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New research explores effects of moderate fat diets that include avocados

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a moderate fat diet incorporating one fresh avocado daily improved certain blood lipid markers, including total cholesterol to HDL and LDL-cholesterol ratios. The avocado diet achieved greater reductions in bad cholesterol levels compared to low-fat diets.

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 8, 2015

Smokers, the obese, have markedly higher health-care costs than peers

A new study by Ruopeng An found that smokers and the obese incur substantially higher annual health care costs compared to their peers. Out-of-pocket medical expenses, inpatient and outpatient care, emergency room visits, and prescription drugs contribute to these added expenditures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPublic Health·DateJan 6, 2015

Bariatric surgery associated with improved long-term survival

A study found that bariatric surgery significantly reduced all-cause mortality rates among obese patients, with improved survival at 5 and 10 years post-surgery. The research involved 2,500 surgical patients and 7,462 control patients, and suggests a beneficial relationship between surgery and survival for severely obese adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 6, 2015
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.

Surgery for obesity is linked to longer survival

A study of 2,500 obese patients and 7,500 matched controls found bariatric surgery reduces mortality risk by 53% at 5-14 years post-procedure. The surgery also became safer over time, with lower risk of death during and after the procedure.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalJAMA·DateJan 6, 2015

Researchers identify new genetic and epigenetic contributors to diabetes

Researchers have discovered new genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to diabetes, suggesting a shared pathway between genes and environment. The study found similar epigenetic changes in fat cells of obese mice and humans, highlighting the consilience of genetics and environment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 6, 2015

Drug stimulates brown fat and boosts metabolism

A FDA-approved drug may help combat obesity by stimulating brown fat's metabolic activity, increasing resting metabolic rate, and promoting weight loss in rodents. Researchers discovered that mirabegron activates the beta-3 adrenergic receptor, a promising target for obesity treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 6, 2015

'Imaginary meal' tricks the body into losing weight

Researchers at Salk Institute develop a new compound called fexaramine that effectively stops weight gain, lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar levels in mice. The pill tricks the body into thinking it has consumed calories, causing it to burn fat without altering appetite.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 5, 2015
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.

γδ T cells may play a role in insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that γδ T cells contribute to systemic insulin resistance in obese mice by promoting low-grade inflammation in fat tissue. The study suggests that targeting γδ T cells may provide a new avenue for treating or preventing type 2 diabetes caused by obesity.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateJan 5, 2015

For most 'healthy' obese, health declines over time

A 20-year study found that most healthy obese individuals progress to unhealthy obesity, highlighting the importance of weight management and treatment. The research also revealed a greater risk for cardiovascular disease in healthy obese adults compared to those with normal weight.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 5, 2015

Not all obese people develop metabolic problems linked to excess weight

A study at Washington University School of Medicine found that a subset of obese individuals do not develop common metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity, such as insulin resistance and high blood pressure. In contrast, those who already had these problems worsened after gaining weight.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2015

Nature, nurture and time

A new study reveals that genetic factors influencing obesity vary depending on the era of birth and when the research is conducted. Researchers found a stronger association between the FTO gene variant and obesity for individuals born after 1942 compared to those born before 1942.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Year of birth significantly changes impact of obesity-associated gene variant

Researchers found a significant impact of the FTO gene variant on body mass index (BMI) that largely depends on birth year, with stronger correlations in later years. The study suggests that broad environmental changes may alter the effect of the gene variant, highlighting the importance of considering time of birth in genetic studies.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2014

Survival rates higher in obese heart failure patients

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that obese heart failure patients have better survival rates than normal-weight patients. Over a 10-year follow-up period, 38% of obese and 45% of overweight patients died compared to 51% of normal weight patients.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 22, 2014

Decoding fat cells: UR discovery may explain why we gain weight

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that the Thy1 protein plays a fundamental role in controlling whether primitive cells become fat cells. Restoring Thy1 expression may help prevent or reduce obesity.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 11, 2014

Controlling obesity with potato extract

Researchers found that potato extract reduced weight gain in mice fed an obesity-inducing diet by 9 grams. The extract's high polyphenol content is responsible for its benefits. This study suggests that potato extracts could be a low-cost solution for preventing both obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateDec 9, 2014
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.

Rule of 3: Hormone triplet offers hope for obesity and diabetes

Researchers have successfully designed a substance combining three metabolically active hormone components (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon) to fight metabolic diseases. The triple hormone reduces body weight by around 30 percent while improving insulin sensitivity, essentially curing obesity and diabetes in animal models.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 8, 2014

The intestinal immune system controls the body weight

Researchers discovered that the intestinal immune system controls energy metabolism and can modify intestinal bacteria to prevent obesity and diabetes. By disabling a protein called MyD88, the team showed that mice can lose weight and reduce inflammation.

SourceUniversité catholique de Louvain·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2014
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 -- like father, like son

A study found that a sugary diet before mating triggers obesity in offspring, while certain gene networks predict susceptibility to weight gain. The researchers also identified similar mechanisms in humans and mice.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 2014

High-sugar diet in fathers can lead to obese offspring

A study found that high sugar diets in male fruit flies can cause obesity in their offspring through epigenetic changes affecting gene expression. Researchers also discovered a similar system regulating obesity susceptibility in mice and humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014

Obesity and hypertension

A groundbreaking study by Australian researchers has discovered that leptin hormone secreted by fat cells elevates blood pressure in obesity. The hormone acts in the brain to increase blood pressure, making it a promising target for treating obesity-induced hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceTania Ewing and Associates·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Obesity may shorten life expectancy by up to 8 years and cut healthy life by up to 19 years

A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that obesity is associated with a dramatic increase in risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a result, adults who are overweight or obese may lose up to 19 years of healthy life, while those who are very obese may lose up to 8 years.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateDec 4, 2014

Obesity may shorten life expectancy up to eight years

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology found that obesity can decrease life expectancy by up to 8 years. Researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to develop a model estimating annual risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults with different body weights.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateDec 4, 2014
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.

Health boost for fitness centers

Millions die each year from obesity-related issues, with Australia projected to be third fattest nation by 2020. Fitness facilities can mitigate risks by implementing pre-activity screening, automated defibrillators, regular inspections, and staff training.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management·DateDec 2, 2014

Another case against the midnight snack

Researchers at Salk Institute discover that confining caloric consumption to an 8- to 12-hour period can significantly reduce weight gain, improve body composition, and even reverse obesity and diabetes in mice. The study's findings add to mounting evidence highlighting the importance of time-restricted eating for overall health.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 2, 2014

Plant used in traditonal Chinese medicine may treat metabolic diseases and obesity

A component of the plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis has been shown to inhibit the development of metabolic disorders by stopping the activation of NLRP3, a protein involved in disease process. Isoliquiritigenin attenuates high-fat diet-induced obesity, type 2 diabetes and hepatic steatosis in mice.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·DateDec 1, 2014

Clinical trial demonstrates additive effect of exercise following gastric bypass

A new study reveals that exercise following gastric bypass surgery provides additional benefits for obese patients, including improved insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular fitness. This clinical trial supports the inclusion of an exercise program after bariatric surgery to enhance overall health outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2014
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Obesity-attributable absenteeism among US workers costs the nation more than $8 billion annually

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health estimates that obesity-attributable absenteeism among US workers costs the nation more than $8 billion annually, with state-level costs ranging from $14.4 million in Wisconsin to $907 million in California.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 21, 2014
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.

Study: Obesity fuels silent heart damage

A study found that obesity causes subclinical heart muscle injury and increases the risk for heart failure, even in people without overt heart disease. Obesity was independently associated with increased troponin levels, a marker of heart damage.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 2014

Unhealthy behavior may be cross-generational

A study found that children who spend more time in front of screens are at increased risk for obesity and heart disease. The researchers suggest reducing parental screen time may help lower the risk in children. Parents' behavior can have a lasting impact on their child's health.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 19, 2014

News from Nov. 18 Annals of Internal Medicine Supplement

Researchers found that smartphone apps designed for weight loss were unlikely to produce substantial weight loss in obese patients, highlighting the need for more engaging and time-efficient tools. Meanwhile, a study showed that offering a one-in-ten chance of winning $50 increased colon cancer screening rates by 20% compared to other ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 17, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Britain's obese in denial about their weight

A majority of obese people in Britain deny being obese, describing themselves as 'just right' or 'very overweight' instead. The study suggests that media coverage and public health campaigns may be contributing to this phenomenon, as people become less likely to recognize the health risks associated with their weight.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 13, 2014

Parental age at childbirth may affect metabolism of adult offspring

A study found that middle-aged men whose parents were older at birth had lower blood pressure, more favorable cholesterol levels, and improved glucose metabolism. Further research is needed to determine the causes of this effect, with epigenetics and post-natal factors being potential explanations.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateNov 13, 2014

What leads to weight loss success in adults with asthma?

A new study suggests that individuals with more severe asthma may be more motivated to lose weight, making them a key target for intervention. Gender tailoring of weight loss programs could also enhance success rates among adults with asthma.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateNov 13, 2014
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 heavier price: How do restaurant surcharges and labeling improve health?

A new study found that restaurant surcharges and labeling can reduce demand for unhealthy menu items. The study showed that customers are more likely to avoid unhealthy food with a label and a surcharge than without either. This combination is called an 'unhealthy surcharge' and may lead to increased customer trust and loyalty

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 11, 2014

Penn Vet team pieces together signaling pathway leading to obesity

A team of researchers has drawn connections between known regulators of body mass, pointing to possible treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders. They also found intriguing clues that these same molecular pathways may play a role in learning and perhaps even in some forms of brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 11, 2014

Obesity plays major role in triggering autoimmune diseases

A recent Tel Aviv University study found that obesity leads to a breakdown of the body's protective self-tolerance, creating an environment for autoimmune diseases. The research also highlights the importance of vitamin D supplements in alleviating symptoms and improving prognosis for patients with multiple sclerosis.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAutoimmunity Reviews·DateNov 10, 2014
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.

Medicare may need to expand options for behavioral weight loss counseling in primary care

A systematic review found that high-quality randomized controlled trials on behavioral weight loss counseling in primary care settings are limited, with only two studies identifying effective interventions producing an average weight loss of at least five percent. The review highlights the need for further research to evaluate the effe...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateNov 4, 2014

Texas A&M awarded grant to help reduce obesity, chronic disease

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has received a $783,000 grant to support national efforts to reduce chronic diseases and promote healthier lifestyles. The program will focus on improving access to healthy foods and safe locations for physical activity in Hidalgo County.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateNov 3, 2014

Immunotherapy for cancer toxic with obesity

Researchers at UC Davis found that immunotherapy regimens can be lethal to obese mice due to increased body fat, which affects the immune system's response. The study suggests a link between obesity and toxicity in cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 3, 2014

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Weight loss surgery substantially reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that bariatric surgery can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by around 80% in obese people compared to standard care. This significant reduction was observed even after controlling for other important factors such as smoking and high blood pressure.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateNov 2, 2014
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.

Dispositional mindfulness associated with better cardiovascular health

Research at Brown University found a significant association between self-reported dispositional mindfulness and improved cardiovascular health, including lower BMI, physical activity, and fasting glucose. The study suggests that mindfulness training may be effective in increasing cardiovascular health indicators.

SourceBrown University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 23, 2014

UT Southwestern scientists discover new clues to how weight loss is regulated

Researchers found that the FGF21-CRF pathway activates the sympathetic nervous system to signal to brown fat, which burns fat to generate heat. The study provides new insights into obesity and weight loss regulation, highlighting the importance of the central nervous system in weight management.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 23, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Reading a biological clock in the dark

A new study published in Cell reveals that our biological clocks work in tandem with the populations of bacteria residing in our intestines. The findings show that mice and humans with disrupted daily wake-sleep patterns exhibit changes in gut bacteria composition and function, increasing their risk for obesity and glucose intolerance.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell·DateOct 21, 2014