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Leave the car at home for a healthier daily commute, say experts

A UK study published in the BMJ Group reveals a significant association between active commuting methods (walking, cycling, or using public transport) and lower BMI scores. For men, this equates to a difference of nearly half a stone in weight, while for women, it's around 5.5lb, compared to those who used private transport.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 19, 2014

Do gut bacteria rule our minds?

Researchers found that gut bacteria can sway food choices by releasing signaling molecules into the gut, influencing physiological and behavioral responses. The microbiome's diversity of interests can be manipulated through diet and supplement changes, offering a tractable approach to obesity and unhealthy eating.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalBioEssays·DateAug 15, 2014
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.

NSAIDs may lower breast cancer recurrence rate in overweight and obese women

Regular use of aspirin or other NSAIDs has been found to reduce the risk of hormone-related breast cancer recurrence by half in overweight and obese women. The study suggests that limiting inflammatory signaling may be an effective approach to altering the cancer-promoting effects of obesity.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 14, 2014

NSAIDs benefit overweight breast cancer patients, study finds

Researchers found that NSAID use reduces ERα positive breast cancer recurrence by 50% and extends patients' disease-free period by more than two years. The study suggests a new possibility for reducing breast cancer recurrence among overweight and obese postmenopausal women.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 14, 2014

Aspirin may slow recurrence in breast cancer patients

Researchers found that patients taking COX2 inhibitors, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, had a lower breast cancer recurrence rate compared to those not taking these medications. This reduced the risk of ERα positive breast cancer by 50% and extended disease-free periods by more than two years.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 14, 2014

CU Denver study shows links between city design and health

A CU Denver study found that compact city designs with many intersections are healthier, promoting more walking and biking. The research discovered a correlation between wider streets and increased obesity and diabetes rates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateAug 8, 2014
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.

Losing weight won't make you happy

New research finds that weight loss significantly improves physical health markers but is less effective in improving mood and overall wellbeing. Participants who lost at least 5% of their initial body weight were more likely to report depressed mood, even after adjusting for serious health issues.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 2014

Cell signaling pathway linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes

A Purdue University study reveals that blocking Notch signaling in fat cells can transform white fat into a healthier beige fat type, potentially reducing obesity and related health issues. The research also found that suppressing Notch signaling improves glucose balance and insulin sensitivity.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 7, 2014

Grizzly research offers surprising insights into diabetes-obesity link

Researchers studying grizzly bears have discovered a natural state of diabetes that serves a biological purpose and is reversible. Grizzlies become diabetic only weeks after hibernation, but then recover when they wake up in the spring. The study reveals how natural biology can teach us about animal coping mechanisms with diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 5, 2014

Obesity paradox in survival from sepsis

A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that heavier patients are more likely to survive sepsis, a life-threatening infection. This obesity paradox challenges conventional wisdom and may improve care for all patients with sepsis and other critical illnesses.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateAug 5, 2014
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.

Hope for the overweight

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have developed a new approach to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, targeting the brown adipose tissue. By identifying specific surface proteins, they aim to selectively deliver substances to this tissue to reduce excess weight without side effects.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 31, 2014

Pesticide DDT linked to slow metabolism, obesity and diabetes

Exposure to pesticide DDT before birth is linked to increased risk of metabolic syndrome in female mice, characterized by obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The study also found sex differences, with females more susceptible to these conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 2014

Brain response to appetizing food cues varies among obese people

A new study found that obese individuals with a specific genetic mutation have similar brain activity when shown appetizing foods, whereas overweight individuals without the mutation showed lower response levels. This suggests a link between the MC4R pathway and food cravings.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 30, 2014

Appreciation for fat jokes, belief in obese stereotypes linked

A study found that people who appreciate weight-related humor tend to hold negative attitudes towards obese individuals, believing in stereotypes such as laziness and unintelligence. In contrast, those who dislike the humor are less likely to believe in these stereotypes.

SourceBowling Green State University·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateJul 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.

Is hunger suppression the key to reducing risk of overeating and obesity?

A study found that individuals low in satiety responsiveness are more likely to experience poor appetite control and overeat, particularly those with a preference for high-fat foods. Increasing almond consumption may help improve satiety responsiveness and increase control over food intake.

SourceSociety for the Study of Ingestive Behavior·DateJul 29, 2014

Vanderbilt study examines bacteria's ability to fight obesity

A Vanderbilt study finds that bacteria produce a therapeutic compound that inhibits weight gain, insulin resistance, and other adverse effects of a high-fat diet in mice. The researchers genetically modified E. coli to produce NAPE, which reduces food intake and weight gain, suggesting a potential new treatment for obesity.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 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.

Pesticide linked to 3 generations of disease

A study published in PLOS ONE found that ancestral exposure to the pesticide methoxychlor can lead to adult-onset diseases like kidney disease and obesity in future generations. The researchers discovered epigenetic changes caused by methoxychlor exposure, which were transmitted through the female line and affected gene expression.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2014

Obesity linked to low endurance, increased fatigue in the workplace

A new study found that obese workers have significantly shorter endurance times when performing workplace tasks compared to their non-obese counterparts. The study also revealed greater declines in task performance among females with obesity, highlighting the need for longer rest breaks and ergonomic redesigns.

SourceAmerican Industrial Hygiene Association·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateJul 23, 2014

Vanderbilt study shows therapeutic bacteria prevent obesity in mice

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found a probiotic that prevents obesity by inhibiting weight gain, insulin resistance, and fatty liver in mice. The study suggests manipulating the gut microbiota could treat obesity and other chronic diseases.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 22, 2014

Weight management program also reduces depression among black women

A study from Duke University found that a weight management program significantly reduced depression in nearly half of low-income black women. The 12-month intervention included personalized goals and behavioral changes, which had no direct impact on weight loss or treatment for depression.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 17, 2014
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.

Obese women may have learning deficit specific to food

Researchers found that obese women struggle with reward-based learning when food is involved, but not when money is the reward. This discovery could lead to new approaches for tackling obesity, focusing on modifying environmental cues rather than food itself.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 17, 2014

When it comes to food, obese women's learning is impaired

A study by Yale University researchers found that obese women were impaired in learning associations between food cues and rewards, but normal-weight individuals and men did not show the same impairment. This suggests a specific behavioral intervention targeting food-specific learning impairments may be effective in treating obesity.

SourceYale University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2014

The 'obesity paradox': Cardiovascular mortality lowest among overweight patients

Emerging data suggests that being overweight may actually protect patients from cardiovascular mortality, with the risk of total and cardiovascular mortality highest among underweight individuals. Higher body mass index (BMI) has been associated with more favorable outcomes in many acute and chronic disease states.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJul 16, 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.

BUSM study: Obesity may be impacted by stress

Researchers found that stress can disrupt the process of fat tissue development, leading to issues with fat storage within cells and in the bloodstream. The study identified a key signaling pathway involving adenosine receptors and stem cell factors that regulates this process.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 15, 2014

Obese US firefighters report receiving no weight advice from their health provider

A new study found that nearly half of obese and overweight US firefighters do not receive weight management advice from their healthcare providers. Higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with recommendations to lose weight, while younger firefighters were less likely to receive weight loss advice.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateJul 11, 2014

Scientists discover clues why weight-loss surgery cures diabetes

Research finds gut hormone cells, previously thought to contain one hormone, actually secrete six hormones including ghrelin. The discovery sheds light on how weight-loss surgery can cure diabetes, with understanding these hormonal changes crucial for a potential cure.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalEndocrinology·DateJul 10, 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.

Adolescents from southern Europe are less fit and more obese than central-northern European peers

A study by the University of Granada found that teenagers in Spain, Italy, and Greece have lower cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, and speed-agility than their northern European peers. The researchers also discovered higher levels of total and abdominal fat among southern adolescents, which may be linked to reduced physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 9, 2014

Young Hispanics often obese, at higher risk for heart diseases

Severe obesity is associated with considerable excess risk for cardiovascular diseases in young Hispanic adults, according to a new study. Young adults with severe obesity are more likely to develop high blood pressure and diabetes, both risk factors for heart disease.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 9, 2014

NCI study finds extreme obesity may shorten life expectancy up to 14 years

A recent study found that adults with extreme obesity are at a higher risk of dying from cancer and other causes, including heart disease and diabetes. The analysis of pooled data from 20 large studies revealed that people with class III obesity had a significant reduction in life expectancy compared to those with normal weight.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 8, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Individuals who are extremely obese have higher rates of mortality

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that class III obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2) is linked to higher mortality rates from various diseases. The analysis of 20 prospective studies revealed a substantially increased risk of death among class III obese individuals, particularly those with heart disease and cancer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 8, 2014

Obesity, large waist size risk factors for COPD

Research finds that excess belly fat, low physical activity, and underweight status increase COPD risk. People with larger waist circumference have a 72% higher chance of developing COPD.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 7, 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.

Explaining 'healthy' obesity

A recent study published in Cell Press found that high levels of a molecule called heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) are linked to poor metabolic health and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in obese humans.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 3, 2014

The Lancet: Chronic disease prevention one of 21st century's key challenges

Half of US adults suffer from at least one chronic condition, with a quarter having two or more. The report highlights the need for coordinated action to reduce the chronic disease burden, including promoting health and healthy behaviors, effective prevention services, and stronger links between healthcare and community services.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 1, 2014

The influence of westernization spells danger for public health in Nigeria

A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that urbanisation and westernization are linked to rising obesity rates among Nigerian women, particularly those with higher socio-economic status. The findings highlight the need to address both malnutrition and obesity as major public health concerns in Nigeria.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 2014
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.

Missing protein explains link between obesity and diabetes

A*STAR scientists discovered that obese individuals lack a crucial protein essential for regulating blood glucose levels, increasing their risk of developing diabetes. The protein, NUCKS, is the first molecular link found between obesity and diabetes, opening up new areas of research for potential treatments.

SourceBiomedical Sciences Institutes (BMSI)·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 29, 2014
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.

Engineered bacteria keep mice lean

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that engineered bacteria can prevent weight gain in mice by producing a compound called NAPE, which signals the brain to stop eating. Mice fed high-fat food with NAPE-producing bacteria exhibited limited weight gain and associated symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 24, 2014

Hydrogel capsule, Gelesis100, reduces weight in overweight and obese subjects

A new study by Gelesis found that its hydrogel capsule, Gelesis100, led to significant weight loss in overweight and obese individuals, particularly those with impaired fasting blood glucose levels. The three-month trial showed an average weight loss of 6.1%, 4.5%, and 4.1% for the active, high-dose, and placebo groups respectively.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 23, 2014

Bone loss persists 2 years after weight loss surgery

A new study shows that patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery lose significant amounts of bone density, even after their weight stabilizes. Bone health may need to be closely monitored in these patients to prevent fractures and osteoporosis.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 23, 2014

Diabetes drug, Liraglutide, improves risk factors for heart disease

A multicenter study found that liraglutide, a diabetes drug, reduced weight and improved cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The results showed significant improvements in weight loss and lipid profiles, suggesting a potential lower risk of heart disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 23, 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.

Battle of the bulge occurs in the liver

A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that free radical molecules contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease by inactivating protein tyrosine phosphatases. This inactivation leads to a cascade of events promoting disease progression.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 23, 2014

Gut microbe levels are linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity

Researchers found changes in gut microbiota composition among people with Type 2 diabetes or obesity compared to healthy individuals. The study identified associations between specific bacterial species and metabolic variables such as BMI, hemoglobin A1c, and waist circumference.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 23, 2014

People who are obese or former smokers more likely to follow recommended statin therapy

A new study suggests that individuals who are overweight, obese, or former smokers are more likely to follow recommended statin therapy for high cholesterol. Nonadherence to prescribed medication can lead to a significant risk of cardiovascular events, with studies indicating that nonadherence rates as high as 46% have been observed.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 23, 2014

Vitamin D can lower weight, blood sugar via the brain

A study found that vitamin D treatment improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese rats, reducing food intake and weight. The findings suggest a potential role of vitamin D in the onset of obesity and Type 2 diabetes through its action in the brain.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 22, 2014
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.

Dietary, lifestyle changes made early in pregnancy benefit obese women

A new study from China finds that obese pregnant women who adhere to an intensive nutritional and exercise program starting in the first trimester gain less weight and have fewer pregnancy complications compared to peers who receive standard prenatal care. The results show a significant reduction in gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia,...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 21, 2014