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The long pathway to cell organization and growth

A novel combination of cell biology and molecular computer simulations reveals that sterols' interactions with lipids shape membrane domains in yeast cells. This finding refines a 50-year-old textbook model, suggesting the complexity of sterol metabolism resulted from balancing lipid interactions for membrane organization.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2025

Study evaluates effect of oxidizing compounds on melanoma cells

Researchers discovered that endoperoxides derived from ergosterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol induce the death of melanoma cells. This finding paves the way for expanding the use of photodynamic therapy in fighting skin cancer.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhotochemistry and Photobiology·DateApr 16, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New insights into cholesterol dynamics shed light on neurodegenerative disease

A study published in PNAS reveals the structure of a protein linked to neurodegenerative disease Niemann-Pick type C, which accumulates cholesterol within cellular compartments. The research sheds light on the complex mechanism of cholesterol distribution and its role in maintaining optimal levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Molecular fossils shed light on ancient life

Researchers have discovered lipid fossils in ancient rocks, providing clues about the evolution of life. The findings suggest that a shift in animal feeding strategies occurred around 1.6 billion years ago, with some species abandoning phytosterol production as they obtained this nutrient from algae.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Social media giants send mixed signals on muscle-building supplements content

A new study found that social media platforms restrict user-generated content and advertising related to illegal muscle-building drugs but offer few restrictions on legal dietary supplements. This has raised concerns about the potential negative effects of these products on young people's health and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateNov 6, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Scientists ID sterol essential for oil accumulation in plants

A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a key component of the assembly line responsible for oil droplet formation. The study suggests new ways to engineer plant tissues for increased oil accumulation, which could lead to sustainable oils for biofuels and other commodity products.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Reconstructing the history of mankind with the help of fecal sterols -- first test on the Maori

Researchers at Ca' Foscari University of Venice identified and dated traces of sterols in Lake Diamond and Kirkpatrick sediments, proving the presence of the Maori people. The study demonstrates a method for reconstructing human history by analyzing fecal sterols, which also shows the impact of the Maori population on the native forest.

SourceUniversità Ca' Foscari Venezia·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2018

Potent, puzzling and (now less) toxic: Team discovers how antifungal drug works

Scientists have solved a decades-old medical mystery by understanding the mechanism of action of amphotericin, an antifungal drug that has been in use for over 50 years. The researchers found that most of the drug aggregates on the exterior of membranes, extracting sterols out of membranes like a sponge, leading to cell death.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 15, 2014
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

'Healthy' sterols may pose health risk

A study found that plant sterols can accumulate in aortic valves, increasing the risk of stenosis. High levels of plant sterols were linked to higher blood concentrations, suggesting a potential health risk.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJul 14, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Chocolate bar shown to lower cholesterol

A University of Illinois study found that eating two CocoaVia dark chocolate bars daily lowered total cholesterol by 2% and LDL cholesterol by 5.3%. The drop in cholesterol numbers is attributed to plant sterols added to the bar and flavanols found in dark chocolate.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 21, 2008

New study suggests that specially formulated foods may support cardiovascular health

A new study suggests that daily consumption of CocoaVia dark chocolate bars containing cocoa flavanols and plant sterols significantly lowers total cholesterol by 2 percent and LDL cholesterol by 5.3 percent in individuals with elevated cholesterol. Regular consumption also reduces systolic blood pressure by 5 percent after 8 weeks.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMar 26, 2008
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New study finds chocolate chip cookies lower cholesterol

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that eating two Right Direction Cookies daily lowered LDL cholesterol by ten percent and improved lipid subfraction profile. The cookies' combination of psyllium and plant sterols helps shift LDL particles toward a less atherogenic pattern, reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceMWW Group·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateOct 4, 2006

Plant sterol pills significantly lower LDL cholesterol

Researchers found plant sterols significantly lowered LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in patients taking statin drugs. The study suggests that adding plant sterols to the diet may provide an effective way to lower cardiovascular risk.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateMar 8, 2006

McGill researchers identify new way to reduce cholesterol levels

A new study found that combining plant sterols with exercise can significantly improve cholesterol levels in previously sedentary adults. The combination therapy favourably altered lipid profiles by decreasing total cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 16, 2004
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Skin sterol provides new information about heart disease risk

A new clinical trial has found that high skin sterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease in patients with coronary artery disease. The study, published by IMI International Medical Innovations, used a prospective registry to examine the relationship between skin sterol and cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceEnvironics Communications·DateOct 26, 2004

Search for cholesterol absorption genes narrows to two chromosome regions

Scientists use lab mice to identify genetic basis of cholesterol absorption, aiming to develop new treatments for heart disease. They pinpoint two chromosome regions as potential sites for genes regulating plant sterol levels, which reflect dietary cholesterol absorption.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2002
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Plant sterol margerine useful in cholesterol management

A CSIRO trial found that plant sterol-enriched margarine can reduce LDL cholesterol by an average of 9.6%. The study showed that including the spread in the diet for three weeks resulted in a 10% reduction in cholesterol levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateMar 8, 2000

Brain steroid a key player in alcohol's effects

Researchers found that brain steroid allopregnanolone mediates many of alcohol's effects, including anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant actions. The study suggests that blocking this compound may inhibit alcohol's sedative-hypnotic effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateFeb 29, 2000

New sterol spread can reduce bad cholesterol

A new low-fat sterol ester spread can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 5-10% and may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study found that consuming 1-2 grams of the substance per day had similar cholesterol-lowering effects, making it a promising non-drug option for heart disease prevention.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 7, 1999