Showing 20 articles starting at article 1
Categories: Dietary Supplements and Minerals, Living Well
Published That smell: New gut microbe produces smelly toxic gas but protects against pathogens


Microbiologists have discovered a new intestinal microbe that feeds exclusively on taurine and produces the foul-smelling gas hydrogen sulfide. The researchers have thus provided another building block in the understanding of those microbial processes that have fascinating effects on health. This is also true of Taurinivorans muris: the bacterium shows a protective function against Klebsiella and Salmonella, two important pathogens.
Published Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood affects food choices, weight gain and the microstructure of the brain


A new study finds poor quality of available foods, increased intake of calories from foods high in trans-fatty acids, and environments that do not foster physical activity, all prevalent in disadvantaged neighborhoods, disrupt the flexibility of information processing in the brain that is involved in reward, emotion regulation, and cognition.
Published Your body's own cannabinoid molecules calm you during stress


When you're under stress, your brain may release its own cannabinoid molecules to calm you, activating the same brain receptors as THC derived from cannabis plants. But the brain activity regulated by these cannabinoid molecules were not well known. A new study in mice has discovered a key emotional brain center, the amygdala, releases cannabinoid molecules under stress that dampen the incoming stress alarm from the hippocampus, a memory and emotion center in the brain. The finding may reveal novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
Published ER-positive breast cancer presents differing metabolic signatures in African American, white women


New research has found that estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer presents differing metabolic signatures in the blood of African American women and non-Hispanic white women.
Published The human lipidome reveals new indicators of health, disease and aging


A new survey of an under-explored aspect of human biology uncovers the many roles of the body's 'greasy molecules.'
Published Lower jersey numbers make football players look thinner


Football players sometimes choose jerseys with lower numbers thinking that they'll look slimmer and faster. There's a scientific basis for that belief, according to a new study. In two experiments, volunteers consistently said that images of players in jerseys numbered 10 to 19 looked thinner than players in jerseys numbered 80 to 89, even when the bodies were the same size. The finding suggests that people's previously learned associations between numbers and sizes influence their perceptions of body size.
Published New insights into melanoma development and therapy


Researchers have revealed that the expression of a specific isoform of GREB1 Is4 is induced in malignant melanoma cells by the melanocyte-specific transcription factor, MITF. They revealed that GREB1 Is4 stimulates pyrimidine biosynthesis and promotes cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, the anti-tumor effect of antisense nucleic acids against GREB1 showed a potential new modality for malignant melanoma.
Published First-in-class targeted microRNA therapy slows cancer tumor growth


A new cancer therapy attacks tumors by tricking cancer cells into absorbing a snippet of RNA that naturally blocks cell division.
Published Antioxidants stimulate blood flow in tumors


Vitamin C and other antioxidants stimulate the formation of new blood vessels in lung cancer tumors, a new study shows. The discovery corroborates the idea that dietary supplements containing antioxidants can accelerate tumor growth and metastasis.
Published Breathe! The shape-shifting ball that supports mental health


A soft ball designed to support mental health by 'personifying' breath has been invented by a computer science student.
Published How to help prevent childhood stunting


A new study shows that adding zinc to farmland soil can help prevent childhood stunting, a condition due to chronic undernutrition that is associated with poor brain development and long-lasting harmful consequences, such as reduced school performance and increased disease risks.
Published New study reveals anti-cancer properties in Kencur ginger


Scientists have verified the anticancer effects of Kencur, a tropical plant of the ginger family, mainly grown in Southeast Asia, in cell and animal experiments. They found that Kencur extract and its main active components significantly inhibit cancer cell growth at the cellular and animal levels. Furthermore, the involvement of TFAM in the mechanism of action was confirmed.
Published Connections between drinking water quality and increased lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis


High levels of some minerals and metals in environmental water supplies may increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis, according to a new study. The study found the presence of the metals molybdenum and vanadium along with sulfate -- a collection of mineral salts -- in the U.S. municipal water system was associated with an increased incidence of NTM pulmonary infections, the leading cause of drinking-water associated illnesses.
Published Gene therapy study identifies potential new treatment for liver cancer


Gene therapy with microRNA-22 produced better survival outcomes than the current FDA-approved drug for liver cancer and without noticeable toxicity in new mouse study.
Published Preterm babies given certain fatty acids have better vision


Preterm babies given a supplement with a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have better visual function by the age of two and a half.
Published Positive metabolic effects of gastric bypass disappear quickly


A new study raises questions about the efficacy of bariatric operations involving gastric bypass. The results show that the biggest metabolic changes happened directly after surgery. Just a year after the operation, the concentration of metabolites and fats had returned to almost the same levels as before the procedure.
Published Tropical plant native to China reveals antiobesity potential


Scientists tested the antiobesity effects of Mallotus furetianus extract native to Hainan Island, China, using obesity model mice. As a result, body weight and adipose tissue weight of obesity model mice were significantly reduced by the intake of Mallotus furetianus extract. Fatty liver was suppressed and adipocyte size reduction in adipose tissue was observed. Further investigation into the mechanism revealed that fat synthesis is inhibited by suppressing the expression of several transcription factors involved in differentiation into adipocytes.
Published Deadly fungus beaten with new type of treatment


Researchers have discovered a new way to attack fungal infections. The key is to block fungi from being able to make fatty acids, the major component of fats. Resistance to anti-fungal drugs is increasing and this new approach will be particularly useful because it works in a new way and affects a broad range of fungal species.
Published Research team identifies human odorant receptor for horse stable odor


Para-cresol is an aromatic compound with a strong horse stable-like odor. It contributes to the off-flavor of some foods, but it is also detectable as a characteristic odorant in whiskey and tobacco, as well as in the urine of various mammals. A research team has now discovered which odorant receptor humans use to perceive para-cresol.
Published Omega-3 fatty acids appear promising for maintaining lung health


Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish and fish oil supplements, appear promising for maintaining lung health, according to new evidence from a large, multi-faceted study in healthy adults. The study provides the strongest evidence to date of this association and underscores the importance of including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, especially given that many Americans do not meet current guidelines.