NatureBio Science Australiahttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/ Research from Nature, Science, Cell, The Lancet, NEJM and more, explained from the original papers with full references and DOIs. The Australian edition of NatureBio Science.en-AU 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid: From the Backbone of Parabens to Research on Fat Browninghttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/4-hydroxybenzoic-acid-deep-divehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/4-hydroxybenzoic-acid-deep-diveIts structure is simple, but its uses are broad. This article looks at 4-HBA, a building block of coenzyme Q10, the parent compound of parabens, and a subject of browning research. Adults Have Brown Fat Too: The PET-CT Analysis That Changed How Metabolism Is Studiedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/adult-brown-fat-pethttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/adult-brown-fat-petBrown fat, once thought to exist only in babies, was also found in adults. Here is what images from 1,972 people showed, and how it led to research on browning. Even People With “Normal” Blood Glucose: What Continuous Monitoring Revealed About Glucotypeshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/glucotypes-cgmhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/glucotypes-cgmFasting glucose and HbA1c are a single snapshot. Here is what continuous glucose monitoring research revealed about differences in post-meal glucose between people, and the debate over how to interpret it. “Notified” vs. “Individually Approved”: Two Routes by Which Health Functional Food Ingredients Are Recognisedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/hff-two-routeshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/hff-two-routesEven among health functional foods, ingredients can be recognised by different routes. Here are the differences between the two systems and what to check on the label. The Chemistry of Loganin: How an Iridoid Became a “Marker Compound”https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/loganin-iridoid-markerhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/loganin-iridoid-markerWhat kind of molecule is loganin, the signature compound of Cornus, and why is it used as a yardstick of quality? This article covers its biosynthetic pathway, the research landscape, and pitfalls in interpretation. The Science of Resistant Maltodextrin: Dextrinisation, Bond Structure, and 37 Trialshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/resistant-maltodextrin-sciencehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/resistant-maltodextrin-scienceHow does starch become a dietary fibre that is not digested? This article covers the manufacturing chemistry, metabolism, and the strength and limits of the evidence on post-meal blood glucose. Same Cornus, Different Extract: What Plant Part, Solvent, and Blend Ratio Changehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/same-cornus-different-extracthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/column/same-cornus-different-extractExtracts can share the name “Cornus extract” and still differ in content. Here are three variables that set an ingredient apart. Black Raspberry Component 4-HBA Found to Drive 'Browning' of White Fat: Mouse Studyhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/4-hydroxybenzoic-acid-browning-ampk-drp1https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/4-hydroxybenzoic-acid-browning-ampk-drp14-Hydroxybenzoic acid was found to convert white fat cells into beige fat cells through AMPK and DRP1. 8 New Geranylated Chalcones Isolated From Medicinal Plant Breadfruit; One Protects in a Brain Ischaemia Modelhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/artocarpus-geranylated-chalcones-artocarpusoneshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/artocarpus-geranylated-chalcones-artocarpusonesResearchers at Jinan University found new oligomers in Artocarpus communis and made seven compounds in 7 to 9 steps by biomimetic synthesis. Two-Year Calorie Restriction Trial in People Shows No Clear Difference in Telomere Lengthhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-calerie-telomerehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-calerie-telomereIn a randomised trial applying 25% calorie restriction to healthy adults, there was no significant difference in telomere change over 2 years. 960 Mice Followed for Life on Calorie Restriction and Fasting: Genetics Mattered More for Lifespanhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-dietary-restriction-diverse-micehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-dietary-restriction-diverse-miceA 40% calorie restriction extended lifespan the most, but genetic background divided individual lifespans more than diet did. Epigenetic Ageing Clocks Predict Disease Worse Than Basic Risk Factors Such as Smoking and BMIhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-epigenetic-clocks-vs-risk-factorshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-epigenetic-clocks-vs-risk-factorsIn a follow-up of 1,108 middle-aged Finns for 7 to 9 years, a basic risk factor model predicted disease onset better than any ageing clock model. Blocking the Inflammatory Cytokine IL-11 Extends Median Lifespan of Old Mice by 22-25%https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-il11-inhibition-lifespanhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-il11-inhibition-lifespanGiving an IL-11 antibody to 75-week-old mice improved metabolic and muscle function and extended median lifespan by 22.5% in males and 25% in females. After Filtering Out Accident and Infection Deaths, Heritability of Human Lifespan Exceeds 50%https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-lifespan-heritability-50pcthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-lifespan-heritability-50pctAfter adjusting for deaths from external causes, the heritability of human lifespan came out more than double earlier twin-study estimates (20 to 25%). Monkeys Given Metformin for 40 Months Show Brain Ageing Clock Set Back About 6 Yearshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-metformin-monkey-aging-clockhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-metformin-monkey-aging-clockWhen male cynomolgus monkeys were given metformin for 40 months, brain ageing was set back by about 6 years on a multi-omics ageing clock. 838 People, 47 Tissues: Mitochondrial Mutations Act as Two Kinds of Ageing Clockhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-mitochondrial-clonal-mosaicism-clockhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-mitochondrial-clonal-mosaicism-clockIn tissues with frequent cell turnover, random mutations built up with age, while in the heart and brain, mutations at specific positions did. Muscle Function Holds Up Even With 85% Less NAD+, Casting Doubt on the Ageing-Culprit Hypothesishttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-nad-depletion-muscle-aginghttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-nad-depletion-muscle-agingMice in which NAD+ synthesis in skeletal muscle was blocked, cutting it by 85%, kept normal muscle function and whole-body metabolism throughout life. Ageing Clock Built From 204 Blood Proteins Predicts Risk of 18 Chronic Diseases and Deathhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-proteomic-aging-clock-ukbhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-proteomic-aging-clock-ukbAn ageing clock built from the plasma proteins of about 45,000 UK Biobank participants predicted the onset of chronic disease and the risk of death. Single Dose of CAR-T Targeting Senescent Cells Improves Metabolism and Exercise Capacity in Old Micehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-senolytic-car-t-uparhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ag-senolytic-car-t-uparA single infusion of CAR-T cells targeting uPAR, a marker of senescent cells, durably improved glucose tolerance and exercise capacity in aged mice. Early BCG and Polio Vaccination of Low-Birth-Weight Newborns Lowers Death Risk by 17%https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-bmj-bcg-opv-low-birthweight-neonatal-mortalityhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-bmj-bcg-opv-low-birthweight-neonatal-mortalityIn a trial of 5,420 newborns under 2 kg in neonatal intensive care units in India, neonatal deaths fell in the group vaccinated right after birth. PD-1/VEGF Bispecific Antibody Ivonescimab Extends Survival by 2.7 Months in EGFR Lung Cancer Phase 3 Trialhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-jama-ivonescimab-bispecific-egfr-nsclc-harmoni-ahttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-jama-ivonescimab-bispecific-egfr-nsclc-harmoni-aFinal results show that adding the bispecific antibody to chemotherapy improved overall survival in EGFR-mutant lung cancer that progressed after targeted therapy. Twice-a-Year RNA Interference Blood Pressure Shot Clearly Lowers 24-Hour Blood Pressure in Phase 2https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-jama-zilebesiran-sirna-hypertension-kardia1https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-jama-zilebesiran-sirna-hypertension-kardia1Zilebesiran, which switches off angiotensinogen production in the liver, lowered systolic blood pressure by more than 14 mmHg compared with placebo in a phase 2 trial in mild to moderate hypertension. Malaria Vaccine R21 Shows 68-75% Efficacy in Phase 3 Trial of Children in 4 African Countrieshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-lancet-r21-matrixm-malaria-vaccine-phase3https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-lancet-r21-matrixm-malaria-vaccine-phase3The low-cost malaria vaccine R21/Matrix-M showed high efficacy in a phase 3 trial of about 4,800 African children. AI-Assisted Mammography Reading Finds 17.6% More Cancers in Real-World Use Among 460,000 Womenhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-natmed-ai-mammography-praim-463k-germanyhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-natmed-ai-mammography-praim-463k-germanyAdding AI to Germany's national breast cancer screening raised the cancer detection rate without increasing recalls. Glyco-Engineered Anti-CD20 Antibody Cuts Relapse Risk 93% in Neuromyelitis Optica Phase 3 Trialhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-natmed-obinutuzumab-beta-nmosd-phase3https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-natmed-obinutuzumab-beta-nmosd-phase3Obinutuzumab β, a type II anti-CD20 antibody that depletes B cells, greatly reduced 1-year relapses in patients with AQP4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica. Cardiac Myosin Inhibitor Aficamten Beats Beta-Blocker Metoprolol in Head-to-Head Phase 3 Trialhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-nejm-aficamten-vs-metoprolol-maple-hcmhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-nejm-aficamten-vs-metoprolol-maple-hcmAs first-line treatment for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aficamten alone improved exercise capacity and symptoms more than metoprolol alone. Screening for Colorectal Cancer With One Blood Draw: cfDNA Test Has 83% Sensitivity for Colorectal Cancerhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-nejm-cfdna-blood-test-colorectal-screening-eclipsehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-nejm-cfdna-blood-test-colorectal-screening-eclipseCompared with colonoscopy, a blood cfDNA test found 83% of colorectal cancers but caught only 13% of precancerous lesions. CRISPR-Edited Cell Therapy Exa-cel Eliminates Pain Crises in 97% of Sickle Cell Patientshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-nejm-exa-cel-crispr-sickle-cell-phase3https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-nejm-exa-cel-crispr-sickle-cell-phase3A therapy that edits a patient's blood stem cells with gene scissors to revive fetal haemoglobin nearly eliminated vaso-occlusive crises in a phase 3 trial. Twice-a-Year HIV Prevention Shot Leads to Zero Infections Among 2,134 Women in Phase 3https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-nejm-lenacapavir-purpose1-hiv-prep-phase3https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2cl-nejm-lenacapavir-purpose1-hiv-prep-phase3Lenacapavir, given every six months, allowed no new HIV infections in a phase 3 trial of young women in South Africa and Uganda. Proteins, DNA and Drugs in One Model: AlphaFold 3 Predicts Complex Structureshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-alphafold3-biomolecular-complex-predictionhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-alphafold3-biomolecular-complex-predictionAlphaFold 3, which switched to a diffusion model, predicted protein-ligand and protein-nucleic acid binding structures more accurately than specialised tools. Gut Bacteria Turned Into Sensors Read Changes in Intestinal Osmolarityhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-bacteroides-toolkit-gut-osmolality-biosensorhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-bacteroides-toolkit-gut-osmolality-biosensorA genetic circuit engineered into the commensal bacterium Bacteroides made it report rising gut osmolarity in a diarrhoea mouse model through fluorescence over a long period. Guided by RNA, Researchers Flip 930,000 Bases of the Human Genome in One Piecehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-bridge-recombinase-megabase-rearrangementhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-bridge-recombinase-megabase-rearrangementBridge recombinases, which recombine DNA under RNA guidance, were engineered for human cells to achieve 20% insertion and megabase-scale inversions and deletions. Mice Fed Soy Gain Two Gut Bacteria and a Stronger Mucosal IgA Responsehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-dietary-soy-commensal-tfh-igahttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-dietary-soy-commensal-tfh-igaA dietary component grew specific commensal bacteria, which split the roles of providing antigen and an adjuvant signal to build the gut mucosal antibody response. Fluorescent Protein Made by a Protein Language Model Resembles Nature's Only 58%https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-esm3-language-model-new-fluorescent-proteinhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-esm3-language-model-new-fluorescent-proteinA generative protein model that handles sequence, structure and function together designed a new protein far from existing fluorescent proteins, and it actually glowed. Lung Organoid That Keeps Immune Cells Alive Controls Virus With Resident T Cellshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-immunocompetent-lung-organoid-resident-t-cellshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-immunocompetent-lung-organoid-resident-t-cellsResearchers grew pieces of human lung tissue intact to make organoids that contain T, B and NK cells, and confirmed the defensive function of tissue-resident memory T cells. Fathers Are a Source of Baby Gut Bacteria Too: After 1 Year, Their Contribution Matches Mothers'https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-paternal-gut-microbiota-seeding-infantshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-paternal-gut-microbiota-seeding-infantsTracking the gut microbial genomes of 81 infants showed that strains from fathers were passed on steadily regardless of delivery mode. Protein Language Model Reprograms CRISPR PAM Recognition, Making Cutting 50 Times Fasterhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-protein2pam-cas-pam-redesignhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-protein2pam-cas-pam-redesignA deep learning model trained on 45,000 PAMs predicted the recognition sequences of Cas proteins and designed variants that widen the range of editable targets. scGPT, a Single-Cell Foundation Model Trained on 33 Million Cells, Is Releasedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-scgpt-single-cell-foundation-modelhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-scgpt-single-cell-foundation-modelResearchers at the University of Toronto handled cell type classification and perturbation response prediction in one model trained on single-cell transcriptomes as if they were 'sentences.' Human Cell Map 2.0 Adds 9 Donors and Doubles Its Cell Counthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-tabula-sapiens-2-human-cell-atlashttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2fr-tabula-sapiens-2-human-cell-atlasAn expanded single-cell reference atlas covering more than 20 organs reveals how transcription factors and senescent cells vary by tissue. Full Biosynthetic Pathway of Astragalus Saponin Astragaloside Elucidated: Six Enzymes Identifiedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-astragaloside-total-biosynthesis-astragalushttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-astragaloside-total-biosynthesis-astragalusResearchers decoded the astragalus genome, found six enzymes that make astragaloside IV, and reproduced its production in a relative of tobacco. Herbal Medicine Zhiqiao (Aurantii Fructus) Extract Eases Depression-Like Behaviour in Mice by Suppressing Hippocampal Caspase-4https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-aurantii-fructus-caspase4-depression-micehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-aurantii-fructus-caspase4-depression-miceIn an animal study, a water extract of Aurantii Fructus suppressed caspase-4 in the mouse hippocampus and increased neurogenesis and synaptic proteins. Berberine 1 g a Day for 6 Months Did Not Reduce Liver Fat or Visceral Fat: 337-Person Trialhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-berberine-masld-visceral-fat-null-rcthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-berberine-masld-visceral-fat-null-rctIn a trial of people with obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease but without diabetes, berberine did not change visceral fat or liver fat. 4 g of Cinnamon a Day Lowers 24-Hour Blood Glucose in Adults With Prediabetes, 18-Person Crossover Trial Findshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-cinnamon-cgm-prediabetes-crossoverhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-cinnamon-cgm-prediabetes-crossoverWhen 18 adults with obesity and prediabetes ate cinnamon for 4 weeks each, their continuous glucose monitoring readings were lower than during the placebo period. Long-Term Cocoa Flavanol Supplements Do Not Cut Overall Hypertension Risk in Older Adultshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-cocoa-flavanol-cosmos-incident-hypertensionhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-cocoa-flavanol-cosmos-incident-hypertensionIn an analysis of 8,905 people in the COSMOS trial, cocoa extract did not lower the overall incidence of hypertension. Four Key Enzymes Found for HSYA, a Stroke Drug Candidate Unique to Safflowerhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-hydroxysafflor-yellow-a-biosynthesis-safflowerhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-hydroxysafflor-yellow-a-biosynthesis-safflowerResearchers at Peking University identified four enzymes for the biosynthesis of HSYA, a component found only in safflower flowers, and synthesised it from scratch in a relative of tobacco. Herbal Granule 'Jinlida' Lowers Risk of Progression to Diabetes by 41%, Trial of 889 Findshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-jinlida-focus-diabetes-prevention-igthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-jinlida-focus-diabetes-prevention-igtIn adults with both impaired glucose tolerance and metabolic abnormalities, the risk of developing diabetes was lower in the Jinlida group than in the placebo group. Chinese Herbal Medicine Qiliqiangxin Cuts Heart Failure Hospitalisation and Cardiovascular Death by 22%, Trial of 3,110 Findshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-qiliqiangxin-quest-hfref-trialhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-qiliqiangxin-quest-hfref-trialAmong patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who were receiving standard care, the risk of the composite event was lower in the group that added Qiliqiangxin than in the placebo group. Saffron Extract for 6 Weeks Did Not Improve Mild Depression, Anxiety or Fatigue Scoreshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-saffron-extract-subclinical-depression-nullhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-saffron-extract-subclinical-depression-nullIn a double-blind trial by French researchers, saffron extract did not change the composite score for subclinical depressive symptoms. Herbal 'Shenbai Granules' Taken for 6 Months: Colorectal Adenoma Recurrence 42.5% vs. 58.6%https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-shenbai-granules-colorectal-adenoma-recurrencehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2hb-shenbai-granules-colorectal-adenoma-recurrenceIn a double-blind trial of 400 patients after polyp removal, the share with adenoma recurrence within 2 years was lower in the herbal granule group. Low-Dose Antibiotics Wake Bacteria's 'Sleeping Genes' and Reveal 9 New Natural Productshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-antibiotic-hormesis-cryptic-metaboliteshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-antibiotic-hormesis-cryptic-metabolitesA discovery method uses antibiotics that suppress bacteria at high concentrations at low concentrations to draw out production of hidden secondary metabolites. Waking a Silent Gene Cluster Yields 'Biffamycin A,' a Minimal Glycopeptide Antibiotichttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-biffamycin-a-glycopeptide-antibiotichttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-biffamycin-a-glycopeptide-antibioticWaking an unexpressed gene cluster in an environmental actinomycete produced a new antibiotic that also works against vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Marine Natural Product Chagosendine C Induces Copper-Dependent Cell Death and Curbs Colorectal Cancer: Mouse Studyhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-chagosendine-c-cuproptosis-fdx1-colorectalhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-chagosendine-c-cuproptosis-fdx1-colorectalA marine-derived alkaloid targeted the FDX1 protein to trigger cuproptosis and also overcame oxaliplatin resistance. Leukaemia Drug Homoharringtonine's Backbone Is Made at the Root Tip: 6 Enzymes Identifiedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-homoharringtonine-cephalotaxine-root-tip-biosynthesishttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-homoharringtonine-cephalotaxine-root-tip-biosynthesisThe biosynthetic pathway to the core scaffold of an anti-leukaemia drug once obtained from endangered plants of the genus Cephalotaxus has been nearly completed. Pattern-Based Genome Mining of Marine Actinomycetes Uncovers New Antibiotic 'Indanopyrrole A'https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-indanopyrrole-a-marine-streptomyces-mar4https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-indanopyrrole-a-marine-streptomyces-mar4Mining the genomes of the MAR4 lineage of Streptomyces isolated from the sea turned up a new class of halogenated, broad-spectrum antibiotics. New Antibiotic Lariocidin From Backyard Soil Bacteria Attacks a New Site on the Ribosomehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-lariocidin-lasso-peptide-ribosome-antibiotichttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-lariocidin-lasso-peptide-ribosome-antibioticA lasso-shaped peptide made by a soil bacterium blocks a new site on the bacterial ribosome and inhibited even resistant bacteria. A Full Year of Marine Natural Products Literature Reviewed: 1,256 New Compounds, With Analysis of AI's Rolehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-marine-natural-products-annual-review-1256https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-marine-natural-products-annual-review-1256This annual review organises 1,256 new compounds reported in one year from marine microbes, algae, sponges and more by source and activity. Vaccine Adjuvant QS-21 Fully Biosynthesised in Yeast by Transferring 38 Enzymes From 6 Organismshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-qs21-vaccine-adjuvant-yeast-biosynthesishttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-qs21-vaccine-adjuvant-yeast-biosynthesisThe saponin vaccine adjuvant QS-21, which depended on Chilean soapbark tree bark, was made from start to finish in genetically engineered yeast. First Total Synthesis of Spiroaspertrione A, a Fungal Natural Product That Restores MRSA Susceptibilityhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-spiroaspertrione-a-total-synthesis-mrsahttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-spiroaspertrione-a-total-synthesis-mrsaA meroterpenoid that could not be synthesised because of its dense polycyclic scaffold was completed through a divinylcyclopropane rearrangement. Enzyme TOT1 That Forms Paclitaxel's Oxetane Ring Identified; Baccatin III Produced in Tobaccohttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-taxus-tot1-baccatin-iii-reconstitutionhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nc-taxus-tot1-baccatin-iii-reconstitutionResearchers found the enzyme that makes the oxetane ring of the anticancer drug paclitaxel's skeleton and used it to make the precursor baccatin III in tobacco plants. Depression Patients' Brain 'Salience Network' Is 73% Larger on Average, Seen in Childhood Before Onsethttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-depression-salience-network-expansionhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-depression-salience-network-expansionIndividualised precision brain mapping showed that the frontostriatal salience network was markedly expanded in people with depression compared with healthy people. Hereditary Alzheimer's: Long-Term Antibody Removal of Amyloid Shows Signs of Delayed Onsethttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-gantenerumab-dian-tu-ole-onset-delayhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-gantenerumab-dian-tu-ole-onset-delayAmong carriers of familial Alzheimer's mutations, the group given gantenerumab for longer showed a trend towards lower risk of symptom progression. Colon Cells Detect Bacterial Flagellin and Send the Brain a 'Stop Eating' Signal: Mouse Studyhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-gut-neurobiotic-sense-flagellin-feedinghttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-gut-neurobiotic-sense-flagellin-feedingA circuit in mice was identified in which sensory cells in the colon detect flagellin from gut bacteria and reduce food intake through the vagus nerve. 6 Weeks of Ketogenic Diet for Treatment-Resistant Depression Lowers Depression Scores Slightly More Than a Control Diethttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-ketogenic-diet-treatment-resistant-depression-rcthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-ketogenic-diet-treatment-resistant-depression-rctIn a randomised trial in the U.K., the ketogenic diet lowered depression scores slightly more than a healthy control diet, but the clinical meaning was uncertain. Acetaminophen in Pregnancy: Association With Autism and ADHD Risk Disappears in Sibling Comparisonhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-prenatal-acetaminophen-sibling-no-autism-adhdhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-prenatal-acetaminophen-sibling-no-autism-adhdIn an analysis of 2.48 million Swedish children, no association was found between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders once sibling-control analysis was applied. Blood p-tau217 Test Matches Cerebrospinal Fluid Test in Accuracy for Identifying Alzheimer's Pathologyhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-ptau217-blood-test-matches-csfhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-ptau217-blood-test-matches-csfA plasma p-tau217 ratio test found Alzheimer's pathology as accurately as an FDA-cleared cerebrospinal fluid test and was better at identifying tau. Brain Waste Clearance Actually Drops 30% During Sleep, Mouse Study Challenges Prevailing Viewhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-sleep-brain-clearance-reduced-micehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-sleep-brain-clearance-reduced-miceMouse brains cleared less of an injected fluorescent tracer when asleep or anaesthetised than when awake. Older Adults With Active Social Lives Develop Dementia About 5 Years Later: 1,923 People Followedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-social-activity-dementia-onset-5-yearshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-social-activity-dementia-onset-5-yearsIn a Rush University cohort in the United States, the most socially active older adults were predicted to develop dementia about five years later than the least active. 5,000 to 7,500 Steps a Day Slow Tau Buildup and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults With Amyloidhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-steps-slow-tau-preclinical-alzheimerhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-steps-slow-tau-preclinical-alzheimerIn cognitively normal older adults with high amyloid levels, more steps were associated with slower tau accumulation and slower cognitive decline, an observational finding. Two Years of a Structured Lifestyle Program Raise Older Adults' Cognitive Scores More Than a Self-Guided Onehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-us-pointer-structured-lifestyle-cognitionhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ne-us-pointer-structured-lifestyle-cognitionIn a randomised trial of 2,111 older Americans, an intensive structured program produced a slightly larger gain in overall cognition. Common Belief to Quit Coffee Overturned: Group Drinking About 1 Cup a Day Had 39% Lower Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrencehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-decaf-trial-coffee-atrial-fibrillationhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-decaf-trial-coffee-atrial-fibrillationIn a randomised trial of 200 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent cardioversion, those who kept drinking coffee had fewer recurrences. Eating a 'Variety' of Flavonoids Linked to 6 to 20% Lower Risk of Death and Chronic Diseasehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-flavonoid-diversity-mortality-uk-biobankhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-flavonoid-diversity-mortality-uk-biobankPeople who ate a wide range of flavonoid-containing foods, such as tea, berries and apples, had a lower risk of death and major chronic diseases. Eight Diet Patterns Compared: Top Healthy-Eating-Index Group Has 1.86 Times the Odds of Healthy Ageinghttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-healthy-aging-8-diet-patterns-aheihttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-healthy-aging-8-diet-patterns-aheiIn more than 100,000 people followed for up to 30 years, those who adhered best to plant-centred diets were more likely to age healthily. Intermittent Fasting Works About as Well as Standard Calorie Restriction: Network Meta-Analysis of 99 Trialshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-intermittent-fasting-network-meta-99-rcthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-intermittent-fasting-network-meta-99-rctIntermittent fasting, such as time-restricted eating and alternate-day fasting, showed no large difference from daily calorie reduction in improving weight and metabolic markers. More Plant Protein in Midlife Linked to 38% Higher Odds of Healthy Ageing: 48,000 Womenhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-midlife-plant-protein-healthy-aging-nhshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-midlife-plant-protein-healthy-aging-nhsIn an analysis of a U.S. nurses cohort, protein intake in midlife, especially plant protein, was associated with health status in later life. Multivitamins Fail to Lower Risk of Death Even After Up to 27 Years of Follow-Up in 390,000 Peoplehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-multivitamin-no-mortality-benefit-390khttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-multivitamin-no-mortality-benefit-390kIn an analysis of 390,000 U.S. adults without chronic disease, no association was seen between taking multivitamins and a lower risk of death. Fish Oil in Haemodialysis Patients Cuts Cardiovascular Events 43%: 1,228-Person Placebo-Controlled Trialhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-pisces-fish-oil-hemodialysis-cv-eventshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-pisces-fish-oil-hemodialysis-cv-eventsIn a double-blind trial of dialysis patients, the group taking high-dose omega-3 fatty acid supplements had fewer major cardiovascular events than the placebo group. Switching to Potassium Salt Substitute Cuts Hypertension 40% in Older Adults With Normal Blood Pressure, With No Increase in Low Blood Pressurehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-salt-substitute-normotensive-elderly-decide-salthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-salt-substitute-normotensive-elderly-decide-saltIn a post hoc analysis of a randomised trial in Chinese nursing homes, the incidence of hypertension in older adults using the salt substitute was about half that of the regular salt group. Even on a Recommended Diet, Ultra-Processed Foods Halve Weight Loss: 8-Week Crossover Trialhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-upf-vs-minimally-processed-crossover-rcthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-upf-vs-minimally-processed-crossover-rctOf two diets that followed the same nutrition guidance, the minimally processed diet produced about twice the weight loss of the ultra-processed diet. Calcium and Vitamin D at 22 Years: Cancer Deaths Down 7%, Cardiovascular Deaths Up 6%, Total Deaths the Samehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-whi-calcium-vitamin-d-22-year-followuphttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2nu-whi-calcium-vitamin-d-22-year-followupIn long-term follow-up of a randomised trial of about 36,000 postmenopausal women, calcium and vitamin D supplementation had no effect on overall mortality. Even After Weight Loss, Fat Cells 'Remember' Obesity: An Epigenetic Clue to Yo-Yo Dietinghttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-adipose-epigenetic-memory-yoyohttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-adipose-epigenetic-memory-yoyoIn human and mouse adipose tissue, gene expression changes that arose during obesity remained after weight loss. High-Diabetes-Risk 'Cluster 5' Sees the Most Prediabetes Remission After Bariatric Surgeryhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-bariatric-surgery-prediabetes-subphenotypehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-bariatric-surgery-prediabetes-subphenotypeThe blood glucose benefit of bariatric surgery differed by Tübingen cluster, which groups people by metabolic characteristics. Diabetes Patients Who Had Metabolic Surgery Still Have HbA1c 1.1 Points Lower After 12 Yearshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-bariatric-surgery-t2d-12yr-armmshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-bariatric-surgery-t2d-12yr-armmsIn long-term follow-up of 262 participants from randomised trials, blood glucose control and remission rates stayed ahead in the surgery group. 828 Million Adults Worldwide Have Diabetes: 59% of Those Aged 30 and Older Go Untreatedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-global-diabetes-828-million-ncd-rischttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-global-diabetes-828-million-ncd-riscAn analysis pooling measured data on 141 million people found the burden of diabetes concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. Map of 175 Health Outcomes for GLP-1 Drugs: Lower Dementia and Addiction Risk, Higher Pancreatitishttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-glp1-ra-175-outcomes-va-cohorthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-glp1-ra-175-outcomes-va-cohortIn a veterans' diabetes cohort, the benefits and harms for more than 210,000 GLP-1 users were compared across 175 outcomes. Tracking 12,000 Signals in Insulin-Resistant Muscle: Exercise 'Primes' the Signalinghttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-insulin-resistance-muscle-phosphoproteome-mindy1https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-insulin-resistance-muscle-phosphoproteome-mindy1Analysing 114 muscle biopsies from 19 men pointed to MINDY1, a new protein that regulates insulin action. BMI Alone Can't Diagnose Obesity: New Diagnostic Criteria for 'Clinical Obesity' Proposedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-lancet-commission-clinical-obesityhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-lancet-commission-clinical-obesityA commission of 58 experts proposed dividing obesity into a 'disease' and a 'risk state' based on whether organ function is impaired. Oral GLP-1 Drug Orforglipron Is Non-Inferior to Insulin for Cardiovascular Safety in Phase 3https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-orforglipron-cv-safety-achieve4https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-orforglipron-cv-safety-achieve4Among 2,749 patients with type 2 diabetes at high cardiovascular risk, major cardiovascular events occurred at a rate similar to that with insulin glargine. Semaglutide for 72 Weeks: MASH Resolution in 62.9% vs 34.3% With Placebohttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-semaglutide-mash-essence-phase3https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-semaglutide-mash-essence-phase3In an interim analysis of 800 patients with stage 2 to 3 fibrosis steatohepatitis, liver tissue measures improved more than with placebo. Tirzepatide for 3 Years in People With Obesity and Prediabetes: Progression to Diabetes 1.3% vs 13.3%https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-tirzepatide-prediabetes-3yr-surmount1https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2ob-tirzepatide-prediabetes-3yr-surmount1In a 3-year analysis of a phase 3 trial, weight fell by up to 19.7% and progression to type 2 diabetes was much lower than with placebo. Microplastics Found in 58% of Carotid Artery Plaques, Linked to 4.5 Times the Risk of Cardiovascular Eventshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-carotid-plaque-microplastics-cv-events-nejmhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-carotid-plaque-microplastics-cv-events-nejmIn a follow-up of 257 carotid surgery patients, the group with plastics in their plaques had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and death. Microplastics in Postmortem Brain Tissue Up About 50% in 8 Years, 7 to 30 Times Higher Than in Liver and Kidneyhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-decedent-brain-microplastics-natmedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-decedent-brain-microplastics-natmedAutopsy samples showed higher plastic concentrations in the brain than in the liver or kidney, but the authors said they do not show a causal health effect. EFSA Keeps Aspartame ADI at 40 mg/kg, Finds 3 Sweeteners 'Safe at Current Use Levels'https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-efsa-aspartame-acesulfame-e962-adi-confirmedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-efsa-aspartame-acesulfame-e962-adi-confirmedThe European Food Safety Authority concluded that aspartame, acesulfame K and the salt of the two raise no safety concern at current uses and use levels. U.S. EPA Sets Tap Water Limit of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, First Legal Drinking Water Standard for PFAShttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-epa-pfas-drinking-water-mcl-4ppthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-epa-pfas-drinking-water-mcl-4pptThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalised its first legally enforceable tap water standards for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. FDA Revokes Food Dye Red No. 3: Cancer Evidence in Male Rats, 'Human Risk Not Shown'https://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-fda-revokes-red-no3-delaney-clausehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-fda-revokes-red-no3-delaney-clauseUnder the Delaney Clause, the U.S. FDA revoked authorisation for Red No. 3 in food and oral drugs. IARC Classifies Herbicides Atrazine and Alachlor as 'Probably Carcinogenic' Group 2Ahttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-iarc-atrazine-alachlor-group-2ahttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-iarc-atrazine-alachlor-group-2aThe International Agency for Research on Cancer classified two herbicides as Group 2A and the fungicide vinclozolin as Group 2B. This is a classification of the strength of evidence, not of the size of risk. IARC Classifies 3 Plastic Plasticisers, Phthalates, as 'Possibly Carcinogenic' Group 2Bhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-iarc-phthalates-bbzp-dbp-dinp-group-2bhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-iarc-phthalates-bbzp-dbp-dinp-group-2bBBzP, DBP and DINP were all placed in Group 2B, but the evidence for cancer in humans was 'inadequate' for all three. Validation of Blood Microplastics Measurement: Polyethylene and PVC Raise Concerns About False Positiveshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-py-gc-ms-blood-microplastics-validation-esthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-py-gc-ms-blood-microplastics-validation-estA validation study found that Py-GC-MS, widely used to analyse human samples, is not yet suitable for quantifying polyethylene and PVC in blood. All 16 Metals Detected in 30 Tampons, With Geometric Mean Lead of 120 ng/g; Absorption Not Confirmedhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-tampons-16-metals-lead-arsenic-envinthttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-tampons-16-metals-lead-arsenic-envintLead, cadmium, arsenic and other metals were measured in tampons from 14 brands, but whether they are actually absorbed by the body has not yet been confirmed. Higher Blood Levels of the Sweetener Xylitol Linked to 1.57 Times the Risk of Cardiovascular Events, Analysis of 3,306 Findshttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-xylitol-prothrombotic-mace-eurheartjhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/b2rg-xylitol-prothrombotic-mace-eurheartjObservational and experimental results suggest that the sugar alcohol sweetener xylitol raises platelet reactivity and is associated with cardiovascular event risk. New Macrolide 'Canalesolide A' From Marine Cyanobacterium Kills Sleeping Sickness Parasites Within 1 Hourhttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/canalesolide-a-okeania-antitrypanosomal-macrolidehttps://naturebio.pages.dev/au/news/canalesolide-a-okeania-antitrypanosomal-macrolideUC San Diego researchers found a new macrolide in Okeania sp., solved its stereostructure and confirmed nanomolar activity against trypanosomes.