Digestion News and Research

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Digestion is the mechanical and chemical breaking down of food into smaller components, to a form that can be absorbed, for instance, into a blood stream. Digestion is a form of catabolism; a break-down of macro food molecules to smaller ones.

Low-dose THC mitigates harmful side effects and inflammation caused by HIV treatment

Long-term, low doses of THC mitigate many harmful side effects and inflammation caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART), according to new research from Texas Biomedical Research Institute.

6 Nov 2025

Do GLP-1 drugs cause cancer? New review says no, may even protect

A comprehensive review in The Journal of Clinical Investigation finds no overall link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and increased cancer risk, countering early safety concerns. Instead, evidence suggests possible protective effects for certain cancers, supported by metabolic and immune-modulating mechanisms.

4 Nov 2025

Scientists explore why black rice deserves a bigger place in modern diets

Researchers reviewed the nutritional composition, therapeutic benefits, and industrial uses of black rice, highlighting its potential as a functional food. The study highlights the role of black rice in managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation, while also advocating for more robust human trials and sustainable cultivation methods.

2 Nov 2025

How nerve cells in the gut adapt to microbial and immune challenges

Ramnik Xavier, MD, PhD, of the Department of Molecular Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital, is the senior author of a paper published in Science, "Regional encoding of enteric nervous system responses to microbiota and type 2 inflammation."

31 Oct 2025

Exploring the link between underweight status and gut microbiota composition in Japanese women

Low body weight in young women has been linked to a range of health concerns, including disrupted menstrual cycles, infertility, weakened immune function, and a long-term decline in bone density.

31 Oct 2025

First-of-its-kind resource created to identify people with genetic risk for elevated 'bad' cholesterol

An international team led by a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientist has created a first-of-its-kind resource to identify those with a genetic risk for elevated 'bad' cholesterol -- a major contributor to heart disease.

30 Oct 2025

Two microbial metabolites compete to control the cells' protein building machinery

The microbiome-the trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live quietly in our body-plays a crucial role in shaping human health by providing a variety of micronutrients necessary for vital functions.

30 Oct 2025

WHO reviews highlight limited long-term data on GLP-1 drug safety

Three new Cochrane reviews find evidence that GLP-1 drugs result in clinically meaningful weight loss, but industry-funded studies raise questions. The reviews were commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) to inform upcoming guidelines on the use of these drugs to treat obesity.

30 Oct 2025

Circadian rhythm disruptions may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

As modern lifestyles increasingly challenge the body's natural circadian rhythm, the American Heart Association is spotlighting the potential health consequences of regular disruptions to our body's internal clock with a new scientific statement published today in its flagship journal Circulation.

28 Oct 2025

Lack of essential amino acid prompts animals to seek out protein-rich yeast and gut bacteria

New research from the Champalimaud Foundation (CF) reveals how missing just one essential amino acid can change gene expression and the brain's sensory systems, prompting animals to seek out protein-rich yeast and gut bacteria that help them restore nutritional balance and survive in times of need.

27 Oct 2025

Study finds small but significant sprint gains from dark chocolate milk intake

A new study found that consuming dark chocolate milk before exercise modestly enhanced anaerobic sprint performance in healthy young adults. The gains, seen in total effort time and power output, were small but potentially meaningful for competitive athletes.

23 Oct 2025

Hydrogen plays a bigger role in gut function than previously thought

Farts are causing a stink in the research world, but in a positive way.

23 Oct 2025

Disruption of glial circadian rhythms linked to Alzheimer's disease progression

Alzheimer's disease is notorious for scrambling patients' daily rhythms. Restless nights with little sleep and increased napping during the day are early indicators of disease onset, while sundowning, or confusion later in the day, is typical for later stages of the disease.

23 Oct 2025

Microplastics can alter the human gut microbiome, research shows

New research presented today at UEG Week 2025 shows that microplastics – plastic particles smaller than 5mm commonly found in the environment – can alter the human gut microbiome, with some changes resembling patterns linked to depression and colorectal cancer.

6 Oct 2025

Does yogurt strengthen your bones?

Researchers review the impact of yogurt consumption on bone health in healthy adults.

3 Oct 2025

How gluten harms some people but helps others

New insights reveal gluten's health potential, highlighting beneficial peptides and innovative methods to enhance wheat safety for sensitive individuals.

3 Oct 2025

Super-resolution imaging unlocks the role of transporter nanoclusters in tumor metabolism

Serine serves as a metabolic nexus in tumors, coordinating one-carbon metabolism, nucleotide synthesis, and redox regulation. In recent years, targeting the serine metabolic pathway, particularly the rate-limiting enzyme PHGDH, has attracted considerable attention as a promising anticancer strategy.

29 Sep 2025

Can roselle help fight inflammation? New review suggests strong potential

A new review highlights the anti-inflammatory potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle), synthesizing evidence from 25 studies published between 2019 and 2024. Most findings are from preclinical models, but they point to promising roles in cardiovascular, metabolic, neuroprotective, and anticancer health.

28 Sep 2025

Eating earlier in the day could help you lose more weight than later meals

Time-restricted eating impacts body composition and performance, with early eating linked to greater weight loss and late eating enhancing anaerobic power.

25 Sep 2025

Fresh donor milk linked to reduced gastrointestinal complicatoins in premature infants

A study from the Medical University of South Carolina, published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, reveals that shorter storage durations of donor human milk are linked to reduced gastrointestinal complicatoins in premature infants, including necrotizing enterocolitis.

24 Sep 2025