Credit: iStock/VectorMine The gut microbiota in our body produces various substances called metabolites. One of those metabolites is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These are the compounds our digestive system produces when dietary fiber that we can’t digest ferments in the gut. Acetate, butyrate and propionate are some of the major SCFAs. SCFAs are important biofuels … Continue reading Spotlight On: Short-chain Fatty Acids
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Spotlight On: Parkinson’s Disease
Credit: iStock/Devonyu Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects how the brain controls movement. It develops gradually, often beginning with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. The condition was first described in 1817 by the British physician James Parkinson. Today it is recognized as one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, … Continue reading Spotlight On: Parkinson’s Disease
Spotlight On: Metastasis
Credit: iStock/Ekaterina79 Cancer is a scary experience. You may have heard the term “metastasis” in relation to cancer that can spark more worry. You might not understand exactly what metastasis is. It’s the spread of cancer, from its original site,—such as when breast cancer spreads to the lungs or the brain. Read on to learn … Continue reading Spotlight On: Metastasis
Spotlight On: Statins
Credit: iStock/designer491 Heart disease remains the No. 1 killer in America, taking more lives per year than cancer and accidents combined. That’s frightening, but there is cause for optimism. For decades, statin drugs have been the gold standard in cholesterol management. Statins block the liver enzyme responsible for producing cholesterol, lower “bad” LDL levels by … Continue reading Spotlight On: Statins
Spotlight On: Autoimmune Disease
Credit: iStock/mohd izzuan Your immune system is a powerful defense network that protects you from harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses (called pathogens). The immune system helps your body identify foreign substances called antigens that may harm you and launches an attack to neutralize them. You need this complex system for survival—but what happens … Continue reading Spotlight On: Autoimmune Disease
Spotlight On: Taste
Credit: iStock/Antonio_Diaz Imagine taking a bite of one of your favorite foods. During this moment you are engaging all five primary senses. You see the food, feel the texture and smell the aroma. Perhaps you hear the sizzle as it cooks or the crunch as you bite. But chiefly amongst these experiences, you are tasting … Continue reading Spotlight On: Taste
Spotlight On: Breast Cancer
Credit: iStock/tunpungato Breast cancer is the most diagnosed invasive tumor type in women. One in 8 women living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Men can also get breast cancer, but the number of cases is much smaller. How does breast cancer begin? Breast cancer begins when breast cells … Continue reading Spotlight On: Breast Cancer
Spotlight On: Epigenetics
Credit: iStock/DariaRen For many years scientists tried to understand how a fertilized egg develops into a multicellular organism with specialized cells. Even though cells in our body share the same set of genes, some cells have “learned” how to perform special functions. Our muscle cells somehow fill themselves with muscle proteins called myosin and actin … Continue reading Spotlight On: Epigenetics
Spotlight On: Coronary Artery Disease
Credit: iStock/Michail_Petrov-96 Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease. CAD affects 1 in 20 adults. When the vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood and vital nutrients (called coronary arteries) become narrowed or obstructed over time, this is referred to as coronary artery disease. The narrowing of vessels is … Continue reading Spotlight On: Coronary Artery Disease
Spotlight On: The Vagus Nerve
Credit: Yoko Wang In recent years, the vagus nerve has become more well-known than ever before, as it has become a golden target for many chronic disease therapies. What is the vagus nerve? And what does it do, and why is it so important to our health? For centuries, the vagus nerve (also called the … Continue reading Spotlight On: The Vagus Nerve