Lipids News and Research

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Lipids are a broad group of naturally-occurring molecules which includes fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and others. The main biological functions of lipids include energy storage, as structural components of cell membranes, and as important signaling molecules.

Lipidomic profiling may provide early prediction of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk

Simultaneous measurement of dozens of types of fats in the blood ("lipidomics") can predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) years in the future, according to a new study publishing March 3rd in the open-access journal PLOS Biology from Chris Lauber of Lipotype, Germany, and colleagues.

3 Mar 2022

Sugar-decorated proteins in mucus could prevent SARS-CoV-2 viruses from spreading from surfaces

Early in the pandemic, many people fastidiously disinfected surfaces because laboratory studies predicted that SARS-CoV-2 could be easily transmitted in this way.

2 Mar 2022

Aggressive brain tumor in children can be identified by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid

It may be possible to identify the presence of an aggressive brain tumor in children by studying their cerebrospinal fluid, according to new research led by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center investigators.

2 Mar 2022

Research sheds light on the role of lipids in Alzheimer’s disease development

Neurons in the brain coexist with and rely on many other cell types to function properly. Astrocytes, which take their name from their star shape, ensure the survival of neurons by feeding and detoxifying them with the help of a multifunctional protein, APOE.

1 Mar 2022

COVID-19 severity is correlated with body composition

In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers assessed the effect of changes in the abdominal well-being and physique on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

28 Feb 2022

Metabolites could be used as biomarkers for forensic diagnosis of diabetes mellitus

Determining the cause of death is one of the most crucial and challenging parts of a forensic investigation.

28 Feb 2022

Tiny lipid-based nanoparticles carry genetic instructions directly into the lungs

Researchers at the Tufts University School of Engineering are building a reputation for precision targeting in drug delivery.

23 Feb 2022

Surfactant-containing oral mouthwashes target the lipid envelope of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers demonstrated the composition and importance of SARS-CoV-2 lipid envelope and assessed the antiviral potential of oral mouthwashes targeting these lipid envelopes.

21 Feb 2022

High-fiber diet linked with reduced risk of developing dementia

We're always hearing that we should eat more fiber. It's known to be vitally important for a healthy digestive system and also has cardiovascular benefits like reduced cholesterol.

21 Feb 2022

Mechanism of fatty-acid coupled adaptive immunity in SARS-CoV-2 revealed

A new study explains how SARS-CoV-2 adapts its immunogenicity to the immune response of the host.

20 Feb 2022

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on lipids

SARS-CoV-2 appears to alter host lipid biosynthesis by relying on certain human metabolic pathways to survive and multiply effectively.

20 Feb 2022

Combating leukemia cells by disrupting their energy maintenance mechanism

Acute myeloid leukemia, which affects blood and bone marrow cells, is a particularly dangerous form of cancer. More than half of patients under the age of 60 die.

17 Feb 2022

Skin cells outside of the hair follicles play large role in the development of a pimple

Acne is among the most common skin diseases in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, affecting up to 50 million Americans each year. It is also among the least studied.

17 Feb 2022

Researchers create a comprehensive atlas of cerebrovascular cell types

While neurons and glial cells are by far the most numerous cells in the brain, many other types of cells play important roles. Among those are cerebrovascular cells, which form the blood vessels that deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the brain.

15 Feb 2022

Study reveals that 1PBC and niclosamide bind the same drug-binding pocket

Researchers used cryo-EM to demonstrate that 1PBC, and the drug niclosamide, both inhibitors of TMEM16 proteins, have therapeutic potential and may be used for COVID-19 treatment.

14 Feb 2022

Scientists discover a new class of potential drug targets for neurodegenerative diseases

Oregon State University scientists have discovered a new class of potential drug targets for people suffering from neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's disease.

10 Feb 2022

Using interdisciplinary approach to beat cancer

European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) World Cancer Day aims at raising awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

4 Feb 2022

Researchers elucidate first 3D structure of regulator protein complex

Proteins are indispensable components in living organisms. They are not only "building material" for the body – they also make molecular communication between cells possible, they are needed for nerve impulses to occur, and they control chemical reactions.

2 Feb 2022

Researchers identify genetic cause of rare interstitial lung disease in a young child

New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has solved the medical mystery of why a 2-year-old child — seemingly healthy at birth — succumbed to an undiagnosed, rare illness.

31 Jan 2022

Study reveals link between muscular dystrophy and sphingolipids

In a new study, the group of Johan Auwerx at EPFL's School of Life Sciences has made the first connection between muscular dystrophy and sphingolipids, a group of bioactive lipids. The study is published in Science Advances.

29 Jan 2022