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Triglycerides control neurons in the reward circuit

Scientists at CNRS have discovered that triglycerides interact with certain neurons in the brain's reward circuit, reducing their excitability and strengthening reward-seeking behavior. The study also found a correlation between blood triglyceride levels and brain activity in response to food odors.

SourceCNRS·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 5, 2020

Multi-country study reveals shortcomings in treating obesity

A recent survey-based study of health professionals from 68 countries found that inadequate treatment services for obesity are prevalent globally. Lack of clear care pathways, high costs, and stigma are among the factors attributed to the shortage of effective treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Obesity·DateMar 4, 2020
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.

£500,000 NIHR grant for obesity treatment

A £500,000 NIHR grant will be used to investigate the effectiveness of NHS-funded obesity treatment programmes in the UK. The project, BE:COME, aims to determine which components of these programmes contribute to weight loss and identify the best combination for different groups of people.

SourceLancaster University·DateMar 4, 2020

Newly discovered brain response to obesity drug may inform future treatments

A new preclinical study reveals how liraglutide, an FDA-approved obesity drug, interacts with the brain's 'energy balance' system to reduce hunger and promote weight loss. The study identified a distinct group of neurons in the brainstem that play a key role in mediating these effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Weight loss surgery may increase fracture risk

A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that weight loss surgery, especially gastric bypass, increases the long-term risk of bone fractures. The rate was highest among patients who underwent gastric bypass, with a 2.58-times higher fracture risk compared to non-surgical obesity care and other bariatric surgery methods.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Real-world evidence empowers personalized decisions about weight-loss surgery

The PCORnet Bariatric Study's findings provide a more complete picture of the comparative benefits and risks of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Patients with severe obesity can now make informed decisions about weight-loss surgery based on individual circumstances and preferences.

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Visceral fat delivers signal to the brain that hurts cognition

Visceral fat generates high levels of interleukin-1 beta, over-activating microglia and promoting chronic inflammation. This leads to impaired cognitive function, including difficulties with navigation and learning and memory.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 3, 2020

Scientific community pledges to end obesity stigma

Over 100 medical and scientific organisations pledge to end weight stigma, citing evidence that stigma causes physical and psychological harm. The group calls for policies to prevent weight-based discrimination in healthcare, education, and the workplace.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 3, 2020

Obesity promotes virulence of influenza

A new study finds that obesity promotes the virulence of the influenza virus by impairing interferon defense responses and allowing for viral diversity. This correlation may explain why yearly influenza vaccines are needed, as obese individuals shed more virus and have delayed antiviral responses.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 3, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Changing the debate around obesity

A leading health psychologist argues that negative attitudes towards weight gain affect patient treatment quality. Research shows that obesity is a complex condition with multiple causes, and using positive language can help promote understanding.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 3, 2020

Weight-based bullying linked to increased adolescent alcohol, marijuana use

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that adolescents who are bullied about their weight or body shape may be more likely to use alcohol or marijuana. The link between appearance-related teasing and substance use was strongest among overweight girls, raising special concerns about this group.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateFeb 25, 2020

Living cell imaging technique sheds light on molecular view of obesity

Researchers at Utah State University developed a novel sensing optical imaging nanoprobe to track cellular events leading to obesity. The probes enable researchers to monitor multiple surface receptors on individual cells, providing an unprecedented view of cellular surface activity.

SourceUtah State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020
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.

Weight gain associated with accelerated lung function decline in adulthood

A new study analyzed weight changes and their impact on lung function over a 20-year period, finding that moderate or high weight gain accelerates decline. Weight loss attenuates lung function decline in obese individuals, while maintaining low weight is crucial for preventing chronic respiratory diseases.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThorax·DateFeb 24, 2020

Researchers propose new disease classification system for obesity

A new disease classification system for obesity is proposed by researchers, replacing the current BMI-based diagnosis. The ABCD system has four domains: pathophysiology, body mass index classification, complications, and complication severity. This new framework aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of obesity as a chronic disease.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateFeb 24, 2020

Bariatric surgery effective against early-onset obesity too

A new study from the University of Gothenburg shows that bariatric surgery is as effective for individuals who developed obesity early in life as it is for those who developed it later. The study found no difference in weight loss or obesity-related complications between the two groups.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 21, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Study shows dietitians are an effective part of weight loss

A new study shows that intensive behavioral therapy from dietitians is an effective way for older Americans to lose weight. The study found that patients who received dietitian-provided therapy lost an average of 2.66 lbs, while those in the control group gained weight.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalFamily Practice·DateFeb 20, 2020

People who eat a big breakfast may burn twice as many calories

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that eating a large breakfast instead of a large dinner creates twice as high diet-induced thermogenesis. This process measures how well metabolism is working, and can differ depending on mealtime.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 19, 2020

Sitting more is associated with higher heart disease risk in older women

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that longer sitting times were associated with higher levels of heart disease risk among overweight and obese post-menopausal women. The study revealed a strong negative link between sitting time and insulin resistance, particularly among Hispanic women.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 17, 2020

Increases in minimum wage may not have anticipated positive health effects, study shows

A new study by researchers at the University of Washington found that increases in minimum wages had no overall effect on the health of working-age people. However, they did find a mix of negative and positive effects associated with the health of certain subgroups, including increased obesity rates among working-age people of color.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 10, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Fat-fighting drug discovery

A University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center-led research team has discovered a cancer-fighting compound that also reduces fat in obese mice. The team found that the compound, G-1, increases energy expenditure and targets brown fat cells, leading to weight loss and improved diabetes symptoms.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 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.

Long life, good health

The American Heart Association's 2030 Impact Goals aim to increase healthy life expectancy globally, with targets of 67 years by 2030. Despite positive trends in cardiovascular health, the US faces challenges such as obesity and inadequate physical activity among youth.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCirculation·DateJan 29, 2020

Weight loss surgery improves breathing issues in obese patients

A study published in Radiology found that weight loss surgery improves breathing issues in obese patients by reducing air trapping and tracheal collapse. CT scans revealed structural changes to the lung and trachea after surgery, which correlate with improved symptoms and reduced inflammation.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 28, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study identifies top strategies for successful weight loss maintenance

A new Cal Poly study found that building healthy dietary, self-monitoring and psychological coping strategies are key to maintaining weight loss. People who reported losing an average of 50 pounds and keeping it off for over three years used more frequent strategies like setting daily food intake goals and recording what was eaten each...

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalObesity·DateJan 23, 2020

Obesity embargo alert for February 2020 issue

Researchers found that dietary disinhibition was associated with 5-year longitudinal weight gain in obesity-prone individuals. Additionally, breastfeeding duration and timing of solids introduction significantly impacted BMI trajectories in early childhood.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateJan 23, 2020

University of Barcelona study links weekend eating jet lag to obesity

A University of Barcelona study found that irregular eating schedules during weekends, known as eating jet lag, may contribute to increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity. Researchers suggest that maintaining regular eating and sleeping schedules can help prevent weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNutrients·DateJan 21, 2020
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.

Belly fat linked with repeat heart attacks

A large study of over 22,000 patients after a first heart attack found that abdominal obesity is independently associated with fatal and non-fatal heart attacks and strokes. Waist circumference was a stronger marker of recurrent events than overall obesity in men, while women had a U-shaped relationship between waist circumference and ...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJan 20, 2020

Study: Neuron found in mice could have implications for effective diet drugs

Researchers found a neuron in mice that can suppress appetite without causing nausea, potentially leading to new treatment options for obesity. The study discovered that activating this CALCR neuron increases food intake and contributes to obesity, while deactivating it decreases food intake and body weight.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 17, 2020

America's most widely consumed oil causes genetic changes in the brain

Researchers found soybean oil causes genetic changes in the brain, affecting obesity, diabetes, and neurological conditions. The study discovered 100 genes not functioning correctly, including a gene that produces oxytocin, leading to potential ramifications for brain function and diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEndocrinology·DateJan 17, 2020
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.

New mechanism may safely prevent and reverse obesity

Blocking a cellular receptor called AHR prevents and reverses obesity in mice by inhibiting key genes involved in fat metabolism. Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center found that the drug NF, which blocks AHR, can not only prevent but also reverse obesity in study mice.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJan 13, 2020

New cellular player involved in obesity discover

Researchers have discovered that blocking the iRhom2 protein increases energy consumption in fat depots, protecting against fat accumulation and inflammation. The study found no deleterious side effects, suggesting iRhom2 blocking may be a promising treatment for obesity.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateJan 10, 2020

Molecular 'doormen' open the way to potential obesity treatment

Yale researchers identify O-GlcNAc transferase enzyme as key regulator of fat droplet doorman, which controls cellular access for nutrients and lipids. Mice lacking the enzyme exhibit reduced fat cell size and improved lipid burning, while overexpression triggers obesity by increasing carbohydrate intake.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2020

BMI over time beats genetics in predicting future obesity

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that a person's BMI measurement from 25 years ago is a better predictor of their current BMI than a polygenic risk score. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,500 young adults and found that baseline BMI explained 52.3% of BMI variation over time.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 8, 2020
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.

Half of women with heart failure get the wrong treatment

Half of women with heart failure do not receive adequate treatment due to the underlying cause being unrelated to a heart attack, leading to progressive stiffening of the heart. Obesity and high blood pressure are significant risk factors for this type of heart failure in women.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 6, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Processed foods highly correlated with obesity epidemic in the US

A review article published by George Washington University researcher Leigh A. Frame found a strong correlation between processed food consumption and the rising obesity epidemic in the US. The study suggests that limiting ultra-processed foods and increasing whole grain, fruit, and vegetable intake can help combat weight gain.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalCurrent Treatment Options in Gastroenterology·DateJan 6, 2020

Lower risk for malignant melanoma after bariatric surgery

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of malignant melanoma and other skin cancers in severely obese individuals. The study, which followed over 2,000 participants, showed a 57% decrease in malignant melanoma risk for those who underwent bariatric surgery.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJan 2, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

High BMI may improve cancer survival

Researchers found that patients with high body mass index (BMI) responded better to atezolizumab, a common immunotherapy treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This unexpected result may lead to further investigation into the potential link between BMI and inflammation in cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 26, 2019

Intermittent fasting: live 'fast,' live longer?

A review article published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting can improve blood sugar regulation, increase resistance to stress, and suppress inflammation. Studies have shown that this adaptation may trigger a slower metabolic process, which can lead to weight loss and reduced belly fat.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 25, 2019

Looking at the good vibes of molecules

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a technique called Mid-infraRed Optoacoustic Microscopy (MiROM) that provides real-time images of biomolecules in living cells without the need for labels or contrast agents. This method offers novel insights into metabolic processes and can be used to study the effects of different diets on...

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 23, 2019
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.

Glutamine may decrease obesity-linked inflammation

A new study suggests that glutamine supplementation could help people with obesity reduce inflammation of fat tissue and reduce fat mass. Glutamine levels were found to alter gene expression in several different cell types, leading to anti-inflammatory effects on white blood cells and T-cells.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 19, 2019