Latest news with #BiotechnologyandBiologicalSciencesResearchCouncil
Jordan News
28-07-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Healthy Juice Proven Effective in Lowering Blood Pressure in the Elderly - Jordan News
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter has found that a nitrate-rich juice may help reduce blood pressure in older adults, thanks to specific changes in their oral microbiome. اضافة اعلان The study suggests that dietary nitrates—primarily consumed through vegetables such as beetroot—are converted in the mouth into nitric oxide, a vital compound that helps regulate blood pressure and maintain vascular health, according to Russia Today. The study involved 75 participants: 39 younger adults under 30 and 36 older adults in their 60s and 70s. Participants consumed both a nitrate-rich beetroot juice and a placebo version, with washout periods in between. The researchers used gene sequencing techniques to analyze changes in the oral microbiome before and after each phase. Older participants drank two doses of concentrated beetroot juice daily for two weeks, resulting in a significant drop in their blood pressure. In contrast, the younger group saw no similar effect. Researchers attribute this difference to beetroot juice's ability to alter the bacterial balance in the mouth—reducing harmful bacteria like Prevotella and increasing beneficial ones like Neisseria. This healthier microbial environment improves the efficiency of nitrate conversion into nitric oxide. Professor Anni Vanhatalo, lead author of the study, explained: "As people age, their bodies produce less nitric oxide, contributing to higher blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. Encouraging older adults to consume nitrate-rich vegetables could offer substantial health benefits." Co-author Professor Andy Jones noted that the study opens new avenues for understanding how diet, lifestyle, and biological sex influence cardiovascular health. Dr. Lee Beniston of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council praised the study, highlighting its role in uncovering links between diet, the microbiome, and healthy aging. He emphasized the potential of nutrition to improve vascular health. It's worth noting that nitrate-rich alternatives are not limited to beetroot; spinach, arugula, fennel, celery, and kale are also excellent options for those seeking to enhance their health without relying solely on beetroot juice.
Cambrian News
26-07-2025
- Science
- Cambrian News
AI and biotechnology could transform global crop production
The work aligns with IBERS' strategic focus on resilient crops and was supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through its Resilient Crops programme, and by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of its AI for Net Zero initiative.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists exploring dementia follow gut instinct
Scientists are investigating the link between microbes found in the gut and dementia. More than 250 people have taken part in a study being carried out by specialists based in Norwich. Researchers at the Quadram Institute, and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, are looking at ways of slowing the progress of diseases such as dementia. They think gut microbes might play a key role in maintaining the health of the mind. "The study is investigating gut microbes and the role they may play in healthy ageing and, in particular, declining mental health and the risk of developing dementia," the centre explained in a online post. "Changes in gut microbe populations have been linked to many other conditions including obesity, cancer and Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease." Quadram Institute group leader Prof Simon Carding told the BBC that researchers were looking at ways of fighting diseases such as dementia. "We are interested in knowing if we can help slow or even maybe reverse some of the effects that cause or lead to, for example, dementia," he explained "And one area we are particularly interested in is the microbes that live in our gut. "We believe that they can play a key role in maintaining the health of, not just the body, but also the mind, mental health. "And that is through what we call gut brain access, which is a means by which the gut can communicate with the brain." A spokesman for the centre said about 280 people had been involved after it asked for volunteers aged over 60. Prof Carding said researchers were looking at ways gut microbes changed as people aged. He said volunteers were being studied over several years and the project was long-term. Similar studies had already been carried out on mice. Prof Carding said specialists might be able to combat change, and illness, by altering diets or transplanting new microbes from healthy donors He added: "I think there is real potential here to make an impact on some of the diseases that affect us with ageing." Funding had been provided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), he said. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Breast cancer and gut bacteria link investigated Project aims to turn city into food 'Silicon Valley' Life sciences groups to get almost £164m funding Quadram Institute
BBC News
29-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Norwich scientists explore link between dementia and gut microbes
Scientists are investigating the link between microbes found in the gut and than 250 people have taken part in a study being carried out by specialists based in at the Quadram Institute, and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, are looking at ways of slowing the progress of diseases such as think gut microbes might play a key role in maintaining the health of the mind. "The study is investigating gut microbes and the role they may play in healthy ageing and, in particular, declining mental health and the risk of developing dementia," the centre explained in a online post. "Changes in gut microbe populations have been linked to many other conditions including obesity, cancer and Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease." Quadram Institute group leader Prof Simon Carding told the BBC that researchers were looking at ways of fighting diseases such as dementia."We are interested in knowing if we can help slow or even maybe reverse some of the effects that cause or lead to, for example, dementia," he explained"And one area we are particularly interested in is the microbes that live in our gut."We believe that they can play a key role in maintaining the health of, not just the body, but also the mind, mental health."And that is through what we call gut brain access, which is a means by which the gut can communicate with the brain." A spokesman for the centre said about 280 people had been involved after it asked for volunteers aged over Carding said researchers were looking at ways gut microbes changed as people said volunteers were being studied over several years and the project was studies had already been carried out on Carding said specialists might be able to combat change, and illness, by altering diets or transplanting new microbes from healthy donorsHe added: "I think there is real potential here to make an impact on some of the diseases that affect us with ageing."Funding had been provided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), he said. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
