerates research processes and increases reproducibility in clinical projects investigating lipid profiles as potential biomarkers.
Researchers report reductions of up to 75.8% in perfluorinated compounds after plasmapheresis treatment, while microplastics decrease in four out of four patients. The exact mechanism behind this effect is still unclear and requires further investigation.
Katherine Wilemon, Family Heart Foundation CEO, receives Honorary Fellow Award from ASPC for her advocacy and research efforts in inherited lipid disorders. The award reflects the organization's impact on advancing care and awareness for conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.
Extracellular vesicles from liver cells can elicit a 'lipid counterstorm' that counters the effects of cytokine storms in mice. The treatment shows promise for treating inflammatory conditions such as sepsis, coagulopathy and colitis.
High LDL-C led to 3.6 million deaths and 90.7 million disability-adjusted life years in 2023, despite declining mortality rates. The absolute burden increased due to population growth and aging, with regional disparities emerging.
A nationally representative analysis found substantial gaps in LDL-C control, with increasing disparities across primary prevention categories and underuse of lipid-lowering therapy. The study provides a contemporary population-level benchmark for the updated guideline framework.
The updated clinical guidelines broaden statin eligibility by looking beyond the next 10 years to a person's risk over several decades. The new recommendations apply to approximately 56.6% of adults ages 30-79, with an additional 21.5 million Americans now eligible.
Researchers discovered that senescent cells accumulate high levels of triacylglycerols and increase glycolytic activity, leading to increased lipid droplet accumulation. This finding suggests that lipid droplets may contribute to the harmful effects of senescent microglia in Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists have successfully created programmable supramolecular polymers in neutral lipid environments, such as triolein-rich lipid droplets. This breakthrough provides a new method for regulating cellular functions and has potential applications in treating diseases involving lipid droplets.
A team from the University of Osaka has created a high-throughput platform to engineer versatile biosensors that can track lipid molecules in living cells. This method, called Cell surface Liposome Binding (CLiB) assay, uses yeast cells and fluorescence readouts to test protein variants' binding to lipids.
Researchers discover that kinases play a crucial role in moving cholesterol to activate a growth pathway in aggressive cancers. Without these enzymes, cancer cells are blocked from fueling tumor growth. The study highlights the importance of targeting lipid enzymes as a potential treatment strategy for cancers with TP53 mutations.
A pilot study of 100 exclusively breastfeeding women found that maternal dairy intake is associated with decreased concentrations of numerous human milk lipids. The study suggests a link between healthy dairy intake and lower levels of specific milk lipid species, which may have implications for infant health.
A study published in PLOS Medicine has identified two new genetic pathways contributing to cardiometabolic disease, including heart disease and obesity. The research analyzed lipid metabolites and their link to disease, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could prevent or lower the risk of disease.
A comprehensive review reveals how phospholipid asymmetry governs EV surface charge, providing a unified framework for classification, functional understanding, and standardization in nanomedicine. The study highlights the importance of membrane lipid composition and surface charge in determining EV function.
A Northwestern University study found that apolipoprotein B (apoB) testing is more effective and cost-efficient than standard cholesterol tests in guiding treatment and preventing heart attacks and strokes. The study suggests that apoB-guided care can improve population health and save lives at a lower cost.
A new microscopy method can distinguish lipid species in living cells using mid-infrared illumination and optoacoustic detection, producing a unique spectral fingerprint. This approach eliminates the need for chemical labels, reducing stress on cells and enabling real-time lipid mapping.
Researchers redesigned a key component of lipid nanoparticles to steer particles toward lymph nodes, reducing off-target delivery. This advancement could make mRNA vaccines more efficient, potentially achieving strong immune protection at lower doses.
Scientists developed a high-spatial-resolution mass spectrometry imaging method to study lipid metabolism heterogeneity during drug-induced cell apoptosis at the single-cell level. The method achieved a spatial resolution of approximately 800 nm, allowing researchers to profile alterations in the cell membrane microenvironment and meta...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.
The updated guideline consolidates evidence-based recommendations for managing dyslipidemias, offering a comprehensive approach to lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The guideline recommends earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes and considers the use of a new cardiovascular disease risk calculator, P...
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School has identified certain naturally occurring polyunsaturated lipids that selectively induce death in senescent cells, which are old and damaged cells that accumulate with age. These lipids trigger a process called ferroptosis, which can be used as a potential treatment for age-r...
Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed LIBRIS, an automated microfluidic platform capable of generating lipid nanoparticle formulations at high speed and scale. This enables the creation of large, systematic datasets needed to train predictive AI models, accelerating the design of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery.
Recent studies identify distinct gut microbial communities in people with dyslipidemia, suggesting a connection between the gut microbiome and heart disease precursor. The researchers found higher levels of Bacteroides caccae and lower levels of bacteria linked to metabolic stability. Future research aims to restore functional balance ...
A new study found that versions of both diet patterns emphasizing healthy foods are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.
Researchers identified a previously unrecognized metabolic defence mechanism in aggressive brain tumours: a sugar-rich shield that protects tumour cells from ferroptosis. The study found that the sugar shield and lipid droplet storage mechanisms cooperate to evade cell death.
A new study finds that the quality of macronutrients matters more than their quantity for heart health, with diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study also found improved cardiovascular biomarkers in healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that higher fat diets were more harmful than high-carbohydrate diets, even when fiber supplementation was added. Mice on high-fat and ketogenic diets experienced weight gain, liver damage, and other negative health effects, while those on a high-carbohydrate diet did not.
Scientists developed a compound that targets Liver X Receptor specifically in liver and gut to lower triglycerides. In first-in-human clinical trial, participants showed significant drops in triglycerides and remnant cholesterol after taking the drug.
A recent review of bamboo consumption found promising health benefits, including improved metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and antioxidant activity. However, caution is advised due to potential risks associated with raw or improperly prepared bamboo.
Researchers from Université de Genève have identified the transporters responsible for each lipid, revealing the complex mechanisms behind their cellular targeting. This study provides valuable insights into lipid biology and its link to various diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine has identified a combination of statins and phenothiazines that shows promise in treating aggressive neuroblastoma. The drug combination was found to impede tumour growth and improve survival rates in laboratory trials with mice.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has designed a new light-controlled cholesterol molecule that selectively targets two poorly understood sterol transport proteins, ORP1 and ORP2. This breakthrough enables precise spatiotemporal control over cholesterol's biological activity, paving the way for advanced therapeutics.
A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.
The C-COMPASS tool uses neural networks to predict protein localizations and incorporates proteome data for reproducible analyses. It enables the exploration of spatial lipidomics by combining proteome and lipidome data, revealing changes in lipid distribution associated with metabolic perturbations.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that only 13% of US adults with cardiovascular disease met optimal LDL-C management, highlighting significant gaps between guideline recommendations and clinical care. The study suggests actionable steps to improve adherence, including increased use of non-...
Researchers from UT Health San Antonio discovered that changes in brain fats play a major role in Alzheimer's development and progression. Targeting microglia, the brain's immune cells, may help restore balance and support brain health. Progranulin levels also emerged as a key lipid regulator.
Researchers at University of Utah Health have found that AKI is triggered by ceramides, which cause serious injury by damaging kidney mitochondria. Using a backup drug candidate, the team was able to preserve mitochondrial integrity and prevent kidney injury in mice.
A quality improvement program helped reduce 'bad cholesterol' levels among military veterans, according to a preliminary presentation at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025. The study found improvements in patient adherence and LDL-cholesterol goal attainment among participating veterans.
In a Phase 1 clinical trial, CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapy CTX310 reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by nearly 50% on average, achieving large reductions in both for the first time. The treatment has shown promise as a one-and-done approach to transform care for patients with lifelong lipid disorders.
A new medication called DR10624 has shown promising results in reducing high triglyceride levels by over 60% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. The treatment also improved cholesterol and liver health, offering a potential alternative for managing this condition.
A study found that combining PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab with statin rosuvastatin reduced LDL cholesterol levels by more than 50% among patients after a heart transplant. The treatment was safe and showed significant cholesterol-lowering impact, but further studies are needed for confirmation.
A daily oral medication has been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels in people with a previous heart attack or stroke, or those at high risk for one. The study found that participants taking the medication had significant reductions in LDL-C levels and achieved guideline-recommended targets.
The Family Heart Foundation has launched the Lp(a) AW(a)RE initiative to educate primary care clinicians, healthcare insurance providers, and policymakers about high lipoprotein(a). The program aims to increase awareness, screening, and diagnosis of this genetic risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that combining three biomarkers – lipoprotein(a), remnant cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein – can reveal a nearly three-fold increase in heart attack risk. This combination approach may aid health care professionals in identifying individuals with high-risk profiles earlier.
A new resource identifies genetic variants associated with elevated 'bad' cholesterol, a major contributor to heart disease. Clinicians can now predict patient risk for heart attacks and strokes, allowing for prevention and early treatment.
Scientists have characterized lipid nanoparticles' internal shape and structure, which correlates with how well they deliver therapeutic cargo. The research provides a blueprint for engineering more effective RNA therapies by matching LNP designs to specific therapies and tissues.
Case Western Reserve University researchers discovered pseudo leukotrienes, which may be the dominant players in the inflammatory cascade that causes disease. The findings open new avenues for treating asthma and other inflammatory diseases.
A repeated cross-sectional study shows that cardiometabolic risk factors in Spanish children have improved over the last 30 years, with decreases in excess weight, lipid parameters, and blood pressure. The study provides valuable insights into the evolution of cardiometabolic risk in children.
A new study found that adipose-derived extracellular vesicles, tiny cell messengers in obese individuals, accelerate the buildup of amyloid-β plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope targeting these tiny cell messengers could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in people with obesity.
Dr. Peter Tontonoz, a distinguished UCLA professor, will receive the American Heart Association's Basic Research Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to understanding lipid metabolism and its role in cardiometabolic disease. His work has transformed the scientific understanding of this critical heart health factor.