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Immune cells may hold the key to fighting obesity-induced muscle dysfunction

A study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle reveals that deleting transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) from macrophages enhances muscle regeneration and mitochondrial function. The research found that this approach protected against obesity-related muscle wasting and improved exercise performance.

SourceUniversity of Toyama·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2026

New approach to obesity classification could better guide treatment decisions

Researchers from Pennington Biomedical Research Center propose a new framework for defining and diagnosing obesity, which considers the effects of excess adiposity on organs and tissues. This approach provides a more biologically grounded and clinically actionable method for guiding treatment decisions.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJul 31, 2026

Pennington Biomedical earns fifth NIH renewal for nationally recognized Nutrition Obesity Research Center, one of only 11 in the nation

The Pennington-Louisiana Nutrition Obesity Research Center has received a five-year, $5.66 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The award reaffirms Pennington Biomedical's position as a national leader in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health research. The center su...

Louisiana study shows promising outcomes for bariatric surgery in adolescents and young adults with severe obesity

A new study from Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana demonstrates safe and effective bariatric surgery outcomes for young patients with severe obesity. The study found significant improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary care models.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalObesity Surgery·DateJul 13, 2026

Are lung cancer tumors hijacking the nervous system?

A new study by Thales Papagiannakopoulos and colleagues found that lung cancer tumors talk directly to the nervous system through sensory neurons in the lungs, promoting cachexia. Silencing these nerves or blocking the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) reduced cachexia, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2026

Unearthing new cancer treatments from fungi

Researchers have developed a gene-editing tool that unlocks the secrets of fungi, a kingdom rich in antibacterial compounds. The tool, called fPE7max, enables precise control over DNA sequences and has identified three novel molecules with anti-cancer properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Healthy but sedentary individuals show early decline in cellular energy production

A CU Anschutz study reveals reduced mitochondrial efficiency in healthy yet sedentary individuals, which may precede the development of major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Regular exercise acts as a literal shield for cellular health, helping mitochondria seamlessly switch between burning fat and carbohydrates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalClinical Bioenergetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2026

Large-scale genetic study uncovers new factors associated with a pregnancy-related liver disease

A recent international study identified 26 genetic regions associated with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), including ten previously unknown regions. The study found a strong link between genetic susceptibility to ICP and bile acid metabolism, offering new avenues for research into maternal health and pregnancy-related live...

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2026

Can obesity make the brain age faster?

A new study investigates whether obesity contributes to faster brain aging and earlier memory decline. Researchers found that high K63 polyubiquitination levels in young obese rats matched those seen in older brains, suggesting a connection between obesity-induced and age-related memory loss.

New study finds Americans with severe obesity receive fewer surgeries despite rising need

A new study by Pennington Biomedical and collaborators found that Americans with the highest levels of obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures overall. Despite the increasing prevalence of extreme obesity, these individuals appear to be receiving proportionally fewer surgical interventions each year. The research highlights gr...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalObesity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Risk factors for fatty liver disease may begin to develop as early as the prenatal period and early childhood

A new study by Tampere University researchers found that maternal pre-pregnancy hypertension and child body composition may contribute to the development of fatty liver disease. The study also identified dietary factors, such as high protein intake and low fruit consumption, as risk factors for elevated liver enzyme levels in children.

SourceTampere University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 9, 2026

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of fat accumulation in liver and pancreas

Researchers highlight latest developments in pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of MASLD and IPFD, revealing correlations with chronic diseases like liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. Innovative treatments, such as AI-driven approaches and organ-targeted therapies, show promise for precision prevention and therapy.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 1, 2026

Links discovered between mitochondrial lipid deficiency and inflammation of the gut

A study published in Nature Metabolism has found a crucial link between mitochondrial lipid deficiency and gut inflammation, revealing that cardiolipin plays a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis. The research suggests that targeting the metabolism of immune cells could be a new approach to treating inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2026

Study to evaluate family healthy weight program for childhood obesity in primary care clinics in Louisiana and Tennessee

A research study, COACH trial, is testing different ways to help children and families improve their health through lifestyle changes delivered by primary care clinics. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of personalized nutrition counseling, community resources, and online interactive lessons on weight management.

Is “yo‑yo dieting” really harmful? New analysis challenges long‑standing assumptions about weight cycling

Weight loss followed by weight regain, known as 'yo-yo dieting,' is not supported by strong scientific evidence. The authors found that benefits of losing weight outweigh the theoretical risks of weight cycling in most cases. Repeated attempts at weight loss can provide meaningful periods of improved metabolic health and quality of life.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2026

New research links aging gut changes to increased disease risk

Researchers found that gut luminal exosomes from older animals carried molecular signals associated with insulin resistance, inflammation and disruption of the gut barrier. Transferring these to young animals elicited similar effects, while transferring exosomes from young animals to older animals mitigated metabolic aging findings.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2026