Metabolites News and Research

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Cocoa looks promising for mood, but the brain benefits come with a catch

A review of clinical and preclinical studies suggests cocoa polyphenols may support mood, neuroplasticity, cerebral blood flow, and gut-brain signaling through pathways involving BDNF/CREB, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

17 Aug 2026

Sprint exercise sends a very different molecular signal through the body

Sprint-interval exercise triggers a much larger and faster shift in circulating proteins and metabolites than moderate-intensity exercise, revealing distinct patterns of predicted communication between organs. The findings suggest that exercise intensity shapes systemic molecular signaling, with skeletal muscle and adipose tissue emerging as potential source and target tissues linked to cardiometabolic health.

16 Aug 2026

Three minutes of sprinting dramatically reshape molecular contents of the bloodstream

Three minutes of sprinting can do something that 90 minutes of moderate exercise apparently cannot: dramatically reshape the molecular contents of the bloodstream.

14 Aug 2026

New study challenges long-held view of common bacterial resident of the lungs

Our bodies are teeming with more than 35 trillion bacteria, coexisting in microbiomes inside our guts, mouths, lungs, skin and urogenital tract.

13 Aug 2026

Finnish study links habitual coffee consumption to healthier body metabolism

Coffee is one of the world's most widely consumed beverages, and previous research has linked its consumption to a lower risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

13 Aug 2026

Bacterial extracellular vesicles show potential for cancer diagnosis and treatment

Bacteria shed membrane-enclosed tiny particles filled with proteins, lipids, DNA, RNA and metabolites. These particles, commonly known as bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs), are now being explored as possible tools for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

13 Aug 2026

How much do nuts matter for blood pressure? This study points to about a handful a day

A meta-analysis of eight prospective studies involving 143,380 participants found that higher nut consumption was associated with a lower risk of developing hypertension. Each 28 g/day increment was associated with a 20% lower relative risk in the linear analysis, while the modeled association appeared to level off at around one handful per day.

12 Aug 2026

Why pulses could play a bigger role in healthy and sustainable diets

A narrative review finds that pulses may support gut and metabolic health through their fiber, protein, phytochemicals, and interactions with the gut microbiota, while offering a lower environmental footprint than many animal protein sources. Human evidence is strongest for selected cardiometabolic outcomes, while many microbiome and fermentation-related benefits remain supported mainly by animal and laboratory studies.

9 Aug 2026

Thinning cancer cells' sugar coating could expose tumors to immune attack

Like spies evading detection through being masters of disguise, many cancer cells are adorned with a copious coat of sugar-derived molecules that throws the proverbial hounds of our immune systems off the scent.

7 Aug 2026

Researchers discover smart molecular glue that activates inside oxidative cancer cells

Investigators at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a platform for systematically discovering molecular glues that could become protein degradation drug candidates.

7 Aug 2026

Hidden microbes inside tumors reshape cancer immunity and treatment

A growing body of evidence is reshaping how cancer is understood, placing the spotlight on intra-tumoral microbiota as powerful yet previously overlooked players within the tumor microenvironment.

6 Aug 2026

Microbiome-based therapy may increase peanut allergy tolerance in adults

Some 33 million Americans have severe food allergies. Now, researchers at Boston Children's Hospital may have found a promising solution.

5 Aug 2026

Perilla oil may curb platelet reactivity and inflammatory signaling in smokers

An eight-week randomized trial found that daily perilla oil increased plasma and red-cell ALA, plasma EPA, and platelet closure time in healthy smokers. Perilla oil also reduced TNF-α and TBX21 gene expression, but it did not improve broader coagulation, lipid, endothelial, or postprandial markers.

3 Aug 2026

Gut microbiome shifts may begin before Alzheimer’s symptoms appear

A narrative review links reduced SCFA-producing gut bacteria and altered microbial metabolism with Alzheimer’s disease, while early evidence suggests similar changes may appear before cognitive symptoms. Mediterranean, DASH, MIND, and prudent diets are associated with beneficial microbial profiles, but direct evidence connecting diet, the microbiome, and amyloid pathology remains limited.

3 Aug 2026

New discovery advances sustainable production of plant-based medicines

Two plants that cause neurotoxicity and paralysis in the tiniest doses are also known to counter pain, malaria, cancer and pests.

31 Jul 2026

Biotherapeutic metabolite repairs gut damage caused by HIV infection

Researchers at the UC Davis School of Medicine have identified a naturally occurring metabolite that repairs gut damage caused by HIV infection and significantly improves the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the nonhuman primate model of HIV/AIDS.

30 Jul 2026

Microbial metabolites could help improve functional cure rates for hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a major global challenge. Current therapies suppress HBV but rarely achieve functional cure (sustained HBsAg loss).

30 Jul 2026

Perilla oil improves blood flow and reduces inflammation in healthy smokers

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is among the leading causes of death worldwide. In South Korea, it is the second leading cause of death, and its incidence has continued to rise in recent years.

30 Jul 2026

Low-fat diet lowers dietary glycation compounds for years in postmenopausal women

Researchers analyzing dietary data from 40,209 postmenopausal women found that a low-fat pattern emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and grains was associated with sustained reductions in estimated dietary advanced glycation end-product intake over approximately seven years. The findings suggest broad dietary changes may lower dAGE intake without specific cooking instructions, although the study did not measure biological AGE exposure or determine whether the reductions influenced breast cancer outcomes.

29 Jul 2026

This edible flower could do more than brighten a plate

A review of 76 publications finds that pot marigold contains more than 500 reported secondary metabolites, along with natural pigments, antioxidants, and substantial dietary fiber. Early food studies report promising results in yogurt, bread, pasta, and edible oils, but limited product trials and no clinical evidence currently prevent human health claims.

28 Jul 2026