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'Fat but fit' are at increased risk of heart disease

Researchers found that being overweight or obese increases a person's risk of coronary heart disease by up to 28% even if they have healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. The study showed that excess weight is linked with an increased risk of heart disease, even when people have a healthy metabolic profile.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 14, 2017

Fat rats show why breast cancer may be more aggressive in patients with obesity

A study published in Hormones & Cancer found that obese rats with sensitive androgen receptors had more aggressive tumors, even after anti-estrogen treatment. Researchers identified inflammation and cytokine interleukin 6 as key factors contributing to this sensitivity, highlighting the potential for personalized therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalHormones and Cancer·DateAug 7, 2017
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.

Lifestyle-modification programs for weight management in Arab states lack in effectiveness

A systematic review found that lifestyle-modification programs have no significant impact on body weight in Arab countries, highlighting the need for adapted treatment programs. The studies cited methodological flaws, including linguistic and socioeconomic context neglect, and sociocultural obstacles to female participation.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Diabetes Reviews·DateAug 7, 2017

Fat shaming in the doctor's office can be mentally and physically harmful

Research by American Psychological Association highlights the negative impact of fat shaming on patients' physical health and well-being. Studies show that overweight individuals may receive inadequate medical treatment, including under-dosing of antibiotics and chemotherapy, due to weight-based assumptions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 3, 2017

Characteristics of metabolically unhealthy lean people

Researchers found that low leg fat mass is a crucial factor in lean individuals at increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, similar to lipodystrophy phenotypes. The study suggests personalized prevention and treatment strategies for metabolically unhealthy lean people.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 1, 2017

Revealed: brain 'switch' tells body to burn fat after a meal

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a brain mechanism that controls the conversion of white fat into brown fat after eating, which could lead to new obesity treatments. The 'switch' is turned off during fasting and on during feeding, promoting weight gain when the switch remains active.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 1, 2017
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.

Study finds promise in new tactic to curb obesity: Address physician bias

A new educational initiative at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine has significantly reduced medical students' negative attitudes toward people with obesity. The program emphasizes the complexities of obesity and focuses on attaining health instead of weight loss, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJul 31, 2017

Heavier Asian Americans seen as 'more American,' study says

A study found that heavier Asian Americans are viewed as more American and subject to less prejudice compared to their thinner peers. Researchers believe this phenomenon is linked to common stereotypes about Asians being thin and Americans being heavy.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 31, 2017

Dulled taste may prompt more calories on path to obesity

Research at Cornell University found that people with dulled taste buds prefer sweeter, high-calorie foods. Participants who had their taste receptors temporarily blocked consumed more sugar than those with unaltered taste response.

SourceCornell University·JournalAppetite·DateJul 28, 2017

Hunger-controlling brain cells may offer path for new obesity drugs

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered two brain cell populations that regulate appetite and may offer a new path to treating obesity. The study found that activating specific neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus can suppress hunger and promote weight loss, opening up new avenues for developing effective obesity drugs.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJul 28, 2017
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.

Could insufficient sleep be adding centimeters to your waistline?

A new study by the University of Leeds found that insufficient sleep can lead to weight gain and poorer metabolic health in UK adults. The research, which looked at over 1,600 participants, showed a significant association between short sleep duration and increased waist circumference.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 27, 2017

Opting for weight-loss surgery at lower BMIs may be best for patients' health

A large new study shows that only one in three patients who have bariatric surgery succeed in getting their body-mass index below 30 in the first year. Patients with lower BMIs before surgery had higher odds of achieving this goal and better health outcomes, including stopping medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 26, 2017

Weight in adolescence may affect colorectal cancer risk

A new study has found a link between adolescent obesity and an increased risk of developing colon and rectal cancer in adulthood. The study analyzed data from over 1.7 million Israeli males and females, finding that being overweight or obese at age 17 was associated with a significantly higher risk of colorectal cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJul 24, 2017

A healthy lifestyle increases life expectancy by up to 7 years

A new study published in Health Affairs reveals that individuals who adopt healthy behaviors such as maintaining a normal weight, not smoking, and consuming alcohol moderately can expect to live seven years longer than the general population. These extra years are spent in good health, free from disability.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 20, 2017
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.

Study finds obese patients don't need to lose weight before total joint replacement

A new study from UMass Medical School found that obese patients who underwent knee or hip replacement surgery reported similar pain relief and improved function as normal-weight patients. The study suggests that obesity is not a barrier to joint replacement surgery, which can provide long-term relief from joint pain.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 19, 2017

One amino acid, a whale of a difference

Researchers found a single amino-acid difference between toothed whales and filter-feeding baleen whales that may explain their distinct body shapes. This variation affects the sensitivity of a key receptor, potentially impacting feeding behavior and body size in these species.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 18, 2017
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.

Artificial sweeteners linked to risk of weight gain, heart disease and other health issues

A systematic review of 37 studies found a link between artificial sweetener consumption and higher risks of weight gain, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The evidence suggests that artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on metabolism and gut bacteria, although the evidence is conflicting.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 17, 2017

Tall men and obese men at higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer

Men who are tall and obese have an increased risk of high grade prostate cancer and death from prostate cancer, according to a study published in BMC Medicine. The research found that height is not associated with overall prostate cancer risk but increases the risk of high grade disease and death by 21% and 17% respectively.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJul 12, 2017

DOD award to Wayne State will study genetic factors impacting type 2 diabetes in obesity

A Wayne State University researcher is leading a clinical research study to develop a better understanding of type 2 diabetes in obesity and improve therapy for veterans and others with the disease. The study aims to characterize a cohort of obese people with and without Type 2 diabetes to distinguish different genetic subtypes.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJul 11, 2017
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.

NIH-funded team uses smartphone data in global study of physical activity

A large-scale study of daily step data from anonymous smartphone users in over 100 countries reveals how countries, genders, and community types fare in terms of physical activity. The study found that countries with greater activity variation have a larger proportion of inactive women and higher obesity rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalNature·DateJul 10, 2017

Age and obesity conspire to damage the tiny blood vessels that feed the heart, causing heart failure

A study found that age and obesity create a perfect storm that damages the tiny blood vessels that directly feed the heart muscle, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of heart failure. The inflammation caused by both factors thickens the walls of these microvasculature, making them less able to dilate and sustain the heart.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJul 10, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain's immune cells may drive overeating and weight gain

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that brain-resident immune cells called microglia play a crucial role in driving overeating and weight gain in mice fed high-fat diets. The study suggests that targeting microglia could provide a novel approach to treating obesity, potentially avoiding side effects of existing medications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2017

Does carrying extra weight offer better survival following a stroke?

Researchers found that overweight or mildly obese individuals have better survival rates after a stroke compared to those with normal body weight. The study suggests that increased weight may provide a 'metabolic reserve' that helps recovery from severe disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2017
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.

Type 2 inflammation might be good for the belly but bad for the liver

A new study suggests that genetic predisposition to type 1 inflammation protects against NAFLD, but type 2 inflammation actually worsens the condition. Targeted treatments for metabolic syndrome may need reevaluation due to this unexpected finding.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 28, 2017

Teenage weight gain linked to increased stroke risk as an adult

A Swedish study published in Neurology found that teenage weight gain is associated with a higher risk of stroke in adulthood. The study followed 37,669 men and found that those who experienced a significant increase in BMI from childhood to age 20 were more likely to develop high blood pressure and stroke.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 28, 2017

Mildly obese fare better after major heart attack

A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that mildly obese patients who survive a major heart attack tend to have better outcomes, including higher survival rates and shorter hospital stays. Patients considered mildly obese had a 30% increased likelihood of survival compared to those of normal weight.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 28, 2017

Tweaking muscle metabolism prevents obesity and diabetes in mice

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that mildly stressing muscle metabolism boosts levels of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21), a beneficial hormone that prevents obesity and diabetes in mice. FGF21 production reversed conditions and returned mice to normal weight and blood sugar levels.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJun 28, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Older obese adults can benefit from moderate exercise

A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that moderate-intensity exercise reduced the risk of major mobility disability by 31% in older adults with extreme obesity. The structured physical activity program improved participants' ability to perform common daily activities, such as walking a block around the neighborhood.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalObesity·DateJun 27, 2017

Endocrine Society issues Scientific Statement on obesity's causes

The Endocrine Society issued a Scientific Statement on obesity's causes, emphasizing the need to understand underlying mechanisms that make it difficult to maintain weight loss. The statement highlights the complex interplay between genetics, developmental influences, and the environment in contributing to obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrine Reviews·DateJun 26, 2017

Does the emperor have clothes?

Despite being hailed as the key regulator of leanness, leptin's function in humans remains uncharacterized. Researchers call for experimental evidence to demonstrate its mechanism of action, highlighting a crucial gap in our understanding of metabolism and obesity.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 23, 2017

Clinics cut pregnancy risks for obese women

Women who received specialist care were eight times less likely to have a stillbirth. The clinic helps spot signs of complications sooner and provides tailored advice on healthy eating and weight management during pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 22, 2017

Diagnosing obesity by mathematically estimating abdominal fat

A new reconstruction method for Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is proposed to estimate abdominal fat, improving reproducibility and spatial resolution. The technique has shown promising results in detecting subcutaneous fat thickness, with further research needed to assess visceral fat volume.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences·DateJun 20, 2017
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.

New study: Unsaturated fat associated with fatty liver disease

A new study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that consuming unsaturated fat can lead to fatty liver disease, contrary to its previously touted health benefits. The research used mice fed diets supplemented with either saturated or unsaturated fat, revealing the latter can cause liver damage.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 14, 2017

Molecular pilot light prepares body's heating system for the cold

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered a molecular player that acts as a pilot light to turn on brown fat, which burns sugar and fat to produce radiant heat. Mice lacking this molecule, histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), are unable to activate brown fat, highlighting its crucial role in metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 14, 2017
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.

Body contouring is only for the rich and insured

A study published in Obesity Surgery found that only 2,112 out of 37,806 patients (5.58%) underwent subsequent body contouring procedures after bariatric surgery. The majority of these patients had higher incomes or health insurance, and the procedures usually occurred within two years after the initial bariatric procedure.

SourceSpringer·JournalObesity Surgery·DateJun 13, 2017

Poor diet, plus Alzheimer's gene, may fuel disease

A new USC study found that a poor diet, combined with the ApoE4 gene variant, can increase the development of Alzheimer's plaques in mice. The study suggests that lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise may play a role in regulating the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournaleNeuro·DateJun 12, 2017

Being overweight linked to longer life in older diabetics

Among older patients with diabetes, being overweight reduces the risk of early death by 18% compared to normal weight counterparts. However, this survival benefit is only observed in older patients and diminishes over time.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Diabetes Investigation·DateJun 9, 2017
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.

Cash for weight loss

A new study published in Social Science and Medicine found that a rewards programme increased weight loss magnitude and duration by more than twice as much as a control group. The programme, which offered cash or lottery tickets for meeting monthly weight loss goals, also led to higher rates of sustained weight loss.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 9, 2017

Flu shot less effective for obese adults

Researchers found that vaccinated obese adults are twice as likely to develop influenza and flu-like illnesses compared to those of healthy weight. The study suggests that existing blood tests may provide misleading information for obese individuals.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJun 6, 2017
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.

Does the sex of a cell matter in research?

A new guide from Tulane University aims to address inherent sex bias in pre-clinical research on metabolic diseases. The guide emphasizes the need to consider sex differences in biological mechanisms, not just hormones, to accelerate discovery and treatment.

SourceTulane University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 6, 2017

Small intracranial aneurysms may have little risk for rupture

Researchers found that small and very small unruptured intracranial aneurysms have low growth rates, ranging from less than 3% per year. The annual rupture rate for aneurysms smaller than 7mm was 0-1%. These findings may inform patient management and treatment decisions for patients with UIAs.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 5, 2017

Diabetes drug prevents stiffening of heart muscle in obese mouse model

Researchers found that a diabetes medication, linagliptin, can protect against stiffening of the left ventricle of the heart in overweight female mice fed a Western diet. The treatment suppressed oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·DateJun 5, 2017

New human studies show multiple health benefits from consuming mangos

Research on mango consumption found potential benefits for metabolic disorders and inflammation, with improved blood pressure and gut health observed in human studies. The superfruit's galloyl derivatives showed anti-inflammatory activities and altered the gut microbiota and metabolism in lean and obese subjects.

SourceWild Hive·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 1, 2017
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.

Obesity can cause cardiovascular ill-health, even in the young

Researchers found that higher body mass index (BMI) can cause worse cardiovascular health in young adults as young as 17, according to a study using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. The study suggests that tackling obesity from an early age may help prevent cardiovascular changes that are precursors to car...

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateMay 27, 2017

New study finds lean pork fits in a balanced eating plan for weight loss and healthy aging

A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition found that lean pork as part of a weight-loss diet can lead to significant weight loss, improved physical function, and better adherence to the diet among obese women. Both groups experienced improvements in functional capacity at six months, with African American women experie...

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateMay 25, 2017