Metabolism News and Research

Latest Metabolism News and Research

New review explores whether berries can slow cognitive decline linked to obesity

This systematic review in Nutrients evaluates human studies investigating whether polyphenol-rich berry consumption can modulate obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and support cognitive performance, particularly in individuals at risk of mild cognitive impairment. Evidence suggests modest memory benefits and possible metabolic improvements, although biomarker findings and long-term clinical relevance remain uncertain.

22 Feb 2026

Low oxygen turns red blood cells into powerful glucose sinks

Scientists have long known that people living at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are low, have lower rates of diabetes than people living closer to sea level.

19 Feb 2026

Hypoxia rewires red blood cells to clear excess glucose

In a 2023 paper on hypoxia and glucose metabolism, our lab showed how organisms rewire their metabolism to adapt to low oxygen levels-such as those found at high altitudes.

19 Feb 2026

Gut microbiome may shape response to GLP-1 drugs, new review suggests

This review examines how GLP-1 receptor agonists and the gut microbiome influence one another through bile acid signaling, short-chain fatty acids, and inflammatory pathways. It explores how microbial composition may shape treatment response and highlights the need for controlled human studies to enable microbiome-informed precision therapy.

19 Feb 2026

Gut bacteria patterns help predict insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, study finds

Researchers used 16S rRNA sequencing and machine learning to identify gut microbiome patterns associated with insulin resistance severity in people with type 2 diabetes. XGBoost models showed that specific bacterial genera, including Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium, help distinguish individuals with higher insulin resistance from healthy controls.

19 Feb 2026

IFN-γ identified as a powerful blood biomarker for Alzheimer’s

This study identifies IFN-γ as a crucial blood-based biomarker for Alzheimer's, revealing its role in microglial inflammation and genetic risk interactions.

19 Feb 2026

Study reveals coffee triggers distinct cytokine responses compared with pure caffeine

A randomized crossover pilot study in healthy adults found that coffee and isolated caffeine produce distinct short-term immune responses despite equivalent caffeine doses. The results suggest non-caffeine coffee compounds may influence cytokine activity and caffeine metabolism, although findings remain preliminary due to the small sample size.

19 Feb 2026

Developmental ANGPTL4 deficiency protects mice from colitis and tumors

A novel study using a mouse model has found that the absence of the angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) protein during development triggers a long-lasting reprogramming of the immune system that protects against intestinal inflammation.

18 Feb 2026

Extreme endurance exercise pushes red blood cells toward accelerated aging

Extreme endurance running damages red blood cells in ways that may affect their ability to function properly, according to a study published in the American Society of Hematology's journal Blood Red Cells & Iron.

18 Feb 2026

Researchers identify a genetic brake for the formation of blood vessels in muscles

In an international study, researchers at Lund University in Sweden have identified a gene variant that controls the body's capability to form new blood vessels in muscles – a mechanism that affects physical performance, health and recovery.

18 Feb 2026

Study reveals poxvirus's unique DNA clamp for gene activation

A research team at the University of Würzburg has deciphered another aspect of poxviral gene activation.

18 Feb 2026

Can GLP-1 drugs slow neurodegeneration? New review finds promising signals but limited clinical proof

This review examines how GLP-1 receptor agonists may influence neurodegenerative disease biology through metabolic, inflammatory, mitochondrial, and proteostasis pathways. Evidence from mechanistic, preclinical, and early clinical studies suggests potential neuroprotective effects, but definitive disease-modifying benefit remains unproven.

17 Feb 2026

Does intermittent fasting help you lose more weight? Evidence review finds no clear advantage

A Cochrane systematic review of 22 randomized trials involving 1,995 adults with overweight or obesity found intermittent fasting produces weight loss comparable to traditional calorie restriction. Evidence suggests little additional benefit for quality of life or adverse effects, with overall certainty ranging from low to moderate and long-term effects still unclear.

17 Feb 2026

A yeast-derived genetic tool offers hope for mitochondrial disorders and cancer

Nucleotide synthesis-the production of the basic components of DNA and RNA-is essential for cell growth and division.

17 Feb 2026

Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce rhododendron-derived drugs

Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce a group of compounds with anticancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities.

17 Feb 2026

Do cocoa flavanols influence heart and fatty liver risk factors?

A recent Nutrients review examined whether cocoa-rich dark chocolate influences cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease risk factors through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial effects. Evidence suggests modest improvements in biomarkers, but most data come from short-term studies, so definitive clinical benefits remain unproven.

16 Feb 2026

Study reveals a new facet of how pancreatic cancer cells regulate autophagy

A feature of pancreatic cancer cells' surroundings determines whether they grow fast or become resistant to chemotherapy, a new study shows.

16 Feb 2026

HER2 gastric cancer: Unraveling resistance at single-cell resolution

HER2-positive gastric cancer accounts for a substantial proportion of advanced cases and has long been treated with HER2-targeted therapies.

16 Feb 2026

Role of food nutrients in reducing oxidative stress linked to micro- and nanoplastics

This narrative review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction, including potential links with diabetes. It highlights plant-derived nutrients that activate the Nrf2 pathway as a possible strategy to enhance cellular stress resilience, although most evidence remains preclinical.

15 Feb 2026

ARVCF gene deletion leads to abnormalities in reward behavior

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a key brain region for dopamine production and the regulation of reward-related behaviors.

13 Feb 2026

Metabolism News and Research

Latest Metabolism News and Research

New review explores whether berries can slow cognitive decline linked to obesity

Low oxygen turns red blood cells into powerful glucose sinks

Hypoxia rewires red blood cells to clear excess glucose

Gut microbiome may shape response to GLP-1 drugs, new review suggests

Gut bacteria patterns help predict insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, study finds

IFN-γ identified as a powerful blood biomarker for Alzheimer’s

Study reveals coffee triggers distinct cytokine responses compared with pure caffeine

Developmental ANGPTL4 deficiency protects mice from colitis and tumors

Extreme endurance exercise pushes red blood cells toward accelerated aging

Researchers identify a genetic brake for the formation of blood vessels in muscles

Study reveals poxvirus's unique DNA clamp for gene activation

Can GLP-1 drugs slow neurodegeneration? New review finds promising signals but limited clinical proof

Does intermittent fasting help you lose more weight? Evidence review finds no clear advantage

A yeast-derived genetic tool offers hope for mitochondrial disorders and cancer

Bioengineered E. coli bacteria can now produce rhododendron-derived drugs

Do cocoa flavanols influence heart and fatty liver risk factors?

Study reveals a new facet of how pancreatic cancer cells regulate autophagy

HER2 gastric cancer: Unraveling resistance at single-cell resolution

Role of food nutrients in reducing oxidative stress linked to micro- and nanoplastics

ARVCF gene deletion leads to abnormalities in reward behavior

Industry Focus eBook - Analytical Chemistry (2nd Edition) eBook

Exploring the nanoscale: How AFM is transforming cosmetic science

Innovating Texture and Culture in Plant-Based Foods

Advancing brain microphysiological systems (bMPS)