Science Trends

A dietary swap that could lengthen your life? Swapping butter for plant-based oils could trim your risk of early death by 17%, according to a new study. “Even cutting back butter a little and incorporating more plant-based oils into your daily diet can have meaningful long-term health benefits.”  -Daniel Wang, Brigham and Women’s A study from Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute found that replacing butter with plant-based oils like soybean, canola, and olive oil could reduce the risk of premature death by up to 17% . Analyzing data from over 200,000 participants tracked for 30+ years, the research showed that higher butter consumption was linked to a 15% increased risk of death, particularly from cancer and cardiovascular disease, while greater use of plant-based oils was associated with a 16% lower risk. Published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study highlights that swapping just 10 grams of butter daily with plant oils could ...

Abstract : The Lewis blood grouping system, like the ABO system, plays a crucial role in shaping the human gut microbiome through genetically determined fucosylated glycans expressed on mucosal surfaces. These glycans act as microbial binding sites and nutrient sources, influencing the colonization and composition of gut bacteria. Secretor status, governed by FUT2 and FUT3 genes, determines the presence of Lewis antigens, which affects microbial diversity, immune interactions, and susceptibility to infections and inflammatory diseases. This abstract explores how host genetics, particularly the Lewis and ABO blood group systems, contribute to the dynamic and evolving relationship between humans and their gut microbiota.

  🩸 Is Blood Sterile?  -A Microbiologist’s  Take on the Pristine River Within Have you ever wondered what's really flowing through your veins besides red cells and life itself? We often hear how blood carries oxygen, nutrients, and hormones — but what about bacteria or viruses? Could they be cruising through your bloodstream too? Let’s uncover the mystery:  Is blood sterile? 🧬 Abstract Yes, blood is normally sterile — meaning that under healthy conditions, it does not contain any microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Healthy blood = sterile Microbes in blood = potential medical emergency 🔬 Why Is Blood Normally Sterile? Under normal, healthy conditions, blood is completely sterile. This means it doesn't contain any bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Your body is built to keep the bloodstream a super-secure, clean highway — no trespassers allowed. Blood travels everywhere — your brain, heart, kidneys, even your toes. A single microbe could hitchhike its way...