Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Lipid nanoparticles for gene therapy

Lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have shown increased effectiveness in delivering nucleic acids, with advantages including protection against degradation and boost to transfection process. Researchers are exploring their application in treating various diseases, including degenerative disorders of the retina, infectious diseases, and cancer.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics·DateFeb 14, 2017

Isotope study determines fish were more prominent in early Alaskans' diets

A team of researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks made a groundbreaking discovery after analyzing stable isotopes and lipid residues at prehistoric hearths along the Tanana River. The study found that early Alaskans' diets were more complex than previously thought, with salmon and freshwater fish playing a prominent role.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

How females store sperm

Researchers have identified five types of lipid, or fatty acids, that exist as droplets inside the cells of female chickens' sperm storage tubules. These lipids may be released into the sperm storage tubules and improve the sperm's survival. The study provides insight into how certain female animals are able to store sperm long-term.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalTheriogenology·DateJun 13, 2016

Lipid helps lymphocytes patrol

A new lipid, LPA, has been found to regulate lymphocyte motility in narrow lymph nodes. LPA enables efficient movement through spaces jammed with immune cells and stromal cells. This discovery may lead to novel strategies for controlling immune responses.

Scientists find 'outlier' enzymes, potential new targets to treat diabetes, inflammation

Two unique enzymes, AIG1 and ADTRP, have been discovered that play a role in metabolism and inflammation, potentially targeting type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disorders. The enzymes are moderately inhibited by lipase inhibitors, suggesting they may be used to boost FAHFAs, which normalize glucose levels and reduce inflammation.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 28, 2016

Expanded understanding of promising blood fat-lowering protein

Researchers at Umea University have found that the protein FGF21 redistributes fatty acids through two mechanisms, leading to improved pharmaceutical treatment options for obesity-related diseases. The study also shows that FGF21 can activate the enzyme Lipoprotein lipase, increasing the hydrolytic cleavage and uptake of blood lipids.

SourceUmea University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 11, 2016

Evidence of ancient life discovered in mantle rocks deep below the seafloor

Researchers found fossilized microbes in ancient rock samples from the Iberian continental margin, confirming a long-standing hypothesis that interactions between mantle rocks and seawater can create conditions for life. The discovery provides important insights into the possibility of 'intraterrestrial' life in rocks below the seafloor.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2015

Keeping algae from stressing out

Researchers identify two transcription factors that regulate lipid accumulation in stressed algae, enabling sustainable fuels production. The study also demonstrates a strategy for overexpressing PSR1 to trick cells into producing lipids without dying.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 4, 2015

Scientists X-ray chocolate

Researchers at Hamburg University of Technology, DESY, and Nestle found that reducing porosity, storing products at ideal temperatures, and controlling crystallization can help minimize fat bloom. This study provides new insights into the formation of fat bloom, an issue affecting millions in the food industry.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 6, 2015

Pigs gain the same with corn-ethanol co-product as with corn-soybean meal diet, says study

A recent study found that pigs fed diets containing corn-ethanol co-products, such as distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), had no significant differences in growth performance compared to those fed a traditional corn-soybean meal diet. The study showed that conventional, high-protein, or uncooked DDGS can be safely included at...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 20, 2015

A novel shuttle for fatty acids

Researchers at Ludwig Maximilians University have identified a novel chloroplast membrane protein that plays a central role in transporting fatty acids from chloroplasts into the cell cytoplasm. This discovery may lead to new strategies for producing biofuels, which are rich in TAG-rich plant oils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 3, 2015

Skin based immunity secrets revealed

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which immune cells in the skin function as the body's 'border control'. This finding could improve how we fight some infections, allergies and auto-immune diseases. The discovery of CD1a molecule reveals how it interacts with lipid molecules to identify foreign invaders.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 2, 2015