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Pick up the pace!

A new study of UK Biobank participants found slow walkers have over twice the risk of contracting a severe version of COVID-19 and are almost four times more likely to die from the virus. The analysis examined body mass index (BMI) and self-reported walking pace with the risk of contracting severe COVID-19 and COVID-19 mortality.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 16, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet pass on to the families of patients who follow it

A study found that family members of patients following the Mediterranean diet-based PREDIMED-Plus program experienced significant weight loss, averaging almost 4 kg over two years. Improved dietary habits were also observed, with family members showing increased commitment to the Mediterranean diet.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateMar 9, 2021

Hypertension disorders of pregnancy increase risk of premature maternal mortality

Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) have a greater risk of premature mortality, including cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related deaths. A new study found that GHTN and preeclampsia were associated with a 42% increase in premature mortality, while women with HDP had an over two-fold higher risk of premature...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 8, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Weight loss drug hope for patients with type 2 diabetes

A new study published in The Lancet found that patients with type 2 diabetes treated with Semaglutide achieved significant weight loss and improved blood glucose control. Two-thirds of patients lost at least 5% of their body weight, while over a quarter lost more than 15%.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 2, 2021

Genes identified that increase the risk of obesity but also protect against disease

A team of researchers has identified genes linked to both high body fat and protection from negative health impacts of obesity. The findings shed new light on the biology behind this disconnect, offering potential targets for therapies that lower diabetes and heart disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·DateFeb 26, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

A research team identifies a metabolic footprint associated with the perception of satiety

A research team has discovered a metabolic footprint associated with the perception of satiety, revealing that higher concentrations of glycine and linoleic acid are linked to increased satiety. The study involved 140 volunteers with overweight and obesity, showing that certain metabolites in the blood can predict postprandial satiety.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 22, 2021

Store fat or burn it? Targeting a single protein flips the switch

A recent study suggests that targeting a specific protein called eIF4E can reduce weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. The researchers found that these mice stored less fat and had improved liver health compared to their counterparts. Additionally, the modified mice showed enhanced lipid metabolism, allowing them to burn more fat.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Metabolism·DateFeb 18, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Body shape, beyond weight, drives fat stigma for women

A recent study published in Social Psychology and Personality Science found that women with abdominal fat are more stigmatized than those with gluteofemoral fat. The research team also discovered that body shape plays a significant role in driving fat stigma, regardless of weight or ethnicity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 17, 2021

3D microscopy clarifies understanding of body's immune response to obesity

Researchers used a novel 3D microscopy technique to study crownlike structures in adipose tissue, finding they are actually concentric spheres surrounding an empty core. This discovery may lead to new treatments for obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 17, 2021

UTEP professor's study may lead to solutions for overeating

A UTEP professor's study discovered a specific area of the brain linked to recollection and desire for food, which could inhibit overeating. The research found that regulating this brain region reduced animal subjects' consumption of treats.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournaleNeuro·DateFeb 12, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Chinese people may be more susceptible to obesity-related health risks than other racial, ethnic groups

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that Chinese adults are more likely to face high blood pressure and other health risks as a result of higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. The research analyzed data from over 126,000 participants and discovered that C...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 11, 2021

'Gamechanger' drug for treating obesity cuts body weight by 20%

A new drug, semaglutide, has been shown to cut body weight by 20% in a major global study involving over 1,900 participants. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that three quarters of people who received the drug lost more than 10% of their body weight.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Obesity: Sensitivity to sweet taste predicts weight loss from surgery

A study found that bariatric surgery leads to greater weight loss in patients with a heightened perception of sweetness and lower hedonic hunger. Changes in sweet intensity perception were associated with the magnitude of weight loss, while pleasantness had no correlation.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 8, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Survival tip: Start at normal weight and slowly add pounds

A new study suggests that starting adulthood with a normal weight and gradually gaining pounds later in life can increase the probability of survival. In contrast, those who start as obese or stay at an unhealthy weight throughout their lives tend to have the lowest survival rates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateFeb 2, 2021

Successful pilot study of time restricted eating weight loss plan

A pilot study of time restricted eating found that participants lost an average of 3.5kg over 12 weeks with almost 60% adhering to the plan at three months. The researchers suggest this weight loss approach could be a viable option for those struggling with obesity.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 28, 2021

Not obese after all: captive Asian elephants less fat than average human

Research reveals captive Asian elephants carry less body fat than average humans, with females averaging 2-25% body fat and males carrying slightly less. The study suggests that activity levels may be key to maintaining elephant health, contradicting traditional notions of obesity.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJan 26, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Dietary adherence and the fight against obesity

A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing analyzed various dietary approaches and clinical trials to better understand how to optimize adherence and subsequent weight reduction. The findings suggest that there is not convincing evidence that one diet is universally easier to adhere to than another, highlighti...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2021

The interconnection of global pandemics -- Obesity, impaired metabolic health and COVID-19

A recent study published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology highlights the interconnection between obesity, impaired metabolic health, and COVID-19 severity. The research found that obesity, visceral fatness, and impaired metabolic health are significant risk factors for a more severe course of COVID-19.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·DateJan 21, 2021

Six-fold rise in brain pressure disorder that affects mostly women

Researchers at Swansea University found a six-fold increase in brain pressure disorder cases among women between 2003 and 2017. Obesity rates in Wales rose significantly during this period, and women from deprived areas had a higher risk of developing the condition, independent of body mass index.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNeurology·DateJan 21, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Researchers study what happens to your body during tailgating

Researchers studied 18 men's livers after a day of eating and drinking, finding some responded by increasing fat storage while others reduced it. The study suggests that high carbohydrate consumption may protect the liver, contradicting typical associations with alcohol.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAlcohol·DateJan 20, 2021

Type 2 Diabetes: New Evidence Underlines the Role of Obesity in Late Complications

A large observational study published in Diabetologia found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of microvascular complications in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) before and after a diabetes diagnosis can help prevent these complications. Furthermore, the researc...

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetologia·DateJan 20, 2021

New study shows correlation between teen obesity and mental health issues

A new study by Lund University researchers found that half of young people treated for severe obesity have neuropsychiatric problems, with two-thirds experiencing mental health issues. The study also revealed that symptoms of ADHD and autism are often misdiagnosed in teenagers with severe obesity.

SourceLund University·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJan 19, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Clumsy kids can be fit too

A Finnish study of 332 children aged 7-11 found that aerobic fitness is not linked to motor skills when body composition is considered. The study suggests that even unfit kids can have good motor skills and high levels of physical activity are crucial for development.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalTranslational Sports Medicine·DateJan 19, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Medication shows promise for weight loss in patients with obesity, diabetes

A new study confirms that treatment with Bimagrumab is safe and effective for treating excess adiposity and metabolic disturbances in adult patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The medication achieved a nearly 21% decrease in body fat and a 6.5% reduction in body weight, along with a gain of lean mass.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 13, 2021

Tiny wireless device sheds light on combating obesity

Researchers at Texas A&M University have designed a centimeter-sized wireless device that stimulates the endings of the vagus nerve to induce feelings of fullness. The device is controlled externally via radio frequency and has the potential to be used in conjunction with other devices to manipulate nerve endings throughout the gastroi...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2021

Research news tip sheet: Story ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine

New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine has uncovered that greater obesity seems to make muscle contraction much weaker in this very common form of heart failure. The study found that in patients with severe obesity, the force response to high calcium was reduced by 40%, suggesting that obesity is the key factor.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateJan 5, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Blood vessel cells implicated in chronic inflammation of obesity

Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a type of cell responsible for triggering chronic inflammation in fat tissue. The study found that these cells, called fibro-inflammatory progenitors (FIPs), produce signals that encourage inflammation when exposed to high-fat diets.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Metabolism·DateDec 30, 2020

In liver, a stressed cell can be bad news for its neighbors

Researchers found that a protein called Cx43 allows stress signals from one liver cell to spread to neighboring cells, causing dysfunction. Mice with deleted Cx43 were protected from insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 18, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Patients with COVID-19 and obesity have poor outcomes not driven by inflammation

A new study suggests that COVID-19 patients with obesity have poor outcomes, but this is not due to increased inflammation. Instead, respiratory issues and other factors may play a role. The researchers found that patients with obesity had lower inflammatory markers on hospital days, which could contribute to their poor clinical outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2020

Water may be an effective treatment for metabolic syndrome

Researchers found that water suppresses vasopressin, a hormone linked to obesity and diabetes, alleviating conditions in mice. Water therapy effectively protected against metabolic syndrome, a collection of conditions increasing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJCI Insight·DateDec 15, 2020

Mystery solved with math: cytoplasmic traffic jam disrupts sleep-wake cycles?

Researchers from KAIST and Florida State University developed a model describing PER molecule motion in cells, showing how aging and diseases disrupt circadian rhythms by hindering condensation around the cell nucleus. This leads to irregular sleep-wake cycles and unstable rhythms.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Four ERC Consolidator Grants for KU Leuven researchers

KU Leuven researchers Christine Desmedt, Tias Guns, Simon Kuhn, and Lukas Van Oudenhove have been awarded ERC Consolidator Grants. Their projects focus on breast cancer, optimisation software, reactors for sustainable chemical industry, and the impact of gut bacteria on emotions.

SourceKU Leuven·DateDec 9, 2020

More years of obesity means higher risk of disease, study finds

A new study found that individuals with longer durations of obesity are at a higher risk for cardiometabolic disease factors. The duration of obesity exposure between ages 10 and 40 years was associated with worse values for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin (blood sugar) measurements.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 8, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.