The study investigated serum concentrations of multiple elements and copper isotopic fractionation in healthy, anemic, and overweight or obese children, to give metallome profiles and evaluate the feasibility of these elements and δ⁶⁵Cu as a potential indicator with metallome comprehensively for early subclinical status. This study addresses two of the most prevalent and impactful pediatric health concerns globally, anemia and childhood overweight/obesity, through an innovative multi-elemental and isotopic lens.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center postdoctoral researcher Dr. Kaja Falkenhain has been selected to receive the Peter J. Reeds Early Career Investigator Award from the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), one of the highest honors recognizing emerging scientists in the field of nutrition.

 Researchers have uncovered the initial adaptive mechanisms of Bacillus velezensis C5 when exposed to polyethylene microplastics. Using comparative transcriptomics, the study revealed a robust, polymer‑specific transcriptional program distinct from general starvation or surface‑contact responses. Exposure to polyethylene triggered massive upregulation of genes involved in biofilm formation and sporulation, while genes associated with canonical degradation were not induced. The bacterium remained viable without growth, formed dense biofilms, and increased surface hydrophilicity but caused only subtle physicochemical changes to the plastic. This survival‑first strategy represents a critical initial phase that must be overcome to enable efficient biodegradation.

What if the plants growing in a field could one day produce the same proteins that give milk its nutrition, texture, and cheese-making properties? A new study brings that possibility a step closer by revealing an unexpected way plant seeds can manufacture and store one of milk's most important proteins. The discovery could help overcome a major hurdle in producing real dairy proteins without cows, paving the way for more sustainable dairy ingredients and alternative food production.

Natural plant compounds known as polyphenols, found in berries, tea, cocoa, coffee, and extra virgin olive oil, may positively influence biological processes linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders characterized by the gradual loss of nerve cells, according to a review by researchers at Semmelweis University. The analysis, published in Nutrients, suggests that these bioactive compounds may contribute to healthy brain aging.