Disease: Diabetes

Galacto-Oligosaccharides Exert Bifidogenic Effects at Capsule-Compatible Ultra-Low Doses

This study tested whether tiny doses of a prebiotic called galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) could be effective when taken in capsule form instead of large sachets. Researchers used a specially designed laboratory system to simulate how these compounds work in the human gut. Even at the lowest dose tested (0.5 g), the GOS successfully increased beneficial gut bacteria and produced helpful compounds that support digestive health, while producing minimal gas.

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Prebiotic and Functional Fibers from Micro- and Macroalgae: Gut Microbiota Modulation, Health Benefits, and Food Applications

Seaweed and other algae contain special fibers called polysaccharides that act like fertilizer for beneficial bacteria in your gut. When these good bacteria ferment these algal fibers, they produce substances called short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health, boost immunity, and help control blood sugar and weight. These algae-based fibers are sustainable alternatives to synthetic prebiotics and can be added to foods and supplements.

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Establishment of a genetic transformation system for cordycipitoid fungus Cordyceps chanhua

Scientists have successfully developed a method to genetically modify Cordyceps chanhua, an important medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 1,600 years. By optimizing how they prepare fungal cells and introduce foreign genes, they created a reliable genetic transformation system that can be used to study which genes produce beneficial compounds in this mushroom. This breakthrough will help researchers understand and potentially enhance the medicinal properties of C. chanhua.

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Edible mushrooms as emerging biofactories for natural therapeutics and oral biopharmaceutical delivery

Mushrooms are emerging as natural medicine factories that can be genetically engineered to produce medications taken by mouth. Beyond their traditional use as health foods, scientists are now using advanced genetic techniques to program mushrooms to manufacture therapeutic proteins and vaccines. These engineered mushrooms can naturally package and protect these medications as they pass through the stomach, releasing them safely in the intestines for absorption. This approach offers a sustainable, affordable, and cold-chain-independent alternative to conventional injected medications.

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Psychotomimetic compensation versus sensitization

This paper proposes a new way to understand why drugs that can cause psychosis-like effects (such as psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine) can also help treat depression and anxiety. The authors suggest that these drugs trigger compensatory responses in the brain that temporarily help us cope with stress, similar to how a runner’s high feels good during exercise. However, if someone uses these drugs repeatedly or experiences chronic stress, they may become sensitized and more vulnerable to developing actual psychotic symptoms over time.

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Algal pigments: Therapeutic potential and food applications

Colorful algae contain powerful natural compounds that can help treat serious health problems like cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Scientists are using special nano-technology to deliver these algal compounds more effectively in medicines. Algae-based pigments like chlorophyll and carotenoids are already used in supplements and healthy foods to boost overall wellness. These compounds also help maintain a healthy gut and reduce inflammation in the body.

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Exploring the Potential of Fungal Biomass for Bisphenol A Removal in Aquatic Environments

Researchers discovered that mushroom fruiting bodies can effectively remove bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful plastic component, from water. Five mushroom species were particularly efficient, removing between 72-82% of BPA from solutions. The mushroom biomass works best at room temperature and neutral pH, can be reused multiple times after treatment with ethanol, and could potentially clean enormous volumes of contaminated water using small amounts of material.

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Prebiotics and Probiotics Supplementation in Pigs as a Model for Human Gut Health and Disease

Pigs are excellent models for studying human digestive health because their gut anatomy and function closely resemble humans. This review shows that prebiotics (special food compounds) and probiotics (beneficial bacteria) can improve gut health and strengthen the intestinal barrier in both healthy pigs and those with infections. These findings suggest that similar treatments might help prevent and treat digestive diseases in humans.

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Water Quality Degradation Due to Heavy Metal Contamination: Health Impacts and Eco-Friendly Approaches for Heavy Metal Remediation

Heavy metals from factories, farms, and waste contaminate our drinking water and cause serious health problems like kidney damage and cancer. Traditional chemical methods to clean this water are expensive and create more pollution. Scientists are discovering that certain bacteria and plant materials can remove heavy metals naturally and cheaply, offering a sustainable solution to protect public health.

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A Review of Novel Antioxidant Ergothioneine: Biosynthesis Pathways, Production, Function and Food Applications

Ergothioneine is a powerful natural antioxidant found mainly in mushrooms that protects cells from damage and may help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Currently, producing ergothioneine from mushrooms is expensive and slow, but scientists have developed faster fermentation methods using engineered microbes that could make it cheaper and more available. This compound can be added to foods and supplements to boost health benefits, and researchers are exploring its use beyond seafood to other food products like meat and baked goods.

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