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Nanoparticle protects oil in foods from oxidation, spoilage

A Purdue University scientist has developed a nanoparticle that protects oils in food products from oxidation, which causes spoilage and degradation. The nanoparticle, modified phytoglycogen octenyl succinate (PG-OS), doubles the shelf life of oil droplets by acting as an emulsifier and barrier to oxidation.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 8, 2009

Scientists pinpoint protein link to fat storage

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered that invadolysin, a protein present in all cells, is linked to lipid droplets used for fat storage. Lower levels of invadolysin were found to be associated with reduced fat deposits, suggesting its potential role in obesity and related complications.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateSep 17, 2009

Serum bile acid profiling for inflammatory bowel disease characterization

BA profiling in IBD patients showed decreased levels of certain BAs, while UC patients with liver and gallbladder diseases exhibited increased primary and secondary BAs. The study also found accelerated detoxification activity in IBD patients and a significant increase in primary and secondary BAs in UC patients with extraintestinal ma...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 16, 2009

Mineral oil contamination in humans: A health problem?

The presence of mineral oil in edible oils and foods exceeds recommended safety limits, raising concerns about human health. Analytical campaigns are underway to address this issue and provide toxicological data for improved safety evaluation.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Lipid Science and Technology·DateNov 24, 2008

COPI complex is a regulator of lipid homeostasis

Researchers identify COPI complex as a regulator of lipid homeostasis, finding it reduces PAT protein expression at the lipid droplet surface. This study reveals COPI's role in energy storage and shedding, with implications for treating obesity and metabolic disorders.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 24, 2008

Oxidative stress: Mechanism of cell death clarified

Scientists discover that glutathione peroxidase 4 senses and translates oxidative stress into a distinct signaling pathway leading to cell death, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for mitigating degenerative diseases. This discovery sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and its role in cellular damage.

Geologists search for prehistoric high

Researchers found that the northern portion of the Tibetan Plateau rose later than previously thought, revealing a complex timeline for the plateau's growth. This discovery can help climate models and understand ancient biological communities.

Molecular motor helps cells tell which way is up

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a molecular motor that helps cells determine which way is up by transporting a key lipid. This process is essential for maintaining cell polarity and preventing cancerous metastasis. The study sheds light on the trafficking and disposition of polarity determinants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 30, 2006

Why children of parents with type 2 diabetes are at risk themselves

Research reveals that offspring of type 2 diabetic parents have reduced mitochondrial content and impaired muscle glucose uptake, increasing their risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Reduced mitochondrial function can lead to lipid accumulation in muscle cells, further exacerbating the condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 10, 2005

New analysis supports starting with VFEND for life-threatening fungal infections

A retrospective analysis of patients with invasive aspergillosis showed that those who initially received Pfizer's antifungal agent VFEND had better survival rates and were less likely to need salvage therapy than those on amphotericin B. The study found that patients who started on VFEND also had higher success rates in switching to o...

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 25, 2005

New ways to design safer & more effective topical (transdermal) drug delivery announced in the PNAS

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have engineered over 300 new chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) to improve the safety and efficacy of topical drug delivery. The new CPEs were designed using computer-aided modeling, allowing for the prediction of skin penetrability and potential irritation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2005

Linking the immune system with lipid metabolism

Scientists have discovered a key role for lipid metabolism in the regulation of the immune system. The study reveals that natural killer T cells can recognize lipids on the surface of bacteria, triggering an immune response. By understanding this process, researchers hope to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2003

Oxidative damage to eNOS by tissue peroxynitrite

Research reveals that peroxynitrite damages endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), promoting uncoupled catalysis and oxidative stress in vascular tissues. This damage can propagate to other susceptible enzymes, exacerbating inflammation and oxidative stress.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 13, 2002

How bacteria harden their "armor"

Scientists at Duke University have discovered a new enzyme that attaches aminoarabinose to the outer coat of gram-negative bacteria, reducing the ability of positively charged antibiotics to attach and kill them. This discovery offers a potential approach to overcoming antibiotic resistance.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 18, 2001