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Rutgers Lipid Research Symposium Connects Scientists Across Disciplines to Advance Discovery
More than 100 researchers, industry scientists, and students gathered at the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health (IFNH) on November 6 for the 11th annual symposium of the Rutgers Center for Lipid Research (RCLR). Themed “Lipids in Physiology: From Membranes to Metabolism,” the symposium provided a forum for established and emerging investigators from […]
The Health Benefits of Stair Climbing
The benefits of stair climbing include a faster metabolism, improved fitness, lower glucose spikes, and healthier aging, especially after age 40.
Distracted Eating Linked to Higher Odds of Heart Risk Factors in Kids
A Brazilian study found eating with screens on was linked to higher odds of stacked heart and metabolism warning signs.
MitoRx Therapeutics Appoints Neil Anderson as Chief Business Officer
Neil joins from Novo Nordisk and brings more than 20 years of experience in business development and strategic transactionsAppointment strengthens MitoRx’s business development capabilities as the Company advances MTRX31 towards the clinic for metabolically unhealthy obesity Harwell Oxford, UK – 3 November 2026: MitoRx Therapeutics (“MitoRx”), a biotech company targeting the restoration of healthy mitochondrial metabolism in high-risk obesity, today announces the appointment of Neil Anderson, Ph
Real-World Weight Journeys: Exploring Health Experiences to Improve Care
(Feature Impact) A number on a scale tells only part of the story. Living well is also about having energy, feeling your best and enjoying a good quality of life. Yet each person’s path is different, and lifestyle changes, medicines and other approaches to managing weight can affect health in different ways. TNCMS.AdManager.render({region: 'fixed-big-ad-top-asset', slot: 1, fold: "above"}); No two weight-management journeys look the same. Some people are taking their first steps toward healthier habits. Others are balancing health conditions, caring for family members, coping with stress or exploring new treatment options. Along the way, they may find support that helps them succeed or encounter obstacles that make progress more difficult.These stories provide valuable insights into what it takes to improve health in everyday life.That’s the idea behind the American Heart Association’s Healthy Living BEYOND Weight Study. By learning directly from adults across the country, researchers aim to better understand the challenges, motivations and factors that shape weight and health outcomes over time. The goal is to generate insights that can help improve support, inform care and empower more people to live healthier lives.What Factors Influence WeightNearly 1 in 3 U.S. adults are overweight and 2 in 5 are obese, according to the National Institutes of Health. Weight is shaped by many factors, including:Genetics and hormonesAccess to healthy food, safe places to exercise and healthcareChronic stress and mental healthMedications and metabolismCommunity conditions, as where you live can influence your ability to live a healthy lifeHow Joining a Study Can Make a Difference Led by the American Heart Association, the Healthy Living BEYOND Weight Study is open to U.S. adults with a BMI of 25 or higher, including those who have tried lifestyle changes, weight-management medicines or weight-loss surgery. By sharing information about their health and daily lives, participants can help researchers better understand how to improve care.Interest in newer weight-loss medicines, such as GLP-1s, has grown rapidly. While these treatments are helping many people, researchers are still learning about their long-term effects and how they fit into everyday life. People who currently use or previously used a GLP-1 may be eligible to participate and help generate insights that could improve care for others.Reasons to Join This StudyBy joining this study, participants can help researchers better understand the long-term impact of treatments, identify what helps people succeed and uncover the challenges they face along the way. The information they share can help fill important gaps in research, shape better and more compassionate care and guide future health recommendations.According to the Pew Research Center, 31% of U.S. adults report they’re online “almost constantly.” The study is conducted entirely online, making participation convenient and easy. It can be completed from home on a schedule that works best for each participant.Consider these reasons to participate:Your story matters. By participating, you may help build knowledge that can improve care, guide health recommendations and help people live healthier lives.It’s easy. The study is conducted entirely online, making it simple to join and stay involved at your own pace.It’s safe and respectful. All data is collected with your informed consent, protected by privacy safeguards and handled according to rigorous ethical and scientific standards.You won’t be alone. Millions of people are navigating weight and health challenges. By sharing your journey, you can help researchers better understand what works, what support is needed and how to shape better and more compassionate care for others.Learn more and consider signing up at Heart.org/GoBeyond.Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
How does daylight saving time impact your health?
Sleep is impacted, as well as metabolism, mental health and vascular health.
How does daylight saving time impact your health?
Sleep is impacted, as well as metabolism, mental health and vascular health.
Postpartum recovery may influence long-term maternal aging and health
Jesse Poganik, PhD, of the Division of Genetics within the Department of Medicine at Mass General Brigham, is the senior author of a paper published in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, "The Postpartum Recovery Window as a Determinant of Maternal Aging." Stephen Albright, formerly of Mass General Brigham, is the lead author.
10X Health Launches Metabolism Genetic Test
A saliva-based test provides genetic insights to help inform personalized nutrition and weight-management plansSCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 10X Health, a leader in personalized health optimization and performance-driven wellness solutions, today announced the launch of its Metabolism Genetic Test. For individuals looking to optimize their wellness routines, 10X Health’s Metabolism Genetic Test gets at the root of why and how your body responds to food, exercise and appeti
Researchers Discover a Blood-Pressure Drug May Stimulate “Healthy” Brown Fat
Losartan, a drug commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, boosts brown adipose tissue or “brown fat” activity and enhances its metabolism, according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine, Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center researchers.
Scientists discover how deep sleep builds muscle, burns fat, and boosts the brain
Scientists have discovered a surprising two-way relationship between sleep and growth hormone, revealing how the brain carefully balances physical recovery with wakefulness. The findings could help explain why poor sleep harms metabolism and brain health, potentially opening the door to new treatments for sleep and neurological disorders.
Commonly prescribed blood-pressure drug may stimulate 'healthy' brown fat
Scientists have discovered that the drug losartan, commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, boosts brown adipose tissue activity in mice, enhancing their metabolism. This indicates that repurposing ...
A Former Seattle TV Anchor Had No Idea Anyone Would Listen to His Podcast. Now 100 Countries Do.
Mark Wright traded the Spokane and Seattle newsrooms for a podcast about weight and metabolism. The show now reaches 100 countries.
People Ate 2 Meals With The Same Calories And Macros. Scientists Watched As 1 Spiked Their Insulin Much More
Ultra-processed food impacts brain activity associated with rewards, as well as our metabolisms.
Leucine does more than build muscle. It powers up your cells
The essential amino acid leucine can boost cellular energy production by protecting key proteins on mitochondria from being destroyed. The discovery reveals a new connection between nutrition and metabolism that could eventually lead to new approaches for metabolic disorders and cancer.
Finding Alien Life on Enceladus Might Be Easier Than We Thought (If It Actually Exists)
Two studies suggest Saturn's icy moon could support an ancient form of metabolism.
The Habit You Should Start for Better Liver Health, Recommended By Experts
For liver health, experts say sit less! It promotes a healthy liver by building muscle, keeping you active and regulating metabolism and blood sugar.
BhSUN coordinates calcium signaling, microtubule organization, and hormone metabolism to drive directional fruit growth in wax gourd
Fruit shape determines market value in wax gourd (Benincasa hispida), but the genetic programs that make some fruits long and cylindrical while others turn out short and round have remained largely mysterious.
Israeli scientists find ‘multitasking’ gene controls mood and metabolism in mice
Weizmann Institute researchers find Orthopedia gene plays critical role throughout life after aiding in-utero brain development; study may help treatment of anxiety and metabolic disorders
Popular sweeteners may leave effects that last for generations
Two widely used zero-calorie sweeteners, sucralose and stevia, may have effects that linger far longer than the sweet taste itself. In mice, researchers found that both sweeteners altered the gut microbiome, reduced beneficial compounds produced by gut bacteria, and changed the activity of genes involved in metabolism and inflammation. Some of those changes were also detected in later generations that had never consumed the sweeteners themselves.
Dogs may hold surprising clues to human longevity
Dogs and humans may have more in common when it comes to aging than scientists realized. Researchers with the Dog Aging Project found that patterns of small molecules in dogs’ blood were linked to longer or shorter lifespans in remarkably similar ways to those seen in people. These metabolic “fingerprints” could offer clues about the biological processes that drive aging, including metabolism, inflammation, and cellular stress.
Too much or too little sleep may make your body age faster
Both too little and too much sleep may be linked to faster aging throughout the body. Researchers analyzing 23 biological aging clocks found the lowest aging levels among people sleeping about 6.4 to 7.8 hours per day. Short or long sleep was also associated with numerous conditions affecting the brain, heart, lungs, metabolism, and digestive system.
Less Inflammation, Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Science Says Drink a Glass of Orange Juice Every Day
Orange juice influences genes that control inflammation, blood pressure, metabolism, and blood sugar.
Life on Earth may have begun twice. A Science Advances study found that bacteria and archaea inherited one ancient genetic code but independently evolved the machinery needed to become free-living cells — leading the researchers to describe it as “one origin of the genetic code, but two origins of life.
The study proposes one inherited genetic system but two independent completions of cellular metabolism, not two unrelated acts of abiogenesis.
UT Health San Antonio study reveals how the liver’s internal clock may influence metabolism
Contact: Eileen Teves, 210-450-7239, tevese@uthscsa.edu Content provided by Claire Kowalick SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 12, 2026 — What if one of the keys to a healthier metabolism is understanding how and when the liver communicates with the rest of the body? Researchers at UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center of The University of Texas at […]
HOMETOWN HEALTH: Are you eating too much protein?
Researchers said a protein-restricted diet could improve metabolism and promote healthy aging.
Decoding the gut microbiome's symphony in health and disease
The trillions of microorganisms living in our intestine influence our health, from digestion and metabolism to immunity. Yet scientists still struggle to understand how these microbes shape these important physiological functions because gut microbiomes are extraordinarily complex, redundant, and dynamic. New technologies are therefore essential for advancing microbiome research. Researchers at the University of Vienna have now reported effective strategies for simultaneously measuring thousands
Eating less protein could slow aging, major review finds
A sweeping review of more than 350 studies suggests that the protein boom may be overselling what many people actually need. Eating less protein appears to improve metabolism, reduce inflammation and cellular damage, and activate pathways linked to healthier aging and longer life.
Eating less protein could slow aging, major review finds
A sweeping review of more than 350 studies suggests that the protein boom may be overselling what many people actually need. Eating less protein appears to improve metabolism, reduce inflammation and cellular damage, and activate pathways linked to healthier aging and longer life.
Study suggests eating less protein could be key to healthy aging for most adults
A new review has found that eating less protein, or less of certain amino acids that make up protein, may turn on body processes linked to healthier aging and metabolism.
These Microbes Removed 96% of Dissolved Uranium From Mine Water
The microbes don't exactly digest uranium, but their metabolism made it far less mobile.
Pythons' extreme biology may hold clues for treating human disease
These snakes can go for months without eating, grow and shrink the size of their hearts and jump start their metabolism on a dime.
Scientists finally solved the mystery of Earth's greatest mass extinction
Why do beaches today have seashells from clams and snails instead of brachiopods? A new study suggests the answer lies in Earth's greatest mass extinction, when warming oceans and falling oxygen levels wiped out animals that couldn't adapt. Species with body plans and metabolisms better suited to the changing conditions survived and went on to dominate the seas, offering a glimpse of how modern marine life could respond to climate change.
FSU sports scientist shares the keys to staying fit in your 40s
Staying fit can become more challenging as you enter your 40s, when natural biological changes begin to affect muscle mass, metabolism and more. A massive
Sugar substitutes are low in calories, but may disrupt your metabolism, study says
Artificial sweeteners also may increase risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, the research shows.
Capitol Hill Programming: The Power and Peril of Food: The Latest Science on Your Mood, Memory, Metabolism, Fertility, and Longevity
On Wednesday, July 29th, join Food Tank and Tufts University Food is Medicine Institute for the U.S. Capitol Hill Programming, “The Power and Peril of Food: The Latest Science on Your Mood, Memory, Metabolism, Fertility, and Longevity.”
Scientists discover the deep sleep circuit that builds muscle, burns fat, and boosts the brain
Researchers have identified the brain circuitry that links deep sleep with the release of growth hormone, revealing how the two regulate each other. The newly discovered feedback loop helps explain why poor sleep can interfere with growth, muscle repair, fat metabolism, and brain function. Understanding this system could pave the way for new therapies for sleep disorders and diseases tied to metabolism and the brain, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Scientists say they have built a cell from scratch for the first time
Scientists say they have built a cell from scratch for the first time that feeds, grows and replicates like a natural cell, a breakthrough in synthetic biology.
Efzimfotase alfa demonstrated improvements in bone health in treatment-naïve pediatric patients with hypophosphatasia achieving median difference of 1.67 vs placebo in RGI-C Score at week 25 in MULBERRY Phase III trial
Positive results from the MULBERRY Phase III trial showed that efzimfotase alfa (ALXN1850), an investigational enzyme replacement therapy, demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in bone health in children (2 to
Another look at carrots and eyesight; how to get more fiber; why mosquitoes bite some people and not others; plus other stories with Vanderbilt Health sources
AARP reporter Stacey Colino interviewed Milam Brantley, MD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, in 2020 for a story about whether eating carrots can improve vision. Sacramento Bee reporter Samantha Agate has now used Brantley’s comments in an AI-curated story created by content specialists on the same topic that has been picked up by MSN and others. Prevention magazine interviewed Heidi Silver, RD, PhD, Founding Director of the Vanderbilt Diet, Body Composition, and Human Metabolism Core, for a story about the importance of fiber and how people can get more of it in their diet. William Schaffner, MD, Professor of Preventive Medicine, was quoted by several news outlets about public health issues, including: Women’s Health (tick bites and alpha-gal syndrome); The Washington Post (tetanus); and Healthline (why mosquitoes prefer to bite some people and leave others alone). A visit to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt by some Banana Ball baseball players was covered by The Tennessean and WZTV Fox 17 News, and The Tennessean’s story was also picked up by Yahoo! Sports. Clarksville Now published a story written by the Montgomery County Economic Development Team, whointerviewed Bradley Stancombe, MD, professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Neonatology, about the new energy of Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital and how the facility is recruiting physicians. Healio Allergy/Asthma group editorial director Richard Gawel interviewed Mark Rolfsen, MD, Clinical Fellow in the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, for a story about his presentation at the American Thoracic Society meeting on metal health outcomes following ICU discharge. Nashville Scene reporter Hannah Herner interviewed James Crowe, MD, Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics, for a story about his efforts to prepare for the next pandemic by isolating antibodies that can neutralize dangerous viruses. Medscape reporter Kathleen Doheny interviewed Neesha Choma, Associate Chief of Staff of Vanderbilt University Hospital, for a story about how hospitals can reduce readmissions.
The first primates may have evolved in the cold, not the tropics
A surprising new study suggests the earliest primates didn't originate in tropical forests but in cold, dry parts of North America. Some may have even survived seasonal Arctic conditions by slowing their metabolism or hibernating. Researchers found that dramatic climate shifts, rather than warmth, played a major role in driving primate evolution and expansion. The discovery reshapes our understanding of how our own lineage began.
Good news for sweet tooths: Going sugar-free can mess with your gut and metabolism: study
ACC-AHA release first cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome guideline
Science shows the deep relationship between cardiac, kidney and metabolism issues that may impact up to 90% of the U.S. population.
ACC-AHA release first cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome guideline
Science shows the deep relationship between cardiac, kidney and metabolism issues that may impact up to 90% of the U.S. population.
Fathers may influence their children’s health before they’re even conceived
New WSU study demonstrates how a father's diet, metabolism and environmental exposures can influence the health of their future children.
Decoding the Complex Science of Obesity
GLP-1. GIP. Amylin. Incretins. Peptides. NuSH. It’s not hard to see why the language surrounding modern obesity research sometimes feels like an alphabet soup of scientific terms. But behind each is a growing understanding of how the body regulates hunger, metabolism, energy use, and weight. It’s shaping what we know about how those systems might contribute to obesity.
How to Improve Your Gut Health (and Why It’s So Important)
Almost 40% of Americans say their daily lives are affected by their bowel habits so Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author and a director of gut-brain research, joins TODAY to break down why gut health is so important. She explains how your gut is responsible for regulating metabolism, immune health, and mood, highlights signs to know if your gut is healthy, and shares ways to improve gut health like eating more fiber.
This new diabetes pill burns fat without the downsides of Ozempic
Scientists have developed an experimental diabetes and obesity pill that works in a completely different way from drugs like Ozempic. Rather than reducing hunger, it activates metabolism in skeletal muscle, helping lower blood sugar and increase fat burning while preserving muscle mass. Early clinical results suggest the treatment is safe and well tolerated.
Glyco Harmony Drops [URGENT REPORT 2026] GlycoHarmony Shocking Complete Scientific Breakdown of Benefits Everyone Is Talking
Explore the science behind Glyco Harmony. Get a detailed explanation of its ingredients, benefits, potential effects, and how the formula may support healthy glucose metabolism. Glyco Harmony Glyco Harmony New York City, NY, May 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As awareness of metabolic health continues to rise worldwide, consumers are increasingly searching for products that can help support healthy blood sugar levels, improve overall wellness, and complement healthy lifestyle choices. Learn what’s
Heart-healthy lipid profile benefits brain health in adolescents, study finds
A new Finnish study shows that blood markers of dysfunctional lipid metabolism are associated with poorer cognitive function in 15–17-year-olds. The findings are significant because brain development ...
Menopause health: Moving beyond hormones with metabolic interventions
While menopause’s major hormonal shifts are universally acknowledged, significant changes in women’s metabolic health at this time are frequently overlooked by traditional health care models. Digital wellness company Carrot’s AI platform Sprints is bridging this care gap with deeply personalized, data-driven lifestyle interventions for metabolism during this transition.
New AI body map reveals obesity’s hidden attack on facial nerves
Scientists have created an AI-powered system that can scan and map an entire mouse body in extraordinary detail — and it just uncovered a surprising new effect of obesity. Beyond disrupting metabolism, obesity appears to damage facial sensory nerves linked to touch and sensation, while also triggering widespread inflammation across the body.
Glycerol is a new ally for heat production and bone health
Nature Metabolism - The mechanisms controlling activation of the futile creatine cycle are unknown, calling into question its physiological relevance. In work recently published in Nature, Hussain,...
New study debunks the biggest fear about yo-yo dieting
For years, “yo-yo dieting” has been blamed for wrecking metabolism and causing lasting damage, but a major new review says the fear may be wildly overblown. After analyzing decades of studies in humans and animals, researchers found little convincing evidence that losing weight and regaining it actually causes long-term harm. While regaining weight can erase some health improvements, it doesn’t appear to make people worse off than before.
Two Johns Hopkins researchers elected to National Academy of Sciences
Ulrich Mueller, Erika Pearce recognized for their groundbreaking work on hearing loss and immune metabolism, respectively
Scientists discover hidden fat-burning switch that could strengthen bones
Scientists at McGill University have uncovered a hidden molecular “switch” that turns on a powerful calorie-burning system in brown fat — the body’s heat-generating fat linked to metabolism and weight control. The breakthrough centers on glycerol, a molecule released when fat is broken down in the cold, which activates an enzyme called TNAP and triggers an alternative heat-producing pathway that scientists had struggled to explain for years.
Scientists say this common sweetener may be quietly rewiring your metabolism
Researchers say fructose is not just “empty calories” — it may actively push the body toward fat storage and metabolic disease. A new review found that fructose affects the body differently from glucose, disrupting normal energy regulation and promoting processes linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular problems.
New Research Shows Vitamin B12 May Hold the Key to Healthy Aging
Vitamin B12 may shape metabolism and aging more than previously understood.
St. Jude researcher Hongbo Chi, PhD, elected to the National Academy of Sciences
Learn why the National Academy of Sciences elected St. Jude immunologist Hongbo Chi, PhD, a leader in immunology and immunometabolism, to their membership.
Surprising obesity discovery rewrites decades of fat metabolism science
A key protein involved in fat metabolism has been found to do more than scientists once thought. Instead of just releasing fat, it helps maintain healthy fat tissue and balance in the body. When it’s missing or disrupted, the results can be surprisingly harmful. This finding reshapes how researchers think about obesity and metabolic disease.
Scientists Discover a Surprising Reason Intermittent Fasting Extends Life
How the body efficiently shifts metabolism after fasting may be key to improving health, UTSW-led research suggests.
Warming waters are supercharging an invasive salmon predator in Alaska
As Alaska’s rivers warm, invasive northern pike are becoming noticeably more voracious. Scientists discovered that pike of all ages are eating more fish, with young pike increasing consumption by over 60%. Warmer water speeds up their metabolism, pushing them to hunt more. This growing appetite could spell trouble for struggling salmon populations.
Scientists discover natural hormone that reverses obesity
A hormone called FGF21 can reverse obesity in mice by activating a newly identified brain circuit tied to metabolism. Surprisingly, it works in the hindbrain—the same region targeted by GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy—but through a completely different mechanism. Instead of suppressing appetite, FGF21 ramps up the body’s energy burning. This insight could pave the way for more targeted weight-loss and liver disease treatments.
Scientists discover why bread can cause weight gain without extra calories
Bread and other carbohydrate staples may be doing more than just filling plates—they could be quietly reshaping metabolism. In a surprising twist, researchers found that mice strongly preferred carbs like bread, rice, and wheat, abandoning their regular diet entirely. Even without eating more calories, they gained weight and body fat, not because they overate, but because their bodies burned less energy.
7 Foods With the Most Thiamin for Heart and Brain Health
Vitamin B1, aka thiamin, supports energy metabolism and a healthy nervous system. Eat more of these thiamin-rich foods to up your intake.
Sharing her passion for science
By Danielle Rush Communications Specialist, Indiana University Kokomo Hisako Masuda, Indiana University Kokomo professor of biochemistry, was honored by the Indiana Academy of Science (IAS) as its 2026 Distinguished Scholar. The award is given to an individual who is recognized by the IAS as having an exceptional record of scholarship. Recipients are selected from nominations submitted to its awards committee. “I was surprised,” said Masuda, who joined IU Kokomo’s faculty in 2013. “I feel there are many good scientists in the Academy, so I wasn’t expecting it at all.” Patrick Motl, dean of the School of Sciences, said the Academy recognizes up to one member per year, and that Masuda is the second or third IU Kokomo faculty member to receive the commendation. “Clearly this speaks to the strength of Dr. Masuda’s accomplishments in research and scholarship and that her work stands out amongst her peers in Indiana,” said Motl, who received the award in 2019. “Many of the institutions that participate in the IAS are undergraduate institutions or primarily undergraduate institutions, but even having that caveat, Dr. Masuda has built and maintains a very active research program in her lab, working exclusively with undergraduates. She is passionate about science and can share that passion with her students. To carry on a quality research program with so many students involved in so many projects is truly remarkable and I am glad that the IAS acknowledged that for Dr. Masuda.” The IAS specifically commended her for involving more than 50 undergraduates in her research in bacterial metabolism, genomics, and their phenotypic plasticity at IU Kokomo, and publishing 23 articles with many student co-authors. Masuda’s current work primarily focuses on biodegradation and chemical repurposing of nylon. Using soil bacteria, her lab studies bacterial biodegradation of nylon and other environmental pollutants. She applies principles of green chemistry while developing a method to convert nylon waste into other nontoxic polymers. In collaborative work with health scientists, her lab investigates gut microbiomes of Indiana native birds as well as human subjects in a clinical study. She became interested in converting plastic waste while earning her Ph.D. at Rutgers University, working on methods to remove environmental waste not using chemicals or other intrusive methods. She learned about Nylon 11, which is used in pipes for transferring oil, interior components for cars, catheters, and in other industrial hard plastics. Nylon 11 is nontoxic, she added, so it is safe to include students in the research. “Those are considered to be nonbiodegradable, and have to go to a landfill,” she said. “I thought if we could come up with a way to biodegrade it, that would make some kind of impact.” Eventually, she wants to develop a product that would convert nylon waste to something useful, and to reduce waste and microplastics in the environment. “That would be my goal at some point, that we can make that change, and also make people more aware of their use of plastics,” she said. “I hope students stop to think about what we can do as scientists to address issues currently impacting us.” She appreciates the IAS for its support of scientific research at Indiana institutions, and IU Kokomo and the School of Sciences for providing funding for students to attend the Academy’s annual meeting. She added that IU Kokomo has also supported her research with funding from the School of Sciences and Academic Affairs. “Without that, I couldn’t do my research,” she said. Masuda has also earned a Senior Research Grant from the IAS, IU Kokomo’s Distinguished Research Award, and the IU Kokomo Junior Faculty Annual Research Award. She is a Fellow of the Indiana Academy of Science. Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.
Scientists Stunned: Colossal Eggs Discovered 3,500 Meters Beneath an Active Volcano
Beneath an active seafloor volcano off Vancouver Island, researchers have documented a congregation of giant eggs at roughly 3,500 meters, a discovery that reframes how life can flourish under extreme conditions. The eggs belong to the Pacific white skate, an elusive deep‑sea species adapted to cold, crushing pressure and perpetual darkness. What seemed an unlikely nursery is actually a geothermally warmed refuge, where subtle heat helps embryos survive a marathon incubation. The finding links volcanic energy to a quiet engine of biodiversity, turning a hostile landscape into an incubator. A living volcano, a hidden nursery The seamount long assumed dormant now exhales mineral‑rich, shimmering plumes, proof of hydrothermal life at depth. Expedition cameras swept across black basalt and pale bacterial mats, revealing vents that pulse with warmth. That warmth, though modest by human standards, alters the physics of development for cold‑adapted embryos. In a realm where metabolism creeps, even a few degrees can mean faster growth and higher survival. The volcano is not only active; it is ecologically formative, drafting a blueprint for a thriving oasis. Giant eggs and a skate built for the abyss The Pacific white skate, Bathyraja spinosissima, is built for the abyss: broad wings, armored spines, and a life history that trades speed for endurance. Females lay outsized, rectangular “mermaid’s purses,” often 46–50 centimeters long, packed with rich yolk to fuel years of growth. In the frigid deep, embryos can require around four years to hatch, a timeline that magnifies every energetic advantage. The scale is striking—large eggs, large adults, and a textbook case of deep‑sea gigantism. The volcano’s gentle heat may literally shave months or years from the wait. Why heat matters at the bottom of the sea Hydrothermal circulation delivers low‑level warmth without the turbulence that would scatter fragile egg‑cases. Slightly elevated temperatures accelerate enzyme kinetics, nudging development along while keeping embryos within a safe range. Mineral‑laden fluids likely shape local microbiomes, which, in turn, can influence biofilms on egg surfaces. The environment acts like a slow, steady incubator, countering the deep sea’s tyrannies of cold and scarcity. For a species with long maturation and few offspring, every incremental boost compounds across generations. An ecosystem sculpted by fire and water Seafloor volcanoes create steep environmental gradients, stitching together hot vents, cool eddies, and mineral gardens into mosaic habitats. Microbes harvest chemical energy, seeding food webs that support crustaceans, fishes, and skates. Cameras documented egg‑cases nestled among rocky ledges, near communities nourished by vent‑driven chemistry. These islands of productivity behave like deep‑sea oases, sustaining life far beyond the vent orifice’s flickering light. The nursery’s success underscores how geological forces engineer biological opportunity. “Finding a cradle of life tucked beneath a breathing volcano reminds us that the planet’s harshest places can be profoundly generous.” What the discovery could change The nursery reframes conservation priorities in regions where volcanism quietly underwrites reproduction. Protecting hydrothermal corridors could safeguard entire lifecycles, not just charismatic adults spotted during occasional surveys. It also sharpens questions about how climate‑driven shifts in ocean circulation might influence vent activity, temperature fields, and embryo survival. With methodical mapping, time‑series cameras, and environmental DNA, scientists can track whether nurseries remain stable or drift with geologic rhythms. Key implications include: Enhanced understanding of deep‑sea reproduction at hydrothermal sites. New conservation targets centered on geothermal nurseries. Comparative studies with other volcanic regions, from the Galápagos to rift zones. Biotechnological insights from organisms adapted to long, cold development. Better models of how seafloor heat shapes regional biodiversity. Methods behind the revelation Remotely operated vehicles threaded through chimney fields, gathering video, temperatures, and mineral signatures. High‑definition imagery captured the distinctive, horned egg cases, their edges dusted with fine volcanic silt. Geochemical profiles mapped how heat and chemicals disperse, outlining the “thermal lanes” where eggs most cluster. Combined, these datasets reveal a nursery organized by geothermal topography, with egg‑cases concentrated in pockets of gentle, sustained warmth. A fragile boon in a changing ocean Deep‑sea environments feel remote, yet they intersect with global pressures: mining proposals, cable routes, and shifting oxygen levels. The nursery’s resilience hinges on stable heat flow, intact substrates, and minimal disturbance from noise or sediment. Safeguarding such places is not just about protecting novelty; it preserves a slow, ancient strategy that lets large, long‑lived animals endure in the coldest reaches of the Pacific. Where geology and biology meet, the planet’s deep time still writes living stories. This volcano‑warmed nursery adds a vital chapter to that story, revealing how subtle thermal gifts can tip the scales toward life in the abyss. With each dive, researchers trace the contours of an unseen world, where fire feeds water, and water—against all odds—feeds the future.
Scientists say NAD+ could slow aging and fight Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
A global team of leading scientists is zeroing in on a tiny but powerful molecule that could reshape how we age. Known as NAD⁺, it plays a crucial role in keeping our cells energized, repairing DNA, and maintaining overall health—but its levels steadily decline over time, potentially fueling diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Researchers are now exploring ways to boost NAD⁺ using compounds like NR and NMN, with early studies hinting at improvements in memory, metabolism, and physical function.
31-Day HIIT & Walking Workout, Spring Recipes and Mindfulness Tips
It's time to give your health routine a refresh! These expert-backed strategies will boost your metabolism, mood and motivation.
Cellular mechanisms of brain lipid metabolism in health and disease
Nature Cell Biology - This Review discusses brain lipid metabolism from a cellular perspective, focusing on lipid uptake, de novo synthesis, storage, breakdown and intercellular transfer, and...
Oral bacteria may signal metabolic health and even contribute to obesity
It turns out your mouth may know more about your metabolism than your bathroom scale. New research shows that people with obesity host a distinct oral microbiome compared to individuals at a healthy weight. Rather than zeroing in on the gut microbiome, the study turns our attention to the mouth as a potential biological signal of metabolic health. It’s a shift that could challenge long-held assumptions about where obesity-related biomarkers can be measured.
Life may have started as sticky goo clinging to rocks
Life may have started in sticky, rock-hugging gels rather than inside cells. Researchers suggest these primitive, biofilm-like materials could trap and concentrate molecules, giving early chemistry a protected space to grow more complex. Within these gels, the first hints of metabolism and self-replication may have emerged.
Tea can improve your health and longevity, but how you drink it matters
Drinking tea, particularly green tea, is linked to better heart health, improved metabolism, and lower risks of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. It may also help protect the brain and preserve muscle strength as people age. However, processed teas—such as bottled and bubble varieties—often contain sugars and additives that may cancel out these benefits. Moderation and choosing freshly brewed tea appear key.
What is Hol+? Dr. Taz’s new holistic health hub explained
Learn how Hol+ blends functional, primary and lifestyle medicine to treat stress, hormone imbalance and metabolism for whole‑body wellness.
How Establishing Micro Habits Can Help You Achieve Health Goals
Micro habits are small, practical actions that can make a big difference and lead to significant improvements for your health. Dr. Taz Bhatia, host of the hol+ podcast, joins TODAY with ways to start building micro habits to enhance a healthy gut, nervous system and metabolism — in just three weeks.
This breakfast staple may be doing more for your heart than you think
New research suggests orange juice may support heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation and improving fat metabolism at the genetic level.
Scientists uncover a hidden switch that helps cancer cells thrive
A protein once thought to simply help cancer cells avoid death turns out to do much more. MCL1 actively drives cancer metabolism by controlling the powerful mTOR growth pathway, tying survival and energy use together. This insight explains why MCL1-targeting drugs can be effective—but also why they sometimes damage the heart. Researchers have now identified a way to reduce that risk, potentially unlocking safer cancer therapies.
Scientists Extract Metabolic Molecules From Million-Year-Old Fossils for the First Time
Fossils can reveal far more than the shapes of ancient creatures. Molecules preserved inside old animal bones provide clues about past diseases, what those animals ate, and the climates they lived in. For the first time, researchers have examined metabolism-related molecules preserved in fossiliz
The worst ultra-processed foods for metabolic health | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Metabolism is the “biological machinery” that helps keep the body running efficiently, and it won’t run well without the right mix of fuel.
The Sunshine Hormone’s Second Act: Why Science is Rethinking Vitamin D
New research reclassifies Vitamin D from a bone-health nutrient to a systemic steroid hormone, challenging public health guidelines. This deep dive explores the conflict between clinical trials and molecular biology, the potential for cancer and autoimmune prevention, and the future of personalized supplementation based on genetic metabolism.
Scientists find a hidden obesity trigger in soybean oil
Researchers at UC Riverside have uncovered why soybean oil, one of America's most widely consumed ingredients, drives significant weight gain—at least in mice. The findings point not to the oil itself but to the fat-derived molecules it produces inside the body, called oxylipins, which can trigger inflammation, alter liver function, and influence genes tied to metabolism.