Category: 8. Health

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) is an unpleasant condition to live with, affecting millions of people worldwide. Now a new study has identified what could be a key trigger for the condition – a trigger which could be targeted by future treatments.

An investigation on 108 people with and without IBS-D and related conditions has revealed a hormone called insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) is released when bile acids that aid digestion find themselves further along the digestive tract than usual, in the large intestine.

This shouldn’t happen, but when it does – due to certain conditions and gut malfunctions – more INSL5 gets produced, which causes diarrhea-like symptoms.

This is potentially responsible for around two out of every five cases of IBS-D, the researchers say, and may explain why a lot of existing drugs and strategies to combat IBS-D are ineffective.

Related: Surprising ‘Nocebo Effect’ Shows Gluten May Not Be The Problem in IBS

“When you go to the doctor with chronic diarrhea, they’ll likely test for food intolerances, rule out an infection or look for signs of inflammation,” says Chris Bannon, an endocrinologist at the University of Cambridge in the UK. “There has been significant research interest in the microbiome, but gut hormones have been neglected.”

“It’s becoming increasingly clear that gut hormones play an important role in things like gut health and weight management.”

The study included participants with bile acid diarrhea (BAD) as well as IBS-D, helping the researchers identify a link between these conditions, the differences between them, and the triggers responsible for them.

At the moment, BAD is difficult to diagnose and is often classed as IBS, and the researchers hope that being better able to spot it will lead to treatments that can more effectively target the underlying causes.

It’s also important to note that INSL5 is naturally produced by the body. Although it brings on diarrhea, it’s actually a sign of the body trying to protect itself: it detects that bile acids shouldn’t be in the colon, and flushes them out.

“It makes sense that you would have something that detects toxins and helps the body rid itself of them,” says Bannon. “But a problem develops if it’s always being triggered by bile acid, causing very dramatic symptoms.”

Studies using mouse models had found that INSL5 could cause diarrhea, but this is the first time researchers have been able to show the same processes in people, and in ways that are connected to two recognized conditions.

The next steps are to look at potential treatments targeting INSL5. Some IBS-D patients in previous studies showed improved symptoms when given the anti-sickness medicine ondansetron – a known INSL5 blocker – which may indicate one route forward, although it’s not yet clear why ondansetron works so well.

“This was a very exciting finding because it showed us that this hormone could be playing a big part in symptoms of this misunderstood condition,” says Bannon.

“It also meant it might allow us to develop a blood test to help diagnose bile acid diarrhea if INSL5 levels are only high in these individuals.”

The research has been published in Gut.

During Australia’s National Science Week in August, Hort Innovation has announced a new research project developing “plant vaccines” to protect Australia’s vegetables from viral diseases.  

The project, which is funded by the organisation and led by The University of Queensland (UQ), is a five-year initiative exploring how peptides – which are tiny biological molecules – can be used to prime plants to defend themselves against viruses, much like vaccines do in humans.  

The research team will use advanced plant molecular biology tools to identify promising peptide candidates and assess their ability to trigger broad immune responses in vegetable crops. In parallel, the project will also investigate beneficial bacteria from vegetable root systems that may act as natural defence primers.  

Brett Fifield, Hort Innovation CEO said the cutting-edge initiative is set to solve “real-world problems”. 

“The project is using advanced plant molecular biology to develop eco-friendly, scalable solutions for growers across the country,” he said. “We’re combining cutting-edge science with practical farming needs to create virus-resistant crops that don’t rely on chemicals. This is science in action, using biology to solve real-world problems, which is exactly the kind of innovation we celebrate during National Science Week.”  

UQ’s Mark Jackson added: “Just like people might get a flu shot to prepare their immune systems, we’re helping plants get ready for viral attacks using peptides. These molecules can prime the plant’s natural defences, so when a real virus shows up, the plant knows how to fight back”.  

However, unlike traditional vaccines that use weakened or dead viruses, this project is investigating peptide elicitors – molecules that simulate the presence of a virus without introducing any actual pathogen. These peptides trigger a “teaching effect,” helping plants build immunity before infection occurs.  

“Peptides are like keys that fit into the plant’s immune system locks,” Jackson said. “But finding the right key is complex, as there are many peptides and receptors, and only a perfect match will trigger the defence response. Our goal is to find generalist peptides that can protect against a wide range of viruses, offering a more holistic and scalable solution for growers.”  

The project will be focused on Queensland growing regions, where viruses like papaya ringspot virus and zucchini yellow mosaic virus are spread rapidly by insect carriers.   

“Importantly, this research will support reduced reliance on chemical treatments by offering growers practical, eco-friendly virus control options,” added Fifield. It will also enhance crop resilience and productivity, helping to future-proof farming systems against emerging viral threats.” 

Chinese researchers have developed an ingestible optoelectronic capsule that enables two-way communication between humans and engineered gut bacteria, which is a global first. The breakthrough, jointly achieved by teams from Tianjin University and Northwest A&F University, was published on July 28 in the journal Nature Microbiology.

The technology marks a major step forward in biomedical engineering, offering a new tool for real time monitoring of gut health and potential interventions for gastrointestinal diseases, the research team said.

With this system, humans cannot only remotely receive health signals from engineered bacteria but also send precise commands to them, enabling active regulation of gut microbiota.

“This is like creating an optical language between humans and gut microbes,” said Wang Hanjie, a professor at Tianjin University, who co-led the project with Professor Liu Duo. “It opens a path for precise diagnosis and dynamic treatment of diseases from within the body.”

The human gut hosts billions of microorganisms that influence everything from immunity to emotional well-being. However, due to the gut”s complex structure, observing and regulating these microbes in real time has always been challenging.

“Tackling this issue is like trying to detect and control fish in the deep ocean,” said Wang. Traditional methods, such as stool analysis, offer only indirect clues.

“It’s like picking up shells on a beach. Although it can provide some information about the deep sea, it cannot directly interact with the microorganisms within the gut,” added Liu.

The researchers turned to capsule technology, a field under exploration for over two decades, and combined it with genetic engineering. Their solution involved modifying gut bacteria to act as sensors and responders, while an ingestible capsule, equipped with light-based communication tools, serves as a mobile command unit inside the digestive tract.

The capsule uses light signals to communicate, a deliberate choice. “There are no natural light signals in the human gut,” explained Zhang Xinyu, a core member of the team. “That makes light a secure, coded language between the device and the bacteria.”

He further elaborated, “The electronic capsule acts as an ‘interpreter’, translating the bacteria’s optical language into readable signals for humans.”

Engineered bacteria are programmed to emit light upon detecting disease markers such as nitrate, an indicator of inflammation. The capsule’s photoelectric sensors convert this light into electrical signals, which are wirelessly transmitted to a mobile phone app via Bluetooth, Zhang said.

Conversely, the capsule also sends out preset light commands using built-in LEDs. The bacteria detect these through light-sensitive proteins and respond by performing specific functions, such as producing anti-inflammatory nanobodies.

To verify the system’s stability, researchers ran tests both in vitro and in live pigs.

“Higher bacterial luminescence led to stronger photocurrent signals from the capsule,” said the team, confirming the reliability of the signal conversion process.

In tests using a pig model of enteritis, the system proved its practical value. “The engineered bacteria could send early warnings one to two days before traditional stool testing methods,” said Liu. The team was also able to issue real time intervention commands remotely through the app, successfully alleviating inflammation.

“The capsule functions like a flexible ‘command boat’ deep inside the gut,” said Liu. “Our next goal is to tailor bacterial sensing to specific clinical needs.”

Professor Wang Hanjie added, “In the future, electronic capsules could serve as a digital smart platform, incorporating artificial intelligence and cloud data technologies to intelligently regulate microbial functions, offering new strategies for precise and dynamic disease diagnosis and treatment.”

Experts say the study represents a fundamental shift from passive observation of gut flora to active and remote control, offering a foundation for future digital diagnostics and treatment solutions.

Zang Yifan contributed to this story.

yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn

Brightly colored sea slugs could hold the key to tomorrow’s cancer treatments, with their diet-derived and self-made chemicals showing potent tumor-killing abilities.

​​​​​​​Review: Nudibranchs as Sources of Marine Natural Products with Antitumor Activity: A Comprehensive Review. ​​​​​​​Image Credit: Sakis Lazarides / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal Marine Drugs, researchers in Spain reviewed the bioactive potential of nudibranch-derived compounds, with emphasis on their antitumor properties.

Background

Cancer is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. In 2022, 20 million cancer diagnoses and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths were recorded. Moreover, 30% of premature deaths in people aged 30–69 were due to cancer. Thus, it is paramount to augment existing treatments or develop novel therapies. The search for new drugs has focused on natural resources, extending to oceans.

Marine organisms have adapted to extreme conditions, resulting in the production of secondary metabolites with high bioactivity. Besides, marine metabolites have more halogen atoms, longer carbon chains, and larger ring systems with fewer oxygen and more nitrogen atoms than terrestrial metabolites.

To date, more than twenty marine-derived drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, many for cancer treatment. However, these often face limitations such as drug resistance and a lack of selectivity, underscoring the need for continued bioprospecting. Nudibranchs are a group of marine gastropod mollusks with about 4,700 species.

Due to the lack of an external shell and other physical defenses, nudibranchs have unique chemical defense strategies, involving de novo synthesis of bioactive metabolites or accumulation and modification of toxins and secondary dietary compounds, which are often concentrated in accessible tissues like the mantle or dorsal extensions called cerata.

In the present study, researchers reviewed the potential of nudibranchs as a source of marine natural products with antitumor properties.

Nudibranchs and Their Antitumor Potential

Nudibranchs have emerged as promising candidates for novel pharmacological agents for cancer therapy. Studies have identified numerous secondary metabolites in nudibranchs that exhibit cytotoxic properties, with many showing antitumor potential. Alkaloids and terpenes, primarily diterpenoids and sesquiterpenes, are the major types of bioactive molecules in nudibranchs.

The review notes that many of these compounds are not made by the nudibranchs themselves but are sequestered from their diet, such as sponges, and sometimes chemically modified for their own defense.

A study demonstrated potent cytotoxic effects of methanol-dichloromethane extracts derived from Dolabella auricularia and Phyllidia varicosa against colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Another study reported lower cytotoxic effect of acetone extracts derived from Armina maculata, Armina tricolorata, and Armina tigrina against lung and stomach cancer cell lines.

Acetone extracts from Phyllidia coelestis have been purified to obtain bisabolane-type sesquiterpenoids such as 7-isocyano-7,8-dihydro-α-bisabolene, theonellin isothiocyanate, and 3-isocyanotheonellin. Notably, the paper highlights that structural analogs of these compounds were also found in the nudibranch’s sponge prey, Axinissa variabilis, strongly suggesting a dietary origin for these metabolites.

Studies have reported cytotoxicity of 3-isocyanotheonellin against lung, liver, CRC, and pancreatic cancer cell lines, and 7-isocyano-7,8-dihydro-α-bisabolene and theonellin isothiocyanate against one liver cancer cell line only.

Potent isoquinolinequinone alkaloids derived from Jorunna funebris have shown antitumor activity against various cancer cell lines. Examples include fennebricin A against leukemia and lung cancer cell lines, renieramycin M against CRC and lung cancer cell lines, and jorumycin against melanoma, lymphocytic leukemia, and lung cancer cell lines. These compounds belong to a class of aromatic alkaloids characterized by fused quinone and isoquinoline ring systems, often associated with DNA-interactive and pro-apoptotic activity.

In another example of compounds showing activity against hard-to-treat cancers, the paper mentions phorbazole alkaloids from Aldisa andersoni, which demonstrated cytotoxicity against several cell lines known to be resistant to pro-apoptotic stimuli.

Furthermore, tambjamines are the primary metabolites from Tambja brasiliensis and Tambja stegosauriformis. Tambjamine K has demonstrated antitumor activity in glioma and cervical cancer cell lines, though the review notes that some tambjamines also exhibit toxicity against non-tumor cells, highlighting the critical challenge of achieving selectivity.

Nudibranch morphological groups: cladobranch nudibranchs, including Nemesignis banyulensis (a) and Facelina vicina (b), and dorid nudibranchs, including Felimare picta (c,d).

A Reservoir of Defense: The Role of Egg Masses

The review also highlights that the brightly colored and exposed egg masses of some nudibranchs, such as Hexabranchus sanguineus, serve as concentrated reservoirs for defensive compounds. Molecules like ulapualides, isolated from these egg masses, have shown potent antitumor activity and may be easier to isolate in larger quantities compared to extracting them from the adult animals, offering another strategic avenue for drug discovery.

Mechanisms of Action of Nudibranch Derivatives

Research has unveiled several mechanisms of action contributing to the antitumor activity of nudibranch compounds. These include DNA damage induction, oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. A study reported that dendrodoristerol isolated from Dendrodoris fumata exhibits antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis in leukemia cells.

Further, another study showed that palmadorin M isolated from Austrodoris kerguelenensis inhibits the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (Erk1/2), Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), inducing apoptosis in leukemia cells. The methanol-dichloromethane extracts from P. varicosa and D. auricularia exhibit antitumor and anti-proliferative effects by inducing DNA damage, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in CRC cell lines.

A subsequent study reported that the D. auricularia extract had selective cytotoxicity against CRC cells and minimal impact on normal colon fibroblasts; the antitumor activity was mediated through the generation of ROS, inducing ER stress and activating unfolded protein response. The ROS-mediated ER stress resulted in G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis.

​​​​​​​Main mechanisms of action of nudibranch-derived molecules and extracts.

In addition, similar mechanisms of action were reported for KLM155, a toluhydroquinone (a hydroquinone derivative) derived from Leminda millecra, in an esophageal cancer cell line. Its antitumor activity was associated with cell cycle arrest in the G2 phase, ROS production, and apoptosis induction. In addition to antitumor activity, various nudibranch derivatives exhibit other biological activities. For instance, A. tigrina, A. tricolorata, and A. maculata extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory activity.

Echinoclerodane A, a diterpenoid from Hexabranchus sanguineus, has potent inhibitory effects on inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages. Besides, fennebricin A acts as an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Nudibranchs have also been recognized for antiparasitic and antimicrobial potential. For example, compounds with leishmanicidal and antibacterial activity have been isolated from Chromodoris willani and Doriprismatica stellata, respectively.

Concluding Remarks

Together, nudibranchs are a group of marine invertebrates with largely underexplored pharmacological and biological potential. The study has highlighted the remarkable antitumor activity of extracts and compounds derived from the limited number of nudibranchs studied to date.

Despite the promising findings, the review emphasizes that further research is needed to corroborate the clinical potential of nudibranch derivatives. More specifically, the paper suggests that future studies should focus not only on standardization of extraction methodologies and optimization of isolation and purification protocols, but also on several key areas. These include exploring the relatively unstudied cladobranch group of nudibranchs, which have different diets and may yield novel compounds; analyzing different anatomical parts of the organisms, such as the mantle versus the viscera; and investigating the microbiome associated with nudibranchs, as their symbiotic bacteria represent another significant source of bioactive molecules.

China has established a four-tier risk assessment system to enhance the nation”s early warning capabilities for infectious diseases, according to a guideline released by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration recently.

The trial regulation, which takes effect immediately, aims to tackle public health risks caused by various infectious diseases, including the nation’s 41 notifiable diseases, novel infectious illnesses and those with unknown causes.

Under the guideline, local disease control agencies are required to collect infectious disease monitoring information from multiple sources and carry out risk evaluations. The risk levels are classified into four tiers from extremely low risk to high risk.

An extremely low risk assessment only requires continuous implementation of regular monitoring, while a low-risk evaluation should prompt the release of health risk advisories to the public.

“A health risk advisory is supposed to include pathogenic and epidemic characteristics of the disease, typical clinical symptoms, recent monitoring results, key control and preventive measures,” it said. “Such an advisory should be scientific, clear, easy to understand and capable of being disseminated through various channels.”

With a medium-risk assessment, medical institutions and other related departments should take professional precautionary measures. Disease control authorities will consider issuing a warning, which is meant to be circulated across related government departments and healthcare institutions.

A warning will include information about the hazards of the disease, the range of affected areas, development trends and suggestions on personnel technical training, supplies preparation, case identification and reporting procedures, ventilation and disinfection at key venues and other preventive measures, the guideline said.

With a high-risk evaluation, disease control agencies should make reports to disease control authorities within two hours, who in turn will gather experts to further analyze and evaluate the severity of epidemic risk and determine if an alert should be issued by the regional government.

The guideline also requests encouraging and supporting the use of digital technologies to define warning thresholds, as well as calls for the establishment of an epidemic database and related algorithm model libraries to build a multi-trigger and smart early warning system.

It stresses providing necessary personnel, funding, equipment, infrastructure and policy support, as well as strengthening cross-department cooperation to facilitate early warning operations.

“The early warning information should be clear, accurate, authoritative and professional, and pay attention to protecting personal privacy,” it added.

China aims to build a highly-efficient infectious early warning mechanism featuring multi-trigger points and swift dissemination by 2030, positioning itself among world-leading ranks in the field of early detection, scientific assessment and prompt early warning of epidemics.

According to Lei Zhenglong, an official at the administration, China has carried out surveillance for the novel coronavirus, influenza and other acute respiratory diseases at 1,041 sentinel hospitals, covering all municipal-level regions and key counties.

Meanwhile, various monitoring channels, including vector organisms, urban sewage, global trends and public opinions, have been used to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of monitoring.

The central finance also invested funds in 2023 and 2024 to support the establishment of provincial-level information platforms, with Beijing, Tianjin and the provinces of Hubei and Zhejiang having completed initial construction.

As of the end of last year, about 71 percent of secondary or tertiary public hospitals had been equipped with smart surveillance and early warning software as part of efforts to use novel technologies to improve analysis and assessments of epidemic data, Lei said.

Scientists reveal how plant-based compounds and targeted workouts could work together to protect the brain, slow tumor progression, and improve life for people with gliomas.

Review: Polyphenol-Based Nutritional Strategies Combined With Exercise for Brain Function and Glioma Control: Focus on Epigenetic Modifications, Cognitive Function, Learning and Memory Processes. Image Credit: Lightspring / Shutterstock

In a recent review published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, researchers synthesized evidence on how dietary polyphenols combined with exercise influence epigenetic regulation, cognition, and glioma control, outlining practical applications.

Background

One in two people will face a brain-health challenge over their lifetime, through aging, stress, or disease, and for many, the blow lands on attention, memory, and mood. Gliomas, the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system (CNS), add a harsh edge: seizures, fatigue, and thinking changes that disrupt work and family life. Diet and movement are two levers within control. Plant polyphenols in tea, berries, and turmeric ease inflammation and oxidative stress; exercise builds brain resilience and quality of life. Emerging research hints that these tools work better together through epigenetic pathways. Further research must define who benefits, when, and how.

How Glioma Shapes Patient Lives

Gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the CNS. Modern classification goes beyond World Health Organization (WHO) histology by integrating molecular markers that forecast response and survival. Two standouts are isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation and combined loss of chromosomal arms 1p/19q (codeletion).

IDH mutations generate the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate, trigger wide epigenetic reprogramming, and are early events that generally predict better progression-free survival than wild-type disease. In contrast, IDH-wild-type glioblastoma often has a poorer outlook.

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations, together with IDH status and 1p/19q codeletion, further refine prognosis. “Triple-positive” lower-grade tumors tend to fare best, while tumors with only TERT mutations correlate with poor prognosis, especially in the absence of MGMT promoter methylation.

Meanwhile, O6-methylguanine-deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation predicts sensitivity to the alkylating agent temozolomide. These features explain why two people with the same histology can face very different journeys.

Why Pair Polyphenols with Exercise?

Dietary polyphenols, such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), modulate deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, histone marks, and noncoding ribonucleic acid (RNA), shifting gene programs linked to neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and gliomagenesis.

Quercetin and curcumin face significant bioavailability challenges, requiring nano-formulations or absorption enhancers like piperine for clinical efficacy. Exercise induces its own epigenetic remodeling, improves mitochondrial function, and up-regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a master switch for learning and memory.

Converging on these pathways, polyphenols and exercise together offer a plausible, non-pharmacological route to enhance cognition and restrain tumor signaling by restoring tumor-suppressor activity and attenuating oncogenic pathways; however, these synergies remain largely theoretical and preclinical. Put simply, food chemicals and movement nudge the same molecular dimmers that help brains learn, and tumors slow down.

Role of physical activity in cancer prevention and therapy. Engaging in regular physical exercise offers significant benefits in both the prevention and treatment of cancer. For individuals affected by cancer, exercise contributes in three major ways: It reduces the likelihood of developing cancer, enhances the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, and alleviates many of the adverse side effects associated with treatment. Mechanistically, the anticancer effects of physical activity are primarily attributed to its ability to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce programmed cell death (apoptosis), regulate tumor-related metabolic pathways, and enhance immune system function.

What Exercise Adds

Across ages, regular aerobic training improves executive function, memory, and mood; neuroimaging shows larger hippocampal volume and better cerebral blood flow. Resistance training at moderate-to-high intensity enhances visuospatial skills and working memory, likely via insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling and improved prefrontal perfusion.

Findings for combined (concurrent) programs are mixed but show significant cognitive improvements when integrated with cognitive tasks (e.g., dual-task training). Meta-analyses indicate moderate-duration, moderate-frequency programs can meaningfully increase global cognition, with pronounced effects in clinical and older populations.

Practical takeaways: moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g., brisk walking or cycling) 2–3 times per week for at least 30 minutes supports memory and executive function; resistance training two to three times weekly similarly aids cognitive performance and brain plasticity. These gains translate into real-life benefits, such as safer mobility, smoother medication management, and confidence to return to work or study.

Polyphenols as Epigenetic Signal Shapers

Resveratrol exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions and, in preclinical models, protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity; anthocyanin-rich blueberries have been linked with memory benefits in older adults. Curcumin can influence histone acetylation and DNA methylation by inhibiting histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferases.

The practical challenge is bioavailability. Combining curcumin with piperine or using nanoparticle formulations (e.g., nanocurcumin at 80 mg/kg in rodent studies, a dose from cited preclinical work, not a clinical recommendation) improves absorption and may enhance brain and tumor-microenvironment effects.

Together, such compounds are positioned to tune gene expression toward synaptic resilience while damping inflammatory and proliferative signaling relevant to glioma biology.

Where Diet Meets Movement

Mechanistically, both levers meet at epigenetic control points and inflammatory tone. Polyphenols can help restore tumor-suppressor gene activity and temper oncogenic signaling; exercise raises BDNF, enhances neuroplasticity, and remodels chromatin in learning-and-memory networks.

The integrated model predicts additive or even synergistic gains: clearer thinking and stronger memory through shared neurotrophic and chromatin effects, and a less permissive tumor microenvironment through stress-response and metabolic rebalancing, though these mechanisms are hypothesized and require clinical validation.

To test this rigorously, the field needs trials that pair specific polyphenols (for example, resveratrol, curcumin, or EGCG) with defined aerobic, resistance, or combined protocols; track cognition and tumor control; and embed epigenomic profiling to identify responders and optimal dose, timing, and formulation.

Personalization, Timing, and Feasibility in the Real World

Two pragmatic details help translation. First, timing: cognitive performance and training responses follow circadian rhythms. Aligning sessions with a person’s chronotype, often late-afternoon or early-evening peaks, can amplify benefits, while guarding sleep from late-night blue light (which disrupts melatonin and impairs next-day cognition) preserves next-day cognition.

Second, tailoring: dose, timing, and formulation govern polyphenol bioavailability; pairing intake with meals and using absorption enhancers where appropriate can matter.

Finally, programs should meet people where they are: prioritizing short, frequent bouts; home-based options; and professional supervision for those with fatigue or balance issues, recognizing that consistency and safety are critical in glioma patients.

Conclusions

This review concludes that lifestyle can function as an adjunct therapy for CNS tumors: polyphenol-rich nutrition plus structured exercise acts on epigenetic and neurotrophic pathways. Together, they modulate DNA/RNA programs, elevate BDNF, and render the glioma microenvironment less permissive. Heterogeneity across IDH status, MGMT promoter methylation, 1p/19q codeletion, and TERT promoter alterations implies variable responses, making personalization essential.

Future trials should standardize exercise dose, specify polyphenol type/formulation (e.g., EGCG or nanocurcumin), and integrate epigenomic and clinical outcomes. If validated, this dual strategy could convert everyday choices into measurable gains in memory, independence, and quality of life for people living with glioma. However, current evidence for combined polyphenol-exercise benefits remains preclinical.

Newswise — University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) researchers, along with their colleagues, engineered a new molecule that appears promising as an effective antidote for carbon monoxide poisoning with fewer side effects than other molecules currently being tested, according to a new study published in the journal PNAS.

Carbon monoxide poisoning accounts for 50,000 emergency room visits in the U.S. each year and causes about 1,500 deaths. These deaths may occur when carbon monoxide released from combustion builds up in an enclosed space, which can result from ventilation failures in indoor natural gas burning equipment, or running gasoline generators or automobiles indoors or in a closed garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also associated with most fires from smoke inhalation.

Currently, the only treatments for carbon monoxide poisoning are oxygen-based therapies, which help the body eliminate the toxic gas. However, even with treatment, nearly half of survivors suffer long-term heart and brain damage. This has created an urgent need for faster, more effective therapies.

In the new study, the research team developed a new engineered protein-based therapy called RcoM-HBD-CCC, which acts like a sponge to soak up carbon monoxide from the blood. Beginning with RcoM (short for “regulator of metabolism”)—a natural protein the bacterium Paraburkholderia xenovorans uses to sense minute levels of carbon monoxide—the researchers engineered a version that is highly selective: It grabs carbon monoxide without interfering with oxygen or other important molecules in the body.

In tests on mice, the new therapy worked quickly to remove carbon monoxide from red blood cells and was safely flushed out of the body through urine. “Unlike other protein-based treatments, we found the compound caused only minimal changes in blood pressure, which was an exciting finding and raised the potential for this new molecule to have clinical applications,” said study corresponding author Mark T. Gladwin, MD, Dean of UMSOM who is also the Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor. “This has the potential to become a rapid, intravenous antidote for carbon monoxide that could be given in the emergency department or even in the field by first-responders.”

How Carbon Monoxide Kills

In healthy bodies, oxygen inhaled from the air binds to the protein hemoglobin on the surface of red blood cells, which then ferry the oxygen to all the tissues of the body. Inhaled poisonous carbon monoxide gas, however, competes with oxygen for hemoglobin. It enters the bloodstream and binds to hemoglobin with a 200 to 400-fold greater affinity than oxygen. That means carbon monoxide hogs most of the hemoglobin seats, so not enough oxygen molecules can get a ride to the tissues that need them.

Currently, the only available treatments for carbon monoxide poisoning involve giving 100 percent pure oxygen, sometimes under pressure in a hyperbaric chamber.

All too often, patients are not transported, diagnosed, and treated in time to reverse the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause lasting cardiac and neurological injuries or even death.

“This molecule could be a game-changer because it can directly and rapidly remove carbon monoxide from the body with such a low risk of off-target side effects,” said Jason J. Rose, MD, MBA, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, and one of the study’s researchers. “Given the promising results, we also see the potential for RcoM-HBD-CCC use in other areas, like as a blood substitute in severe anemia or hemorrhagic shock.”

Bloodstream Scavengers

The research team focused on engineering carbon monoxide “scavengers,” which are proteins structurally similar to hemoglobin, known as hemoproteins, but exhibiting even greater binding affinity — stickiness — for carbon monoxide, and less affinity for binding oxygen.

Infused in the bloodstream, scavenger hemoproteins like RcoM-HBD-CCC rapidly bind to carbon monoxide molecules, reducing the time it takes to clear half of the carbon monoxide in the blood to less than a minute, compared to more than hour with pure oxygen therapy and five hours without any treatment. When carbon monoxide is cleared, this frees hemoglobin on red blood cells to begin carrying oxygen once again.

But many hemoproteins also share some affinity for binding oxygen, and can therefore also scavenge nitric oxide, a molecule important in regulating blood pressure. Infusions of hemoproteins or hemoglobin can reduce the levels of nitric oxide in the blood, leading to tightened blood vessels and a rapid rise in blood pressure. 

In this latest study, the researchers were surprised to find that RcoM-HBD-CCC did not result in an increase in blood pressure regardless of whether carbon monoxide was present in the blood. They theorize that while RcoM-HBD-CCC may scavenge nitric oxide, a blood-pressure regulating molecule, it may do so more slowly than other hemoproteins, leading to its safer profile.

Future studies will likely include more pre-clinical research to determine the safe and effective dosage range for RcoM-HBD-CCC in treating carbon monoxide poisoning. It could also form the basis for new research in other fields, including as an oxygen delivery therapy or blood substitute. This could include hemorrhagic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe anemias, and the preservation of organs for transplantation.

Dr. Rose and Dean Gladwin are co-founders and directors of Globin Solutions, which has licensed technology based on RcoM from the University of Pittsburgh towards the development of a CO poisoning antidote. Dr Rose is President and CEO of Globin Solutions. Globin Solutions has sponsored research agreements with UMB.

About the University of Maryland School of Medicine

The University of Maryland School of Medicine, established in 1807 as the first public medical school in the U.S., continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world. The School has nearly $500 million total research funding, 46 departments, centers, and institutes, more than 2,200 student trainees and over 3,000 faculty members, including notable members of the National Academy of Medicine.  As the largest public medical school in the DC/MD/VA region, faculty-physicians are working to help patients manage chronic diseases like obesity, cancer, heart disease and addiction, while also working on cutting-edge research to address the most critical generational health challenges. In 2024, the School ranked #12 among public medical schools and #27 among all medical schools for R&D expenditures by the National Science Foundation. With a $1.3 billion total operating budget, the School partners with the University of Maryland Medical Center to serve nearly 2 million patients annually. The School’s global reach extends around the world with research and treatment facilities in 33 countries. In Maryland, the School of Medicine is spearheading new initiatives in AI and health computing and partnering with the University of Maryland BioPark to develop new medical technologies and bioengineering ventures. For more information, visit medschool.umaryland.edu. 

Pigs on sow farms often die from various causes, including contagious diseases. An association between using rendering for dead animal disposal and higher risk or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) outbreaks has been reported in the literature. However, a detailed characterization of disposal practices and facilities used in the US is needed to understand and mitigate associated risks.

A study by I.A.D. Paploski and colleagues at the University of Minnesota, USA, aimed to characterize the facilities, structures and procedures for dead animal disposal on sow farms, as well as test if environmental samples collected in and around dead animal disposal structures contain detectable quantities of PRRSV and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). The results of the study were presented at the 2024 North American PRRS Symposium.

Ten standard operating procedures (SOPs) from different systems were obtained. Data from SOPs were categorized into sections: biosecurity, dead animal gathering space in the barn, removal from the barn, transport out of the barn, and final destination and used to create a questionnaire for on-site visits. Five farms with 2,000 to 5,000 sows on each from three systems were visited to apply the questionnaire and collect environmental samples for PRRSV and PEDV testing.

The SOPs varied significantly in detail, with the most comprehensive being 12 pages and the shortest having only 1 page containing 11 lines. Biosecurity measures were generally outlined but inconsistent, particularly regarding personnel roles. Dead animal gathering spaces were mentioned in most SOPs, often cleaned and disinfected, but methods varied.

Dead sow removal methods were usually detailed, while dead piglet removal and afterbirth were less consistently addressed. Transport methods of carcasses between the barn and the compost pile or rendering truck pick up site were done primarily using tractors or pickups and were cited in most SOPs, but cleaning protocols were often not mentioned.

Final disposal destinations were inconsistently mentioned. Farm visits revealed that dead animal removal was typically the last task of the day, regardless of PRRS status. Environmental conditions, especially wind direction, can be important if removal happens daily. Wildlife exposure to disposal areas was commonly reported.

Three finisher sites (all PRRSV positive, one PEDV positive) were visited and a total of 25 environmental samples were collected from roads, machines and structures involved in moving dead animals. All samples from one farm tested negative for PRRSV and PEDV by RT-PCR. From the remaining two farms, a total of 12 and 5 samples tested RT-PCR positive for PRRSV-2 and PEDV, respectively. Positive samples were found on dead animals, rendering boxes, skid loader buckets and nearby ground. One PRRSV isolate was obtained from a sample collected on the ground, while no viable PEDV was isolated.

Creating SOPs for dead animal removal on farms is challenging due to the need for specific yet adaptable instructions. SOPs should include detailed biosecurity protocols, procedures for removing dead animals and cleaning and disinfection guidelines.

This study shows that samples collected from or near rendering boxes can test positive for farm-specific viruses and may contain viable viruses. Positive samples on roads suggest potential PRRSV transmission pathways between farms. Further studies on different disposal methods, such as composting or incineration, are warranted to ensure effective biocontainment of viruses on farms.

Struggling to go No. 2? You’re not alone. In fact, the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases estimates that around 16% of the adult population struggles with constipation daily. The good news is there are proactive things you can do to ease your constipation woes without spending a fortune. 

Enter—simple food swaps! No, we’re not suggesting swapping cauliflower pizza crust for the real deal (though don’t knock that one until you try it). Rather, we’re encouraging you to explore the better-for-you alternatives for common snacks that pack a bit more nutritional bang per bite. Dietitians say the easiest high-fiber swap to help you poop is choosing air-popped popcorn in place of potato chips. 

Why Air-Popped Popcorn Is the #1 Swap

It’s High In Fiber 

Fiber is a key component of a diet that promotes regular bowel movements, and unfortunately, most Americans are falling short on eating enough of this nutrient. High sources of dietary fiber positively impact metabolic health and the microbiome. You see, popcorn contains resistant starch and serves as a prebiotic, providing food for the good gut bugs in your gut that keep your digestive system running smooth., Gut-health nutrition expert Jessie Wong, MAcc, RDN, LD, is also a popcorn advocate, sharing, “Popcorn is a whole-grain snack packed with insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to stool and helps food move more efficiently through the digestive tract. This promotes regularity and supports overall bowel health.” 

The best part—swapping 1-ounce of popcorn in place of 1-ounce of chips provides 3 additional grams of dietary fiber, inching you closer to the recommended 25 to 38 grams of fiber per day.,

It’s a Whole Grain 

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming at least 50% of your grains from whole grains sources. Whole grains contain the entire bran layer of the grain kernel, meaning they pack more fiber and other nutrients that other refined grains lack. In fact, dietitian Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, shares, “One serving of popcorn provides one-third of your daily whole grain needs, and 4 grams of dietary fiber.” Wong points out eating more whole grains routinely helps nourish your microbiome, “contributing to more predictable bowel movements.” 

It’s Filled with Polyphenols 

Popcorn contains compounds known as polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals–the “bad guys” that may cause harm to our health in the long run. Research has explored the health benefits of popcorn throughout the decades, concluding it has a positive influence on gut health thanks to its polyphenol activity specifically. Ehsani shares, “Popcorn’s polyphenols can help reduce inflammation in the gut and support the growth of healthy gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome results in better digestion and more regular bowel movements.”

It’s Low in Saturated Fat & Sugar 

The high fiber content of air-popped popcorn helps fill you up while delivering important vitamins and minerals with no saturated fat or added sugar. Research shows that people who struggle with constipation may have poor diet quality, such as high intakes of saturated fat and added sugar. Replacing foods high in these with better-for-you options, like popcorn or other high fiber foods, provides support for your microbiome and can ease constipation while promoting better digestion. Wong shares, “Air-popped popcorn is low in calories, but high in volume, providing a satisfying crunch and fullness without the heavy fats or additives often found in chips, making it a gut-friendly choice for snacking.”

Strategies for Better Digestion

Better gut health is possible, but it involves taking a close look at both diet and lifestyle.  Wong shares, “Bowel health isn’t just about eating more fiber — it’s about the whole picture. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and listening to your body’s natural cues are just as important as what’s on your plate.” Consider these dietitian-recommended tips for better digestion too.

• Move Your Body: Regular exercise is essential for better bowel health. Wong and Ehsani recommend consistent daily movement in whatever form feels enjoyable. Pick your favorite–a short walk, resistance exercise, or a swim all count. 
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout your day helps prevent dehydration, a common culprit in struggling to go number 2. Carry a large reusable water and make a goal to refill it with every mealtime, ensuring you’re constantly drinking throughout your day. 
• Eat probiotic rich foods: Probiotics help nourish a healthy gut and aid digestion, helping to keep your bowel movements regular. Consider adding more probiotic rich foods into your diet, like kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, or kombucha.
• Slow down. Being mindful as you eat is important, notes Braddock, as quickly consuming large volumes of food can disrupt your digestion. Consider taking some deep breaths before eating to help calm your nervous system and prepare to properly digest. 
• And yes, eat more fiber. Braddock recommends eating more high-fiber fruits and veggies routinely to find relief. She writes, “Raspberries are one of the highest fiber fruits per serving. Plus, eating two kiwis a day can help improve constipation and abdominal discomfort.”

Our Expert Take 

Smart foods swaps can help improve your gut health—in turn offering relief from constipation that may be weighing you down. While fruits and vegetables are natural choices to swap in for other less nutritious choices, they don’t always satisfy you the same way. That’s why nutrition experts recommend starting small with easy swaps that may be more satisfying, like trying air-popped popcorn in lieu of potato chips to get that same crunch with more fiber and antioxidants. Fiber is a key component to helping you poop, and every gram counts! Consider making a bowl of our EatingWell reader favorite, Cinnamon Popcorn, to nosh on when hunger strikes.

From kimchi to leafy greens, scientists uncover how mineral-rich diets, especially potassium, may help protect mental health across cultures.

Study: Mineral Intake and Depression: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study Based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in Korea and the United States. Image Credit: Yulia Furman / Shutterstock

In a recent article published in the journal Nutrients, researchers investigated the relationship between the intake of minerals such as calcium, zinc, and iron, and the incidence of depression among adults in the United States and Korea.

They found that Korean adults with higher intakes of potassium and sodium were less likely to experience depression, with phosphorus showing a borderline association, a finding similar to that of American adults with higher intakes of potassium and zinc, with iron showing borderline significance.

Background

Depression is a widespread mood disorder marked by persistent sadness and hopelessness, and is expected to become a major global health burden. In South Korea, about 5% of adults report depressive disorders, while in the U.S., over 17 million adults experience at least one major depressive episode each year.

Many affected individuals remain untreated, often due to stigma and reluctance to seek help, while high recurrence rates make management challenging. Nutrition has been increasingly linked to mental health, with deficiencies in minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and selenium associated with cognitive decline and psychiatric conditions.

However, the roles of sodium and potassium in depression have received little attention, despite their abundance in everyday diets. Sodium is mainly consumed as table salt, while potassium is found in a variety of foods.

Given the limited research and the potential for dietary guidance to improve mental health outcomes, this study aimed to comprehensively assess the association between seven dietary minerals and depression in Korean and American adults.

The comparison between these two culturally and nutritionally distinct populations could help identify shared and unique patterns, offering a foundation for future research and public health strategies in mental health nutrition.

About the Study

In this cross-sectional analysis, researchers utilized data from nationally representative health and nutrition surveys in both countries, employing multistage, stratified sampling. Korean adults aged 19 and above and American adults aged 18 and above who completed depression screening were included, excluding those who were pregnant, under depression treatment, or with missing key data.

The final sample included 12,996 Koreans and 9,547 Americans. People with a depression score of 10 or over were considered to be depressed. Dietary mineral intake (calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium) was estimated from 24-hour dietary recalls, using national food composition databases.

Covariates included demographics, socioeconomic factors, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle habits, comorbidities, and total energy intake. Associations between mineral intake and depression were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Survey-specific sampling weights ensured national representativeness.

Key Findings

In the Korean sample, 4.1% of 12,996 participants had depression, while in the American sample, 6.2% of 9,547 participants were affected.

In both countries, individuals with depression were more often female, had lower income and education levels, were more likely to live alone, and showed higher depression screening scores, smoking rates, diabetes prevalence, and comorbidity scores.

Regular exercise was less common in the U.S. depression group. Mineral intake was generally lower among those with depression, except for calcium, which did not follow this pattern.

Multivariable-adjusted analyses showed that in Korea, higher sodium and potassium intakes were significantly associated with lower odds of depression, with phosphorus showing borderline significance.

In the U.S., potassium and zinc were significantly associated, and iron showed borderline significance. Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that intakes below certain thresholds were linked to higher depression risk.

Subgroup analysis revealed population- and group-specific patterns: for example, sodium was protective among Korean men, potassium among older Americans, and zinc among non-obese Americans. Additional subgroup findings included significant associations for phosphorus among Korean females, potassium, iron, and zinc among U.S. males, and sodium among Koreans aged ≤65 years.

Some minerals were associated with depression in one sex or BMI category but not the other. Potassium was the only mineral consistently linked to lower depression risk in both countries, highlighting its potential universal relevance for mental health. Notably, magnesium and calcium showed no significant associations with depression in either population.

Conclusions

This study found inverse associations between certain minerals and depression, with patterns differing between Korea and the U.S. Potassium consistently showed protective effects in both populations, while sodium was significant in Korea, phosphorus showed borderline significance in Korea, and iron showed borderline significance, and zinc was substantial in the U.S.

These differences may reflect variations in average intake, dietary sources, and nutrient bioavailability, such as substantially higher sodium intake in Korea from fermented vegetables, soups, and stews, or greater bioavailable heme iron and zinc from red meat in the U.S.. In contrast, Korean diets feature more plant-based and seafood sources with lower nutrient bioavailability.

Strengths include large, nationally representative datasets from two culturally distinct countries, the examination of seven minerals, and subgroup analyses revealing demographic and lifestyle influences.

Limitations involve the cross-sectional design, preventing causal inference, possible reverse causation, reliance on 24-hour recall, which may be particularly inaccurate, especially due to depression-related memory impairment, and the use of self-reported depression measures that can be subject to bias.

Overall, the findings suggest that dietary mineral intake could be integrated into mental health strategies. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality and clarify mechanisms linking minerals to depression risk.