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Astrocytes protect neurons from toxic buildup

Research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus discovered that astrocytes collect and recycle toxic molecules from overactive neurons, protecting them from damage. This mechanism, previously unknown, could be related to Alzheimer's disease and is an important role for astrocytes beyond their support of neurons.

Turning algae into fuel

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a rapid and efficient method to extract lipids from algae, making it a more viable alternative fuel source. The new process uses a specially-designed jet mixer that extracts the lipids with much less energy than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalChemical Engineering Science X·DateMar 4, 2019

Sophisticated blood analysis provides new clues about Ebola, treatment avenues

Researchers analyzed blood samples from Ebola patients in Sierra Leone to understand the progression of the disease and potential treatments. The study identified a critical role for choline and microvesicles in the virus's progression, with survivors showing higher levels of phosphatidylcholines and healthy individuals having lower PS...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2019

Phat on potential, lipidomics is gaining weight

A new generation of chemists and biochemists is advancing lipid research with the help of a newly established database. The LIPID MAPS database, developed by UC San Diego researchers, provides a gold standard classification system for lipids, enabling better study and diagnosis of acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 10, 2019

Mapping the inner workings of a living cell

Researchers developed a new imaging tool to visualize metabolic activities in individual cells, tracking protein, lipid, and DNA production. The technique's potential applications include tumor removal, head injury detection, and developmental disorder diagnosis.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2018

When low batteries are a good thing

Researchers discovered that the mitochondria of gut-resident white blood cells have a different composition that reduces their energy production, keeping them in a controlled activated state. This knowledge can lead to new diagnostic markers and treatments for conditions like gut inflammations and infections.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 22, 2018

Iron-sulfur cluster research offers new avenues of investigating disease

Researchers have discovered that disruptions in iron-sulfur cluster formation can lead to the buildup of fat droplets in cells, a hallmark of conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study provides clues about the biochemical causes of these diseases and may help researchers find new targets for treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 30, 2018

Mutating Ebola's key protein may stop replication

Researchers at Purdue University may have discovered a way to stop Ebola virus replication by mutating its most important protein, VP40. The study found that altering the amino acid sequence of VP40 reduces lipid binding and prevents viral budding, offering new targets for therapeutics.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 12, 2018

Enzyme ensures thick insulation

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that Schwann cells produce fatty acids through an enzyme called FASN, which is essential for myelin layer formation and maintenance. This breakthrough has implications for understanding the development of rare childhood diseases and potential treatments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 8, 2018

New imaging study reveals how saturated fatty acids damage cells

Researchers at Columbia University developed a new microscopy technique to track fatty acids in living cells, revealing that saturated fats cause hardened membrane patches that can lead to cellular damage. In contrast, unsaturated fats can 'melt' these patches, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for lipid disorders.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2017

Naturally occurring molecule may help prevent and treat atherosclerosis and gum disease

Researchers found that topical application of Resolvin E1 on gum tissues prevented and treated gum disease, while also reducing the likelihood of advanced arterial plaque rupture. The study suggests effective preventive and therapeutic treatments for heart disease and gum disease without unwanted side effects.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Atherosclerosis Reports·DateNov 16, 2017

Stiff fibers spun from slime

Scientists discover that velvet worm slime consists of a mix of proteins and fatty acids, forming nanoglobules that harden into stiff filaments when exposed to shear forces. These fibers have tensile stiffness similar to Nylon and can be dissolved in water again within hours.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

Our muscles measure the time of day

Researchers discovered that muscle cell lipid composition varies with the time of day, influenced by a biological clock, which could help regulate insulin sensitivity. This variation is linked to type 2 diabetes development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2017

Building bridges within the cell -- using light

Scientists have created a method to build bridges between organelles in living cells, allowing for controlled manipulation of communication between subcellular compartments. This breakthrough could lead to breakthroughs in understanding cell function and developing new treatments for diseases.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalChemical Science·DateAug 1, 2017

A little place for my stuff

A new study published in Current Biology found that bacterial cells are limited by their ability to produce fat, which affects their growth and size. The research, conducted at Washington University in St. Louis, used a novel approach to understand the role of biosynthesis in cell-size regulation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 26, 2017