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A new way to beat jet lag? Engineered cells speed circadian adjustment

A new cell therapy has been developed to accelerate circadian realignment in preclinical models, reducing the time required for animals to adjust to shifts in the light-dark cycle that mimic jet lag and shift work. Encapsulated leptin-producing cells have been shown to be effective in facilitating entrainment of circadian rhythms.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 14, 2026

Study points to metabolic health as a key factor in mood disorders

A study links insulin resistance and leptin dysregulation to cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder, highlighting the potential of targeted clinical pathways. Metabolic alterations are associated with cognitive deficits and poorer performance in memory and attention.

SourceElsevier·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 11, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

World Hormone Day 2026

The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateApr 23, 2026

New study elucidates obesity’s role in fueling breast cancer progression

Researchers found that the leptin-SCD pathway fuels breast cancer growth and motility, leading to poorer recurrence-free survival. Selectively blocking SCD activity can counteract pro-tumorigenic effects driven by leptin, revealing a potential therapeutic target for obese patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New EndoCompass Research Roadmap calls for coordinated investment to tackle Europe’s hormone health challenge

The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 17, 2025

Adopting a healthy diet may have cardiometabolic benefits regardless of weight loss

A new study found that nearly one-third of individuals adopting healthy diets didn't lose weight but still experienced significant improvements in cardiometabolic markers, including increased HDL cholesterol and reduced visceral fat. The research suggests a healthy diet can have benefits beyond weight loss.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2025

‘It still hurts, she said’: why pain medication may not be as effective for women as it is for men

Researchers found that female rodents experience heightened pain sensitivity due to activation of Panx1 channels releasing leptin, a hormone associated with increased pain sensitivity. This study aims to personalize treatment for patients and may explain the over-representation of women experiencing chronic pain compared to men.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025
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.

Does the brain produce estrogen to control appetite?

New research found that neuroestrogens produced in the brain help suppress appetite, as confirmed by experiments where aromatase expression was restored specifically in the brain. This suggests a link between neuroestrogen levels and body weight regulation.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateFeb 19, 2025

A weekly injection could replace painful daily treatment for rare fat disorder

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered that a weekly injection of diabetes medication can replace painful daily hormone shots for people with a rare genetic form of lipodystrophy. The study found that the drug tirzepatide improved insulin resistance and normalized blood glucose levels in patients, reducing the burden and pai...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2025

Vanderbilt authors find evidence that the hunger hormone leptin can direct neural development in a leptin receptor–independent manner

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have found that the hunger hormone leptin can direct neural development in a leptin receptor-independent manner. This discovery suggests a novel role for leptin in specifying the development of neural circuits involved in autonomic regulation and food intake.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2024
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.

UT Health San Antonio finds higher levels of leptin indicate brain protection against late-life dementia

A new study by UT Health San Antonio found that higher levels of leptin are associated with better signal-transmitting brain white matter in middle-aged adults. The researchers also discovered a link between leptin bioavailability and reduced risk of cognitive impairment, providing potential insights into obesity's role in dementia.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2024

Middle-age obesity is caused by changes in the shape of neurons in the brain

Researchers found that middle-age obesity is caused by age-related changes in the shape of neurons in the hypothalamus, a region controlling metabolism and appetite. A protein called MC4R detects overnutrition and regulates metabolism to prevent obesity. Dietary restriction may help maintain brain anti-obesity systems as we age.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2024

Faulkner to be honored by American Heart Association

Jessica Faulkner, a physiologist at the Medical College of Georgia, has been awarded the Harry Goldblatt Award from the American Heart Association's Hypertension Council. Her research focuses on the role of leptin in preeclampsia and obesity-associated cardiovascular disease in women.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateSep 7, 2023

Mouse study hints at specific brain receptor behind PCOS symptoms

A mouse study suggests that a specific brain receptor, the leptin receptor, may be involved in the development of PCOS symptoms. Researchers found that mice exposed to excess androgens prenatally had improved estrous cycles and regulation of their menstrual cycles, offering potential therapeutic targets for people with PCOS.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalEndocrinology·DateApr 18, 2023
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.

Leptin helps hungry mice choose sex over food

Researchers found that leptin receptor neurons prioritize social interaction over eating and drinking in moderately hungry mice. This system can only regulate moderate hunger, but not strong hunger, which may contribute to why diets don't work.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Grb10 offers a potential new approach for treating obesity

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that Grb10 promotes leptin activity in the brain, which may help overcome leptin resistance. This finding suggests that increasing Grb10 activity could lead to weight loss by decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023
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.

Cancer stem cells are fueled through dialogue with their environments

A study published in Nature reveals that cancer stem cells' miscommunication with their environment can trigger a self-perpetuating series of events leading to malignancy. Leptin signaling plays a surprising role in this process, which could be blocked to prevent tumor progression.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 2022

Hormone protects against development of fatty liver

A study found that leptin stimulates liver fat export and lowers liver fat content in healthy men, suggesting a new approach for treating fatty liver disease. The findings imply that the brain plays a role in liver fat metabolism via the autonomic nervous system, opening up potential new treatment options.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 11, 2022
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.

Increase in leptin levels in preeclampsia prompts cardiovascular cascade that puts mother and baby at risk

Researchers discovered that midgestation leptin surge in preeclampsia leads to endothelial dysfunction, blood vessel constriction, and restricted fetal growth. This finding highlights the crucial role of leptin in pregnancy and its potential consequences on maternal and infant cardiovascular health.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalHypertension·DateJun 23, 2022

Fat-secreted molecule lowers response to common cancer treatment

A Johns Hopkins-led study found that leptin cancels out the effects of Tamoxifen, making it ineffective for obese patients with breast cancer. Researchers suggest that interventions targeting leptin or Med1 may improve Tamoxifen's success in this group.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateNov 9, 2021

NIH will fund study of how the brain and fat tissue communicate

Researchers aim to generate a model of brain-fat communication system to regulate metabolism during environmental challenges. The study uses cutting-edge techniques like immunolabeling-enabled imaging to identify new components of neural circuits controlling brown and white fat tissues.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·DateOct 22, 2021
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.

Key protein linked to appetite and obesity in mice

A recent study from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University identified a crucial protein linked to increased appetite and obesity in mice. The researchers found that mice lacking this protein, XRN1, exhibited leptin resistance, leading to insatiable hunger and weight gain.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

Unraveling the mystery of why we overeat

Researchers from The Stuber Lab discovered that certain neurons in the brain light up in obese mice, preventing signals that indicate satiety. The study found that these neurons communicate with regions involved in depression and motivation, suggesting a link between eating disorders and addiction.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2021

Diabetes: Study of satiety mechanism yields new knowledge

Scientists discovered impaired leptin transport to the brain via LepR receptors leads to pre-diabetic state and exhausted insulin secretion. Reintroducing leptin restores pancreatic function-promoting action, suggesting a crucial brain role in type 2 diabetes management.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021
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.

Obesity and hypertension: Researchers discover novel mechanisms

New research reveals that obese mice do not increase the density of blood vessels in the hypothalamus when leptin is absent. However, increasing leptin levels promotes vessel growth via astrocyte activity. This study provides a paradigm shift in understanding how the hypothalamus controls blood pressure in obesity.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2021

New potential therapy for fatty liver disease

Researchers have found that leptin can help mobilize extra fat in the liver, reversing conditions like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with partial lipodystrophy and/or low leptin levels. Leptin therapy showed promise in improving insulin sensitivity and body weight.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateJun 7, 2021

Metabolic hormone ‘leptin’ linked to vaccine response

A University of Queensland study has found that reduced levels of metabolic hormone leptin are associated with poor vaccine antibody responses in both young and older individuals. The research could lead to the development of new strategies for improving vaccine protection in vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2021
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.

Leptin puts the brakes on eating via novel neurocircuit

Researchers discovered novel neurocircuitry in mice that links leptin to the brain's dopamine reward system, reducing food intake. The study suggests targeting specific neurons may help treat anorexia nervosa and support dieting in obese individuals.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 6, 2021

Early weight gain in children linked to ability to produce the hormone leptin

An international study found a genetic variant reducing leptin production increases obesity risk in young children of African ancestry. In contrast, adults with the same variant are not at higher risk, suggesting leptin plays a critical role in early weight regulation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Why is obesity so common in COVID-19 patients?

Research suggests a hormone called leptin, which regulates appetite and metabolism, also plays a role in how the body fights off COVID-19. Elevated leptin levels can lead to a low-grade systemic inflammatory state, impairing the body's ability to fight infection, particularly in people with obesity.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJul 24, 2020

Cellular stress makes obese mothers have obese babies

A new study reveals that maternal obesity triggers cellular stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, disrupting hypothalamic development and leading to offspring obesity. Bile acid treatment mitigates these changes, reversing obesity-related metabolic issues in mice offspring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2020
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.

MRI reveals brain damage in obese teens

Researchers found brain damage in obese adolescents related to inflammation, particularly in regions controlling appetite and emotions. The study used MRI to track white matter damage and correlated it with inflammatory markers such as leptin and insulin.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 25, 2019

Diabetes: A next-generation therapy soon available?

Researchers at UNIGE identified a protein called S100A9 that regulates blood glucose and lipids, improving glucose management and reducing harmful side effects in diabetic mice. A clinical trial is underway to test the safety and efficacy of this new therapy in humans.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2019

Gut-brain connection helps explain how overeating leads to obesity

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals a previously unknown gut-brain connection that plays a key role in obesity caused by overeating. The research found that increased levels of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) in the gut inhibit the action of leptin, leading to weight gain.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 12, 2019
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.

Researchers find new mutation in the leptin gene

Researchers discovered a new mutation in the leptin gene associated with severe early-onset obesity. The mutation causes Leptin proteins to be misfolded, rendering them ineffective and leading to excess body fat.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalGenes·DateJun 21, 2019

Yale-led study reveals biology of leptin, the hunger hormone

A Yale-led study reveals the mechanisms by which leptin increases appetite in response to low energy levels. The research found that reductions in plasma leptin concentrations stimulate food intake through a chain of events involving the brain, endocrine system, and AgRP neurons.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019

Effects of exercise and antioxidants

Exercise and antioxidants such as astaxanthin have been shown to enhance brain function, particularly in the hippocampus region. The study found that mild exercise and astaxanthin are additive and mediated by the hormone leptin, leading to improved memory and neurogenesis.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Growth hormone acts to prevent weight loss

Researchers found that growth hormone signaling promotes neuroendocrine adaptations during food deprivation, leading to increased appetite and reduced energy metabolism. This discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms behind weight loss and regain, highlighting the importance of GH in maintaining energy balance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2019
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.

Scientists identify genetic factors that may cause some people to become obese

Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a genetic mechanism that may contribute to 10% of all obesity cases. Alterations in the cellular machinery regulating leptin production can lead to obesity treatable with leptin therapy, and human genetics studies suggest a similar mechanism may contribute to obesity in some patients.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019

How celastrol sensitizes brains to leptin, curbing hunger and obesity

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that celastrol increases brain sensitivity to leptin, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss. The research identifies a pro-inflammatory signaling pathway involving the IL1R1 receptor as key to understanding celastrol's effects.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 4, 2019

Nasal delivery of weight-loss hormone eases breathing problems in sleeping mice

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully delivered the weight-loss hormone leptin through the nose to obese mice, alleviating breathing problems during sleep. The study suggests that nasal delivery may overcome leptin resistance and provide a new treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 7, 2018
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.

Found: A destructive mechanism that blocks the brain from knowing when to stop eating

A team of researchers has discovered a molecular mechanism that causes leptin resistance in obese individuals, which blocks the brain's ability to recognize when it's full. By blocking this enzyme, MMP-2, scientists hope to develop treatments for obesity-related issues and explore its broader implications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 22, 2018

Leptin's neural circuit identified

Researchers at Tufts University have identified the neural circuit in the hypothalamus that mediates leptin's anti-obesity and anti-diabetes effects. The study reveals two distinct mechanisms underlying leptin's inhibition of appetite, providing important insight into how leptin works and how resistance to it develops.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2018