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Sedentary lifestyle spells more menopause misery

A large study of over 6,000 Latin American women found that sedentary lifestyles are associated with severe menopause symptoms, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and obesity. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of various health problems, including breast and colon cancer, dementia, and heart disease.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJan 27, 2016

Early puberty associated with gestational diabetes

A new study found that women who began their menstrual cycles at a younger age are at greater risk of developing gestational diabetes, with those starting at age 11 having a 39% higher risk. Early menarche may also be associated with obesity and hormone imbalances in adulthood.

SourceClemson University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJan 26, 2016

Study links fatty liver and heart failure in obese people

A new study published in Radiology found that fatty liver disease is independently associated with subclinical heart failure in obese people. The study, which measured hepatic triglyceride content and cardiac function in 714 adults, suggests that dietary interventions may be crucial in preventing or reducing the risk of heart failure.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 26, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: A promising new weight loss procedure

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces stomach size and alters physiology, resulting in significant weight loss. The study found a 54% reduction in excess body weight at one year, with improved patient satisfaction and delayed solid food emptying.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJan 20, 2016

Study finds strong link between pre-pregnancy obesity and infant deaths

A study of over 6 million newborns found that pre-pregnancy obesity is strongly associated with increased infant mortality rates, particularly from preterm-related causes and congenital anomalies. The risk of infant death was 32% higher for obese mothers, even after controlling for demographic factors.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 20, 2016

Weekend binges just as bad for the gut as a regular junk food diet, study suggests

A study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research found that rats who cycled between healthy and junk food diets over 16 weeks showed similar gut microbiota changes to those fed junk food continuously. The researchers suggest targeting certain gut bacteria may help treat metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateJan 19, 2016

High BMI, low aerobic capacity in late teens Linked with hypertension in adults

A Swedish study of 1.5 million military conscripts found that high body mass index (BMI) and low aerobic capacity in late adolescence were associated with an increased risk of hypertension in adulthood. The combination of high BMI and low aerobic capacity was linked to a higher risk of hypertension, even among those with normal BMI.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 19, 2016
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.

Water availability associated with decreased student weight in New York schools

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that NYC's 'water jet' machines, which provide chilled and oxygenated water, were associated with lower student weights and reduced half-pint milk purchases. The intervention increased access to drinking water in school cafeterias and was linked to a 0.025 reduction in standardized BMI.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 19, 2016

Weight gain through plasticizers

A study published in PLOS ONE found that phthalates, commonly used in plastics, can lead to weight gain by disrupting hormone balance and metabolism. The researchers discovered that the phthalate DEHP causes an increase in unsaturated fatty acids and disrupts glucose metabolism, paving the way for weight gain.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 18, 2016

Link between obesity and increased risk of colorectal cancer revealed

Research at Thomas Jefferson University reveals obesity is associated with a key hormone's absence, leading to tumor suppressor pathway deactivation and increased colorectal cancer risk. A therapeutic approach using the pill linaclotide, structurally related to the lost hormone, may prevent cancer in obese patients.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 15, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Physical activity may help keep fat children fit

A Finnish study found that high body adiposity and low physical activity are related to poorer physical fitness in children. However, physically active overweight children performed better in fitness tests compared to inactive peers.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Sports Sciences·DateJan 13, 2016

Use small plates to lose weight

A recent study found that smaller plates can lead to a 30% reduction in food consumption on average, particularly when diners are self-serving their portions. The research also discovered that consumers who are unaware they are being monitored are more likely to benefit from the use of smaller plates.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 12, 2016

Brain receptor regulates fat burning in cells

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered a novel regulator of body weight: the P75 neurotrophin receptor. Lowering levels of p75 NTR protected mice from developing obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease on a high-fat diet. The receptor plays a key role in regulating metabolic processes that control body weight.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 12, 2016
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.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Reducing sugar content in sugar-sweetened drinks by 40 percent over 5 years could prevent 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in the UK and 300,000 cases of diabetes

Reducing sugar content in sugar-sweetened drinks by 40% over 5 years could prevent 1.5 million cases of overweight and obesity in the UK and 300,000 cases of diabetes. This reduction would lead to a significant decrease in energy intake and body weight, resulting in a substantial decrease in these health issues.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 6, 2016

High rate of symptoms, hospitalization following gastric bypass surgery for obesity

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nearly one-third of patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery experienced hospitalization due to symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue. The risk of symptoms was higher among women, younger patients, smokers, unemployed individuals, and those with surgical symptoms before ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJan 6, 2016
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.

Does urban living make us gain (or lose) weight?

Researchers found a correlation between low-income neighborhoods and high BMI in Lausanne, Switzerland. The study suggests that urban environment plays a role in obesity, independent of common factors.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 5, 2016

BU study: Effects of obesity on death rates understated in prior research

A new Boston University study found that most obesity research relying on one-time measures of body mass index (BMI) overlooks the health impacts of weight change over time. The researchers argue that using 'weight histories' in studies clarifies the risks of obesity and shows they are much higher than appreciated.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2016

New Year's resolutions for 2016: Fight your obesity genes with exercise

A physically active lifestyle can substantially decrease the genetic effect of the major obesity gene FTO on body weight in a multiethnic population. Researchers at McMaster University found that physical activity can blunt the effect of inherited obesity genes by up to 75 per cent.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 4, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Eating healthy or feeling empty?

Researchers found that consumers associate 'healthy' foods with less fillingness, leading to increased portion sizes and consumption. Highlighting the nourishing aspects of healthy food can mitigate this bias, providing a potential solution for managing weight.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateDec 28, 2015

Vitamin D deficiency does not increase risk and severity of OSA

A recent study found no link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk or severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in elderly men. The study suggests that taking additional vitamin D supplements is unlikely to prevent or improve OSA.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateDec 23, 2015

Weight-loss programs tailored to a person's genome may be coming soon

A recent report finds that genetic information and data collection from noninvasive devices can help develop personalized weight management plans. With the falling cost of genome sequencing and portable monitors, scientists have the ability to collect the necessary data but need better analytical tools to analyze it.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalObesity·DateDec 23, 2015
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.

Weight-loss surgery cuts risk of developing serious heart problems

A new study found that bariatric surgery can significantly improve type 2 diabetes and reduce high blood pressure. The procedure also prevents 80,000 cases of hypertension, 40,000 cases of type 2 diabetes, and 5,000 heart attacks over a four-year period.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 22, 2015

Vitamin D levels linked to weight-loss surgery outcomes

A new Johns Hopkins study of over 930,000 patient records found that patients undergoing bariatric surgery during winter months fared worse than those in the summer due to lower vitamin D levels. The researchers also noticed a disproportionate number of complications occurred north of latitude 37 degrees.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalObesity Science & Practice·DateDec 22, 2015
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Obesity more dangerous than lack of fitness, new study claims

A new study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that high fitness levels do not offset the increased risk of death associated with obesity. Men with higher aerobic fitness had a lower risk of death compared to those who were obese, regardless of their fitness level.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 20, 2015

Good news for feast lovers? Obesity-promoting genes discovered

Researchers at OIST discovered a molecular mechanism involved in storing and burning fat. They found that mice lacking two specific genes remain lean even after eating a high-fat diet due to increased expression of Ucp1, which helps convert stored fat into heat.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 17, 2015

Activating beige fat in humans could combat obesity

Researchers found that increasing energy expenditure with brown or brite/beige fat cells could be an effective way to fight obesity. The study suggests harnessing the body's natural mechanism of converting white fat cells into beige fat cells by using heat production and increasing the sympathetic nervous system's supply of blood vessels.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity Supplements·DateDec 16, 2015
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.

Pill that targets gut receptor treats fatty liver disease, obesity in mice

Researchers have found a compound that can prevent and reverse fatty liver disease and obesity in mice by targeting the farnesoid X receptor. The compound, Gly-MCA, was tested in obese and diabetic mice fed with a high-fat diet and showed significantly less fat and insulin resistance compared to untreated control groups.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2015

Heart injury reduced after bariatric surgery but not lifestyle intervention

Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology reveals that bariatric surgery can reduce cardiac stress and chronic subclinical cardiac injury in morbidly obese patients. In contrast, lifestyle intervention had a limited impact on reducing high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I levels.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 9, 2015
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.

Plus-sized models in advertising linked to rising obesity rates: Study

A study from Simon Fraser University suggests that plus-sized models in advertising campaigns may contribute to growing obesity rates. The researchers found that non-traditional models with larger body types can have a detrimental effect on the public's lifestyle and eating behavior.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateDec 9, 2015

New $4.4 million research project targets obesity

A new $4.4 million research project aims to improve diagnosis and therapies for obesity-related health problems, including coronary heart disease, endometrial cancer, type-2 diabetes, and degenerative joint disease. The project will utilize big data analytics and genomics to gain insights into the causes of obesity.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 7, 2015

Brain receptors for hunger hormone control food intake, study shows

Researchers found that stimulating brain receptors for ghrelin, a hormone that increases appetite, increases food-related behaviors such as gathering and consuming food. Blocking ghrelin receptors in the brain prevents these behaviors, suggesting a crucial role of brain receptors in regulating food intake.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateDec 3, 2015

Gut microbes trigger fat loss in response to cold temperatures

Researchers found that exposure to cold temperatures alters the composition of intestinal bacteria in mice, leading to increased brown and beige fat formation and improved glucose metabolism. Transplanting these microbes into germ-free mice also triggered weight loss and improved metabolic health.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 3, 2015
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Gastric artery embolization shows promise in treating obesity

A new approach to treating obesity involves embolizing the gastric artery to suppress appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin. Initial results show that three out of five morbidly obese patients experienced significant weight loss, including one patient who lost 50 pounds in nine months.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 1, 2015
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.

Key molecular players in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes identified

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified Th17 cells and Th1 as key players in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes. The study reveals a biomarker that can predict the development of Type 2 diabetes in 75% of people with obesity, offering new potential targets for prevention.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalObesity·DateNov 19, 2015

The Lancet: British hospitals face serious shortage of liver specialists

A new report reveals that fewer than one in three hospitals employ a full-time doctor specializing in liver medicine, leading to a postcode lottery for patients. The UK's specialist liver centres provide excellent care but are not evenly distributed, resulting in poor patient outcomes and a lack of access to specialist care.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 19, 2015

Obesity spells problems for trauma patients

A study found a strong association between obesity and an increased need for surgery, longer hospital stays, and higher treatment costs in orthopaedic trauma patients. Patients with obesity were more likely to be discharged to a care facility rather than home.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateNov 18, 2015
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.

Weekday sleep changes may raise risk of diabetes, heart disease

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that weekday sleep changes may raise the risk of developing metabolic problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Researchers discovered a link between social jetlag, which refers to the mismatch between an individual's biological...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 18, 2015

Nationwide look at diabetes in Mexico paints grim picture

A nationwide study in Mexico found that diabetes incidence doubled every 10 years from 1960 to 2012, and up to 23% of the population could be diagnosed with the disease by 2050. The study highlights the need for comprehensive prevention strategies to reverse trends.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateNov 18, 2015

Obesity and type 2 diabetes harm bone health

Researchers found obesity and Type 2 diabetes negatively impact bone health, while exercise prevents weight gain, diabetes, and increases bone strength. This study informs interventions to improve bone health in individuals with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMetabolism·DateNov 17, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Stretch mark science: What happens to your skin when pregnancy gives you a stretch mark?

Researchers investigated skin samples from pregnant women with recent-formed stretch marks, finding disrupted elastic fibers that remain damaged after giving birth. The study suggests that preserving existing elastic fibers may be a more effective approach than repairing damaged ones within stretch marks.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateNov 17, 2015

Overweight men just as likely as overweight women to face discrimination

A new study by Rice University and the University of North Carolina, Charlotte found that overweight men experience subtle yet statistically significant interpersonal discrimination in employment settings. This bias can impact their chances of getting hired or being treated fairly as customers.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 16, 2015

How depleting the gut microbiota protects from obesity

Scientists from Université de Genève found that depleting the gut microbiota triggers a metabolic mechanism that transforms white fat cells into beige fat, reducing obesity and insulin resistance. This discovery could lead to new anti-obesity treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 16, 2015

Scientists ID genetic factors that influence body weight and neurological disorders

A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers has identified genetic factors that influence motor performance and body weight in a genetically diverse group of mice. The findings show significant overlaps with genes related to neurological disorders and obesity in humans, providing a new framework for studying these connections.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 11, 2015

Being thin but carrying fat around the middle more deadly than being obese

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that normal-weight individuals with central obesity have twice the mortality risk as those who are overweight or obese. Researchers examined data from over 15,000 participants and concluded that lifestyle modification strategies may be crucial for this population.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015
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: Negative body image, not depression, increases adolescent obesity risk

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that negative body image significantly increases adolescent obesity risk, regardless of depression status. Participants who perceived themselves as overweight were twice as likely to be obese a year after the survey.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateNov 9, 2015