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People with brown fat may burn 15% more calories

A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that short-term cold exposure increased energy expenditure and improved fatty acid profiles in individuals with active brown fat. People with brown fat burned 15% more calories than those without, highlighting the organ's potential as a ta...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 28, 2020

Control of the fatty acid synthase

Researchers discovered a protein called gamma subunit that controls fatty acid synthase function in mycobacteria, allowing for the inhibition of pathogen proliferation without affecting human cells. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches against tuberculosis and provide insights into cancer treatment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateMar 13, 2020

How do ketogenic diets affect skin inflammation?

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that ketogenic diets heavy in coconut oil and palm oils worsened psoriasiform-like skin inflammation in mice. In contrast, well-balanced ketogenic diets with long-chain triglycerides did not exacerbate skin inflammation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateOct 17, 2019

European whitefish is healthy to eat, but the nutritional quality varies among season

Researchers found that European whitefish muscle omega-3 fatty acid concentration declined by 60% from growing to spawning seasons. Local people traditionally fish for winter supplies during the main growing season when nutritional quality is optimal, reflecting an understanding of the fish's energy-demanding spawning process.

Astrocytes protect neurons from toxic buildup

Research at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus discovered that astrocytes collect and recycle toxic molecules from overactive neurons, protecting them from damage. This mechanism, previously unknown, could be related to Alzheimer's disease and is an important role for astrocytes beyond their support of neurons.

How plants defend themselves

Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that plant cells recognize bacteria through small fatty acid molecules, rather than complex molecular compounds. This finding could lead to breeding or genetically engineering plants with improved immune responses and increased resistance to pathogens.

Omega-3 fatty acids tied to fewer childhood asthma symptoms

A six-month study of children with asthma found that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with lower odds of daytime asthma symptoms in response to indoor air pollution. Conversely, higher omega-6 intake was linked to more severe asthma and increased inflammation. The study suggests that dietary recommendations can help prot...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may play opposite roles in childhood asthma

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can modify asthma severity and response to indoor air pollution in children, while higher levels of omega-6 may exacerbate the condition. The study found a correlation between increased neutrophils in response to particulate pollution and higher levels of omega-6 in the diet.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 29, 2019

Not all saturated fats are equal when it comes to heart health

A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology confirms that diets rich in palmitic and stearic acid, found in meats, increase cardiovascular risk. In contrast, eating fewer long-chain saturated fats and consuming plant-based proteins lowers the risk of myocardial infarction.

SourceElsevier·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 28, 2019

Pilot study suggests pedal desks could address health risks of sedentary workplace

A recent pilot study by kinesiologists at UMass Amherst found that pedaling while working improved insulin responses to a test meal, with lower insulin levels observed when using a pedal desk compared to a standard desk. The study suggests that pedal desks could be a feasible solution for sedentary work environments.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateNov 8, 2018

Study firms up diet and depression link

A James Cook University study found a strong link between fast food consumption and depression among Torres Strait Islander people. The researchers discovered that those who ate more processed foods had higher levels of depression-linked fatty acids in their blood.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·DateOct 9, 2018

Fatty acids can slow down an overheated immune system

Researchers from Aarhus University have discovered a new type of fatty acid that can slow down the overactive STING protein, which is normally an important part of our immune system. This breakthrough has opened a new path to developing effective treatments for autoimmune diseases such as Lupus and SAVI.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2018

Fish-rich diets may boost babies' brain development

Research suggests that consuming fatty fish during pregnancy can enhance babies' brain function and visual development. The study analyzed 56 mothers and their children, finding that those who ate fish three or more times a week had better test results for visual functioning and maturational changes.

SourceSpringer·JournalPediatric Research·DateSep 20, 2018

Customized bio-synthetics

University of Konstanz chemist Professor Stefan Mecking has developed a method to synthesize tailor-made bio-synthetics by precisely determining the length of molecular chains. The newly synthesized material exhibits an extraordinary layered structure with great potential for application in high-tech membranes, such as batteries and wa...