A new study in Microbiome Research Reports shows that pea protein processing can influence gut microbiota composition. Dry-fractionated pea protein concentrates had broader effects than wet-extracted isolates, promoting beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium longum and Faecalibacterium duncaniae and modulating microbial community structure. These findings suggest pea protein concentrates may serve as functional ingredients to support a healthy gut.

This study investigates the association between liver fibrosis and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), highlighting the potential of combining non-invasive fibrosis scores with simple neurological assessments for DPN screening.

This multimodal MRI study shows that hepatic iron deposition, brain iron accumulation, and selective brain atrophy differ between hepatic-type (HWD) and neurological-type Wilson’s disease (NWD). Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and liver R₂^* measurements correlate with neurological severity and effectively distinguish NWD from HWD, highlighting iron dysregulation as a key contributor to disease heterogeneity.

A 4‑month‑old male infant who presented with left cryptorchidism and was ultimately diagnosed with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) with transverse testicular ectopia. Two novel mutations in the AMHR2 gene were identified.

Bacillus sp. CL14 produced proteases with diverse substrates using hydrolyzed feather meal, linseed flour and canola meal. The crude enzyme was successfully applied to hydrolyze the gelatin layer in waste X-ray films, which might be a cost-effective and eco-friendly strategy for silver recovery.

Mining a highly active α-1,2-fucosyltransferase and implementing a dual-module metabolic bypass knockout strategy combined with global regulation in engineered Escherichia coli, an efficient microbial accumulation platform of 2’-Fucosyllactose (11.02 g/L, 13.7-fold enhanced) was established.

Paving the Way for Sustainable Agriculture

A groundbreaking study reveals critical insights into using carbon-based materials for remediating heavy metal-contaminated paddy soils, offering a roadmap for sustainable agricultural practices in alignment with global carbon neutrality goals. With vast agricultural lands, particularly in China, facing cadmium (Cd) contamination, effective and environmentally conscious remediation strategies are paramount for food safety and human health. This research provides a comprehensive evaluation of two leading carbon-based amendments – biochar and peat – considering their environmental impacts, sustainability, and contributions to carbon sequestration throughout their life cycle.

A new study reveals that a simple combination of biochar and plant ash can restore soil health, reduce plant disease, and improve crop resilience by reshaping the hidden ecosystem around plant roots.