Recent scientific findings on blood analysis in nutrition and oncology

Researchers from University College London and Imperial College London have identified specific molecular signatures in blood that are linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The study, published on November 4, 2026, in the journal BMC Medicine, analyzed 233 metabolites in over 6,000 adults monitored for up to 20 years. Using machine learning, scientists found that high consumption of processed foods correlates with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids and HDL cholesterol, along with higher triglyceride levels.

In a separate medical development, researchers analyzed blood samples from 77 men with castration-resistant prostate cancer participating in the TRAP clinical trial. Published in JAMA Network Open, the study found that the presence of tumor DNA in the blood prior to targeted radiotherapy is associated with a significantly shorter period of disease progression. While this suggests the potential for more personalized therapeutic decisions, experts note that the test is not yet ready for standard daily clinical practice.