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TORC at UH turns to virtual world of Second Life for new study

The University of Houston's Texas Obesity Research Center (TORC) is recruiting 500 participants for a study promoting healthy dietary habits and physical activity in the virtual world of Second Life. Participants will earn rewards and compete to win the International Health Challenge.

Adults who eat eggs for breakfast lose 65 percent more weight

Adults who eat eggs for breakfast lose 65 percent more weight and feel more energetic compared to those who eat a bagel breakfast of equal calories. The study also found that blood lipids were not impacted during the two-month study, supporting previous research on the importance of high-quality protein in diet.

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.

This old healthy house

Researchers found that living in a walkable neighborhood can reduce the risk of obesity by up to six pounds. The study used census data from Salt Lake County and found that neighborhoods built before 1950 were associated with lower BMI values.

Obesity predisposition traced to the brain's reward system

A new study reveals a link between obesity predisposition and defective dopamine signaling in the brain's reward system. The mesolimbic system, which secretes dopamine, is found to have lower baseline levels and reduced stimulated release in obesity-prone rats.

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.

ASGE issues guidelines on the role of endoscopy in the bariatric surgery patient

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines on the role of endoscopy in bariatric surgery patients. The guidelines emphasize the importance of preoperative endoscopy to detect lesions that may affect surgery and postoperative symptoms or conditions, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Second Life a first for UH department of health and human performance

The UH department of health and human performance is leveraging Second Life to enhance student learning, with grants supporting research on virtual environments and instructional technology. Faculty members aim to create immersive learning experiences, promote healthy habits, and facilitate international collaborations.

Circadian rhythm-metabolism link discovered

UC Irvine researchers found that CLOCK protein regulates body clock, working in balance with SIRT1 to modulate energy use. This balance is vital for proper metabolism, and disruption can lead to metabolic disorders. The study suggests that sleep and diet can help maintain this equilibrium.

Soy foods are associated with lower sperm concentrations

Men who consume soy foods regularly have lower sperm concentrations than those who do not. The association is particularly strong in overweight or obese individuals. Researchers found that men with normal or high sperm counts may be more susceptible to the effects of soy foods, suggesting a possible increased risk of infertility.

No justification for denying obese patients knee replacements

A study of 325 obese patients found they benefited from knee replacements, with improved mobility scores compared to a comparison group. The research suggests that obese patients can undergo the procedure without increased risk, making it unjustified to deny them the surgery.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

News briefs from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

A study found that large-volume breast reductions in morbidly obese women are as safe as for slimmer patients. Additionally, post-bariatric patients often experience nutritional deficiencies, which can impact wound healing and immune response, prompting plastic surgeons to recommend optimal nutrition.

Studies refute common stereotypes about obese workers

New research from Michigan State University found that overweight and obese adults are not significantly less conscientious, emotionally stable, or socially agreeable than their normal-weight colleagues. Employers are urged to prevent weight-based stereotypes in hiring and employment decisions.

The epigenetics of increasing weight through the generations

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that maternal obesity can amplify obesity in successive generations through epigenetic changes. The study found that genetically identical mice on a standard diet gained weight with each generation, while those on a methyl-supplemented diet remained lean.

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.

Non-parental care of infants tied to unfavorable feeding practices

A new study by University of Illinois and Harvard University researchers found that non-parental care of infants is associated with higher rates of overweight and unfavorable feeding practices. Infants in child-care settings were more likely to be overfed or underfed, leading to weight gain.

Research highlights problems of predicting birthweights in obese mothers

The study found that the gestation-adjusted projection method (GAP) produced impressive results, accurately predicting birth weights in over 90% of cases. The GAP method uses ultrasound measurements and a mathematical formula to determine whether the baby is larger than average size for its gestational age.

Elevated level of certain protein associated with increased risk for diabetes

Researchers discovered a strong association between elevated fetuin-A levels and the development of type 2 diabetes in older adults. The study found that higher fetuin-A levels were associated with a significantly increased risk of diabetes, with the strongest association seen in the third highest quartile of fetuin-A levels.

Herbal remedy reduces obesity and heart disease?

Researchers have discovered that Tabebuia extract can delay dietary fat absorption in animal models, reducing triglyceride levels. The extract's potential use in treating obesity and associated diseases like type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease is being explored.

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.

Eating junk while pregnant can harm your baby

A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that rats fed a junk food diet during pregnancy and lactation had offspring with high cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance. These rats also showed increased obesity and fat around the kidneys.

Study links gastric bypass surgery to increased risk of kidney stones

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones as early as three months post-operation. The study suggests a possible link between the surgical procedure and changes in urinary electr...

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.

Weight-loss surgery can cut cancer risk

A recent study published by Dr. Nicolas Christou of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) suggests that bariatric surgery reduces the risk of developing cancer by up to 80% in morbidly obese patients. The research, which compared over 1,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery with those who did not, found significant decrease...

Lifestyle can alter gene activity, lead to insulin resistance

A Finnish study of identical twins found that physical inactivity and acquired obesity impair the expression of genes involved in energy production, contributing to insulin resistance. The study suggests that lifestyle factors play a significant role in developing diabetes and heart disease.

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.

Study shows 'being fat in today's world' invites social discrimination

A new study from Australia found that obese individuals feel a culture of blame and are often disrespected by medical practitioners. The study suggests that health care providers should do a more thorough assessment of the needs of individual obese patients, addressing social and psychological issues.

New weight loss diet recommends high-carb and protein big breakfast

A new study suggests that a diet with a big breakfast of carbs and protein can lead to more successful weight loss, as seen in the 8-month study where participants lost an average of 16.5 pounds. The high-carb and protein intake controlled appetite and cravings for sweets and starches.

Exercise reduces hunger in lean women but not obese women

A recent study published by the Endocrine Society found that exercise does not suppress appetite in obese women, unlike lean women. Obese women showed no significant reduction in leptin levels during intense exercise, which is essential for appetite suppression and weight loss.

Heightened sense of taste can promote weight loss

Researchers found that overweight individuals who used calorie-free tastants to flavor their food lost an average of 30.5 pounds over six months, compared to just 2 pounds for those who didn't use the tastants. This suggests that enhancing one's sense of taste can lead to weight loss by reducing hunger.

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.

Red wine's resveratrol may help battle obesity

Researchers found that resveratrol inhibits the growth of pre-fat cells and prevents them from converting into mature fat cells. Resveratrol also reduces production of cytokines linked to obesity-related disorders, such as diabetes and clogged coronary arteries.

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.

Overweight does not decrease sperm production

A new study by The Endocrine Society found that overweight men are not more likely to be infertile, contradicting previous research on obese women. Greater body weight was linked to lower testosterone levels in some participants, but impaired sperm production remains the primary cause of infertility in men.

News briefs from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that after massive weight loss, the majority of patients desire body contouring plastic surgery. Younger, divorced women who had minimally-invasive gastric bypass surgery showed the strongest interest in these procedures. Additionally, breast reconstruction studies revealed that...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Combining exercise with hormone could prevent weight gain

Researchers found that pairing leptin with a minor amount of exercise revived the hormone's ability to fight fat, preventing weight gain in obese rats. The study suggests that low-level exercise triggered a metabolic change that cleared the way for leptin to work effectively.

The global challenge of diabetes

The current figure of 246 million adults worldwide with diabetes is expected to expand rapidly, with 50% of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. The Lancet Editorial emphasizes that much of the morbidity and mortality can be prevented through targeted prevention strategies.

Quitting smoking helps social life

Research found that quitting smoking is linked to a cultural shift, with groups of spouses, friends, siblings, and co-workers giving up the habit at the same time. Closer relationships have a greater impact on quitting, with education playing a role in influencing behavior.

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.

Obesity and unhealthy lifestyles linked to more complex urinary problems

A population-based study of over 5,000 men and women found that obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are associated with a larger number of urinary problems. Women who have had hysterectomies and men who have undergone prostate or bladder surgery also face an elevated risk. The study highlights the importance of considering social economic...

Obese population uses 18 percent more food energy than normal population

An obese population requires 18% more food energy to maintain daily living activities compared to a normal population, resulting in increased global food demand. Promoting walking and cycling through transport policies can reduce obesity and decrease food prices by reducing transportation fuel consumption.

Study documents obesity and its association with heart risk

A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine has documented the association between obesity and increased risk of heart disease. The research found significant ethnic disparities in weight and cardiovascular health, with non-Hispanic white participants showing a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.

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.

Obesity linked to increased risk for dementia

A systematic review of 10 studies found a consistent relationship between obesity and an increased risk for dementia, with baseline obesity increasing the risk by 80% on average. Preventing or treating obesity at a younger age could reduce the number of dementia patients by up to 20%.

Obesity can increase dementia risk by up to 80 percent

Research found obesity increases dementia risk by 80%, while being underweight also poses a significant threat. The study, published in Obesity Reviews, analyzed data from over 37,000 people and estimated that 12% of dementia risk can be attributed to obesity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Hunger hormone: Makes food more attractive

A new study reveals that ghrelin hormone enhances the brain's response to food-related cues, making food more attractive. The hormone targets regions involved in reward and motivation, similar to those affected by drug addiction.

Not all fat created equal

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered that subcutaneous fat, typically found in the hips and thighs, can lower insulin levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. This discovery offers a new avenue for finding substances produced by subcutaneous fat that may improve glucose metabolism.

Second genetic link to weight and obesity

A recent study published in Nature Genetics has identified two new genetic variants associated with fat mass, weight, and risk of obesity. The variants, located near the MC4R gene, act in addition to previously described FTO gene variants, resulting in an average increase of 3.8 kg (or 8.5 lb) in weight.

Obesity worsens impact of asthma

A new study reveals that obesity can exacerbate asthma symptoms by increasing dynamic hyperinflation, making it harder for individuals to breathe. The research found significant differences in lung function between obese and non-obese asthmatic women, highlighting the need for more targeted treatment approaches.

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.

Body image program reduces onset of obesity and eating disorders

A body image program called the Body Project has been shown to reduce the risk of onset of eating disorders by 61% and obesity by 55% in young women. The program, which consists of four one-hour weekly sessions, helps participants challenge negative body ideals and adopt healthier attitudes towards food and exercise.