Study reveals how disordered proteins function without stable structure

A new LMU study shows how proteins function reliably even without a stable 3D structure – and the crucial importance not only of short sequence motifs, but also of the chemical characteristics. Many proteins do not only consist of stably folded components. They also contain flexible parts known as intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), which do … Read more

BSO mimics anti-obesity effects without causing bone loss in mice

A new research paper was published in Volume 18 of Aging-US on March 2, 2026, titled “D, L-Buthionine-(S, R)-sulfoximine recapitulates the anti-obesity effects of sulfur amino acid restriction without the associated deleterious effects on bone in male mice.” Led by Naidu B. Ommi from the Orentreich Foundation for the Advancement of Science – with corresponding author Sailendra N. Nichenametla from … Read more

Adding three simple amino acids boosts mRNA and CRISPR delivery

Lipid nanoparticles, or LNPs, best known as the delivery vehicle for the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines received by billions of people, are now at the center of a much larger medical revolution. Researchers are racing to use them to ferry therapeutic mRNA into cells for cancer therapies and treatments for inflammatory diseases, as well as delivering … Read more

Higher tyrosine levels linked to shorter lifespan in major UK Biobank analysis

A large genetic analysis suggests that one amino acid linked to protein metabolism could influence how long we live, with potential sex-specific effects that challenge assumptions about diet and longevity. Study: The role of phenylalanine and tyrosine in longevity: a cohort and Mendelian randomization study. Image Credit: Oleg Troino / Shutterstock In a recent study … Read more

Five mutation patterns shape how cancers evade immunity

Cancer cells carry thousands of mutations, but not all mutations are created equal. Some make tumors highly visible to the immune system, while others help cancers hide. In this study, researchers have discovered that across thousands of human cancers, there are five dominant patterns of protein-altering mutations – called amino acid substitution signatures – and … Read more

Aging brains struggle to recycle synaptic proteins

As we age, we begin to lose the connections that wire up our brains-and neuroscientists aren’t sure why.  It is increasingly clear, though, that the loss of synapses-the flexible and adaptive relay stations central to our brains’ ability to think, learn, and remember-is central to the rise of cognitive decline and dementia in old age. … Read more

Lower hinge of immunoglobulin G acts as a critical immune control hub

The lower hinge of immunoglobulin G (IgG), an overlooked part of the antibody, acts as a structural and functional control hub, according to a study by researchers at Science Tokyo. Deleting a single amino acid in this region transforms a full-length antibody into a stable half-IgG1 molecule with altered immune activity. The findings provide a … Read more

Algae may help meet future protein demand without straining the planet

From high-quality protein to omega-3s and antioxidants, algae emerge as a promising but carefully qualified solution for future nutrition and sustainability challenges. Spirulina sp. blue-green algae under microscopic view x100. Image Credit: Elif Bayraktar / Shutterstock. Study: Algae and Algal Protein in Human Nutrition: A Narrative Review of Health Outcomes from Clinical Studies In a … Read more

Scientists boost black cabbage’s health benefits with targeted fermentation

Innovative fermentation methods reveal how pressed black cabbage, enriched with yeast or bacteria, delivers superior health benefits and flavor, opening new possibilities for functional foods. Study: Innovative approaches for the fermentation of black cabbage with improved nutritional and health-promoting traits. Image Credit: Robyn-May / Shutterstock In a recent article published in the journal LWT – Food Science … Read more

BSO drug mimics anti-obesity effects of difficult sulfur amino acid restricted diet

A new research paper was published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4, on April 7, 2025, titled “Pharmacological recapitulation of the lean phenotype induced by the lifespan-extending sulfur amino acid-restricted diet.” In this study, the research team, led by first author Naidu B. Ommi and corresponding author Sailendra N. Nichenametla from the Orentreich Foundation for the Advancement … Read more