{
  "id": 7811765,
  "title": "Pufferfish taste receptor more versatile than a human's, detecting both savory L- and sweet D-amino acids",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/pufferfish-taste-receptor-more-versatile-than-a-humans-detecting-both",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-16T15:20:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-09-pufferfish-receptor-versatile-human-savory.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has revealed that a pufferfish taste receptor is more versatile than the human umami receptor. This receptor, found in pufferfish, detects a wider range of amino acids, including both L- and D-forms, unlike the human umami receptor which primarily detects L-amino acids. Researchers from the University of Osaka discovered the 3D crystal structure of Tas1r1/Tas1r3, a protein that functions similarly to the human umami receptor. The pufferfish receptor's ability to bind both L- and D-amino acids is believed to be driven by its diet, which consists of mollusks and crustaceans rich in D-amino acids. The study identified unique molecular interactions that enable the receptor to maintain closure even when the fit is imperfect, allowing it to detect a broader range of amino acids. This discovery provides insights into taste perception and may aid in the development of new umami flavors for humans, livestock, and fisheries.",
  "summary": "Our sense of taste is critical for survival, alerting us to substances that provide vital nutrients and those that might poison us. Now, a team led by researchers from the University of Osaka has discovered how one such taste receptor in pufferfish can detect a surprisingly wide range of flavors at once. Their study is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pufferfish taste receptor detects both L- and D-amino acids",
    "Human umami receptor primarily detects L-amino acids",
    "Study reveals unique molecular interactions enabling receptor versatility"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}