 |
|
Vive the vole!
April 01, 2008The gathering of data for research involving an animal usually involves invasive procedures or death for the experimental animals. But critical data may now be collected through a nonlethal procedure, according to a new paper for the forthcoming issue of Physiological and Biochemical Zoology.
In the paper "Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorbtiometry (DXA) Can Accurately and Non-Destructively Measure the Body Composition of Small, Free-Living Rodents," Kalb Stevenson and Dr. Ian G. van Tets reveal that they have discovered that they can take a wide range of measurements accurately with a portable DXA device. These body composition measurements in small rodents-water, protein, minerals, lean, and fat-are critical for dietary and environmental research. Previous measurements taken in the field, though not lethal, relied on length and body mass calculations, which are often inaccurate; methods used on laboratory animals are often lethal, precluding longitudinal research. Differing methods used in fieldwork and in the laboratory limited scientific collaboration. Legal and/or ethical barriers against invasive research on endangered species further hampered crucial studies. "We needed a way to accurately and consistently measure the body condition of small mammals recaptured at different times of the year and could not do so using traditional means" said Dr. van Tets "so we decided to test whether DXA analysis could solve this problem".
In their NSF-funded study of the northern redbacked vole (Clethrionomys rutilus), Stevenson and van Tets took a broad set of measurements accurately by employing DXA, using X-rays and mathematical formulas to noninvasively measure body content. Even transponder tags used to track the rodents in the wild did not interfere with their measurement of fat mass, lean mass, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and fat-free mass. "DXA worked better than we expected" Stevenson said "The measurements were consistent with those obtained via chemical (proximate) analysis and required nothing more than the machine itself, a laptop, and a power source. As subjects are not harmed, we can use this technology to track changes in individual animals over time and already have DXA-based projects underway studying the effects of season and/or hibernation on the body composition of animals as diverse as voles, ground squirrels, and black bears."
Portable DXA devices provide the opportunity for quick measurements in the field and the ability to take measurements over time, allowing researchers to account for environmental factors. And, finally, field researchers and laboratory researchers will be able to collaborate using comparable data, allowing an increased degree of scientific rigor in comparative physiological studies.
University of Chicago Press Journals
Portable DXA devices provide the opportunity for quick measurements in the field and the ability to take measurements over time, allowing researchers to account for environmental factors. And, finally, field researchers and laboratory researchers will be able to collaborate using comparable data, allowing an increased degree of scientific rigor in comparative physiological studies.
University of Chicago Press Journals
Body Composition Current Events and Body Composition News RSSWomen at risk from vitamin A deficiency
Almost half of UK women could be suffering from a lack of vitamin A due to a previously undiscovered genetic variation, scientists at Newcastle University have found.
Redefining obesity's health risks
The body mass index (BMI) has long been the yardstick in deciding who is at risk because of their weight. BMI is essentially a measure of density, identifying 'under-' and 'over-weight' risk groups.
Postmenopausal women benefit from endurance training as much as younger women
Marilyn Graham was 56 when she signed up for a grueling hour of cycling each morning for 12 weeks, occasionally decked out in a mask, a heart monitor and a bag of intravenous fluid and subjected to needle pricks to obtain blood samples.
Large thighs protect against heart disease and early death
Men and women whose thighs are less than 60cm in circumference have a higher risk of premature death and heart disease, according to research published on bmj.com today.
Physical inactivity poses greatest health risk to Americans, research shows
As many as 50 million Americans are living sedentary lives, putting them at increased risk of health problems and even early death, a leading expert in exercise science told the American Psychological Association today.
Groundbreaking study shows exercise benefits leukemia patients
One of the most bothersome symptoms of leukemia is extreme fatigue, and asking these patients to exercise doesn't sound like a way to help them feel better.
New science review examines multiple health benefits of dairy foods
Food prices rose by 5.5 percent in the past year and are expected to increase up to an additional 4 percent in 2009.
Breastfeeding duration and weaning diet may shape child's body composition
Variations in both milk feeding and in the weaning diet are linked to differences in growth and development, and they have independent influences on body composition in early childhood.
Ben-Gurion U of the Negev study demonstrates link between appetite and elderly mortality
A new study by a Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researcher reveals a linkage between elderly people's appetite and mortality rates, with those who report impaired appetite more likely to die sooner.
The cardiovascular benefits of daily exercise in school children are evident even after 1 year
School children as young as 11 can benefit from a daily exercise programme in reducing their levels of several known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. An ongoing study, which began four years ago in the German city of Leipzig, shows already that children assigned to daily exercise lessons reduced their overall prevalence of obesity, improved their exercise capacity, increased their levels of HDL-cholesterol, and reduced their systolic blood pressure.
More Body Composition Current Events and Body Composition News Articles
 |
Omron Full Body Sensor Body Fat and Body Composition Monitor by Omron Measures 7 fitness indicators including body fat %, BMI, resting metabolism, weight and more! The innovative Full Body Sensor is the only at-home body composition monitor that accurately measures your entire body. It uses 6 advanced sensors−2 for your hands and 4 for your feet. Clinically proven to be as accurate as expensive medical devices professionals use. Stores personalized information for up to four people and features guest mode. Memory lets you track your progress along the way. Uses four AA batteries (included). |
 |
Omron Hbf-516B Full-Body Sensor Body Composition Monitor & Scale by Omron Measures Body Weight, Body Fat Percentage, Body Mass Index (Bmi), Skeletal Muscle, Resting Metabolism, Visceral Fat & Body Age; Full Body Sensing, With Hand-To-Foot Technology For More Accurate Readings Than Foot-To-Foot Monitors; 4-Person Memory Settings |
 |
Human Body Composition - 2nd Edition by Steven Heymsfield (Author), Timothy Lohman (Author), Zi-Mian Wang (Author), Scott Going (Author) The new edition of Human Body Composition is the most complete text in the burgeoning field of body composition research. The book covers the full range of methods to assess body composition, including dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, electrical impedance, and imaging techniques. Maintaining the focus of the first edition as a definitive research guide, this resource incorporates updated information on methods and topics of biological importance. This thoroughly revised reference includes new material on · molecular genetics; · energy expenditure; · body composition as related to various pathological states including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and illnesses associated with HIV; and · animal body composition. The information is presented in five logical parts... |
 |
Homedics SC-540 LCD 400 lb/180 kg Capacity Bath Scale with Body Composition Scanner by HoMedics The beautiful stainless steel body composition scanner bath scale with KnowledgeBook technology measures body fat, body water, muscle, bone mass and daily CaloriePredicator. Great for the entire family shows 12 user memories, heath status indicator, normal and athlete mode. Easy to read 2.0" LCD display with blue backlight. 400 lb/180 kg capacity. |
 |
Omron HBF-510W Full Body Composition Monitor with Scale by Omron Measures Body Fat, Body Fat Percentage, Body Mass Index (Bmi), Skeletal Muscle & Visceral Fat; Full-Body Sensing, With Hand-To-Foot Technology Provides More Accurate Reading Than Foot-To-Foot Monitors; 4-Person Memory Settings; Large Lcd Display; Easy On/ |
|
International Journal of Body Composition Research by Smith-Gordon | |
|
Tanita Unisex Wireless Full Body Composition Scale Color: Clear/Black by Tanita Color: Clear/Black | |
 |
Slim Goodbody Allfit: Body Composition Starring: Slim Goodbody Directed By: Slim Goodbody ALL FIT: Episode 8 BODY COMPOSITION
Slim starts the program with a song explaining that our bodies use food for energy. He explains that for our bodies operate efficiently, we must have a balanced diet plus plenty of exercise. Slim emphasizes that not all body types are the same; some are naturally thin, muscular, or rounder. Slim joins Slenda and the all Fit Team at Slim's Gym where viewers are asked to join them in a non-stop mini aerobic work-out. In the Body Lab, Slim shows viewers how their body composition is measured by using a skin caliper. Slim also points out that the calories in food are used as energy for activities. Slim names and locates the rectus abdominus muscles. |
 |
Body Fat Monitor and Analyzer Measurement of body fat composition is the key to long-term exercise success. This hand held body fat analyzer is an affordable and easy way to measure body fat in the privacy of your own home by King Products Measurement of body fat composition is the key to long-term exercise success. This hand held body fat analyzer is an affordable and easy way to measure body fat in the privacy of your own home. After inputting the data, a measurement can be started by simply holding the grip electrodes and pressing the START button. |
 |
Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor by Tanita From Tanita, The Body Fat Experts, comes the BC 533 Innerscan Body Composition Monitor. Using BIA technology which is widely used in the medical field, the scale is a unique and highly accurate body composition monitor. This product not only measures weight and body fat, it also tells you your body water %, muscle mass, bone mass, daily caloric intake, metabolic age, visceral fat and rates your physique! The Body Water % is the total amount of fluid in the body expressed as a percentage of total weight. The muscle mass is the amount of muscle in your body. The Bone Mass is the weight of your bone in your body. The Metabolic Age compares your Basal Metabolic Rate to the average age associated with that level of metabolism. The Visceral Fat is the fat in the abdominal cavity... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |