Bullfrog brains have been found to produce their own backup fuel.

What it means

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that bullfrog brains can produce their own ketone bodies—a type of backup fuel—to sustain neural activity when glucose is scarce. This is the first demonstration of a vertebrate brain synthesizing its own alternative energy source, which could offer insights into human brain metabolism during starvation, hypoxia, or neurodegenerative diseases.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is based on a peer-reviewed study (likely the PMC article 'Brain-derived ketone bodies can replace glucose to power neural...') from Mizzou researchers, reported by Phys.org and a university press release. The reporting is secondary but reputable, and the primary source appears solid, though the full study details are not yet independently verified from the snippet.

How new

Genuinely new, published on September 28, 2026.

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