Scientists discover a biological 'pencil' that improves health through nutrition

MedicalXpress | Jun 23, 2026

A new international clinical intervention study published in Clinical Nutrition reveals the molecular and transcriptomic mechanisms through which a dietary intervention may beneficially influence gene expression. The study, led by Prof. Iris Shai and Dr. Hila Zelicha Peer from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, in collaboration with researchers from Leipzig University, the Leipzig Center of Metabolism (LieCeM) and Harvard University, provides new evidence that specific plant-derived nutrients may function as an "epigenetic pencil"—shaping cellular health through nutrition.