Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

This month, we’re focusing on nutrition and the powerful role it plays in our lives. Here, we’ll share the latest research on how nutrients affect the body and brain, how scientists investigate diet and health, what these findings may mean for building healthier habits, and more.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 21-Jun-2026 08:16 ET (21-Jun-2026 12:16 GMT/UTC)

26-Feb-2026

 

Some infant formula fats may contribute to early liver disease, study finds

Virginia Tech
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research helps explain how steatotic liver disease can appear in babies — and the role early nutrition may play.

26-Feb-2026

 

Starving cancer: Nutrient deprivation effects on synovial sarcoma

Osaka Metropolitan University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers examined the effects of V9302 and glutamine deprivation on HS-SY-II cells and synovial sarcoma tissue samples to test a potential new therapeutic target for synovial sarcoma.

Journal

Cancers

Funder

Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi, Vietnam, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Osaka Cancer Society, Japan Society of Clinical Oncology, Kobayashi Foundation for Cancer Research

25-Feb-2026

 

Beyond a single genome: Mapping structural variation in papaya

Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a globally important tropical fruit valued for its nutrition and medicinal properties, yet its genetic diversity has been incompletely understood.

Journal

Horticulture Research

25-Feb-2026

6 in 10 US women projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease by 2050

American Heart Association
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Over the next 25 years, the number of women living with cardiovascular disease is expected to rise sharply, as nearly 60% of women in the U.S. could have high blood pressure by 2050, up from about 5 in 10 previously reported for 2020, according to projections outlined in a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association.

Journal

Circulation

24-Feb-2026

 

Why do female caribou have antlers?

University of Cincinnati
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that female caribou feed extensively on shed antlers they find while grazing to supplement their diet with important minerals they need to raise calves. This could explain why female caribou, unique among deer, have antlers.

Journal

Ecology and Evolution

Funder

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Geographic Society, Animal Welfare Institute, UC Office of Research

24-Feb-2026

New research finds peanut butter consumption builds muscle power in older adults

The Peanut Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A clinical trial by researchers at Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) in Melbourne, Australia, found that a daily serving of peanut butter significantly boosted muscle power in older adults. The findings were recently published in the international peer-reviewed Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle (JCSM).

Journal

Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle

23-Feb-2026

Osteoporosis drug shows potential against diseases caused by excess iron

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a preliminary study conducted on human cells, two commonly used osteoporosis drugs bound to excess iron, preventing cell damage.

Journal

BioMetals

Funder

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo