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Bioinspired nanoparticles deliver gene editing to lower “bad” cholesterol

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.

Next-gen mRNA therapeutics get a new delivery vehicle

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.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCell Biomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

Global burden of elevated LDL-C

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 29, 2026

Neutral lipids enable precision control over supramolecular polymerization

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.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2026

Cholesterol-craving cancers need lipid enzymes to use metabolites for growth

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2026

Surface charge and membrane lipid composition define extracellular vesicle (EV) function: Lipid asymmetry enables new quality metrics for EV-based therapeutics

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.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalACS Nano Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 14, 2026

Lipid identification: Chemical fingerprint instead of dye

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.

Scientists develop single-cell mass spectrometry imaging method to resolve lipid heterogeneity during drug-induced cell apoptosis

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...

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 20, 2026

Engineered lipid nanoparticles reprogram immune metabolism for better mRNA vaccines

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

ACC/AHA issue updated guideline for managing lipids, cholesterol

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...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 13, 2026

New research identifies fatty acids that selectively induce death in senescent cells, opening new avenues for age-related therapies

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...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Press Blue·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

New robotic microfluidic platform brings ai to lipid nanoparticle design

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2026

Healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets linked to better cardiovascular and metabolic health

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.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 11, 2026

Low-carb and low-fat diets associated with lower heart disease risk if rich in high-quality, plant-based foods, low in animal products

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Too many saturated fats may be more harmful than too many refined carbohydrates

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 10, 2026

Lipids have their own VIP drivers

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.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2026

Machine learning drives drug repurposing for neuroblastoma

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.

SourceLund University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 29, 2025

An ‘illuminating’ design sheds light on cholesterol

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2025

Largest study of its kind highlights benefits – and risks – of plant-based diets in children

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.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCritical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2025

C-Compass: AI-based software maps proteins and lipids within cells

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.

New Family Heart Foundation study finds only 13% of adults with cardiovascular disease achieve comprehensive LDL-C management

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-...

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2025

Targeting brain immune cells could restore Alzheimer’s-related lipid imbalance, UT Health San Antonio research shows

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.

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2025

Family Heart Foundation® launches new initiative to increase understanding and screening for high lipoprotein(a), the most common genetic risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease

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.

Body composition and cardiometabolic risk in children

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 2, 2025

Tiny cell messengers in obese individuals accelerate Alzheimer’s-linked plaque buildup in the brain

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.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025