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Fat fish illuminate human obesity

A study led by Harvard Medical School geneticists reveals that blind cavefish have mutations in the MC4R gene, which is also mutated in certain obese people. The findings provide insights into how vertebrates evolved different metabolisms and could inform the search for genes influencing human metabolism and obesity.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2015

Megacity metabolism: Is your city consuming a balanced diet?

A comprehensive survey of resources used and removed in the world's largest metropolitan areas reveals that megacities consume significantly more energy and produce more solid waste than other regions. Despite having a relatively small percentage of the global population, megacities generate a substantial proportion of global GDP.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2015

Discovery of new plant switch could boost crops, biofuel production

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a new switch that regulates plant photosynthesis, allowing for improved efficiency and resilience to environmental stresses. This discovery may aid in developing plants with enhanced productivity and stability, addressing the increasing demand for food and fuel as climate changes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2015

UM study finds fast food just as effective for recovery as sports supplements

A new University of Montana study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that eating fast food after a workout can provide the same potential for muscle glycogen recovery as traditional sports supplements. The study, led by Brent Ruby, analyzed muscle biopsies and blood samples from male...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateApr 7, 2015

Dresden researchers manage transplantation of adrenal cells encapsulated in a bioreactor

Researchers at the Technische Universität Dresden have successfully transplanted adrenal cells encapsulated in a bioreactor, paving the way for future human transplantation. This breakthrough could benefit patients with adrenal insufficiency and congenital diseases such as 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2015

Sleep problems may impact bone health

Recent research suggests sleep apnea impacts bone metabolism through sleep duration and quality disruptions. Daily rhythms play a crucial role in maintaining normal bone health.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 2, 2015

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

Scientists create possible precursor to life

Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark discover information strings with peculiar properties that can replicate quickly and efficiently, leading to a self-organizing autocatalytic network. This mechanism has potential value for developing technology based on living processes, such as self-healing devices.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateOct 20, 2014

A full serving of protein at each meal needed for maximum muscle health

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming protein at each meal can promote optimal muscle growth and maintenance. Researchers discovered that evenly distributing protein throughout the day is crucial for maximizing muscle synthesis rates, whereas a skewed distribution pattern may lead to suboptimal results.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 20, 2014

Hereditary trauma

Scientists have discovered a link between hereditary trauma and short RNA molecules, which can be passed down from one generation to the next. The research found that traumatic stress alters the expression of microRNAs in mice, leading to behavioral symptoms such as depression and altered metabolism.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 13, 2014

Camels emit less methane than cows or sheep

Researchers found that camels release less methane in absolute terms than cows and sheep of comparable body size. However, when adjusted for feed conversion, methane production is similar between the two groups. This suggests that camels' lower metabolism could explain their ability to thrive in food-scarce environments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 10, 2014

Glucosamine promotes longevity by mimicking a low-carb diet

A recent study found that glucosamine supplementation extended the lifespan of nematode worms by 5% and ageing mice by almost 10%, promoting glucose metabolism and protection against diabetes. This effect is comparable to a low-carb diet, suggesting a potential health benefit for humans.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2014

Energizing sick mitochondria with vitamin B3

Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that vitamin B3 form, nicotinamide riboside, can delay the signs of mitochondrial myopathy in animal models. The treatment increased mitochondrial mass and function, curing structural abnormalities and providing a potential therapeutic approach for adult-onset mitochondrial muscle diseases.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 7, 2014

Stress hormone linked to frailty

A new study found that individuals with frailty have lower morning cortisol levels and higher evening levels, associated with reduced grip strength and walking speed. This study suggests a link between disrupted cortisol regulation and loss of muscle mass and strength in frail adults.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 20, 2014

Exposure to cold temperatures can help boost weight loss

Researchers found that mild cold exposure can significantly affect energy expenditure over sustained time periods, suggesting a potential benefit for weight loss. Brown fat, a heat-generating organ thought to be active only in infants, is also present in adults and can be activated by cold temperatures.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJan 22, 2014

How metabolism and brain activity are linked

A recent study by McGill University researchers discovered a direct link between brain metabolism and signaling, which may explain why seizures in some epilepsy patients can be controlled with a specially formulated diet. The research also found that the mitochondria of brain cells play a crucial role in energy production and signaling.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2014

Virginia Tech plant scientist named AAAS Fellow

John Jelesko, an associate professor of plant pathology and physiology at Virginia Tech, has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to the field of plant specialized metabolism. His research has led to a better understanding of plant metabolism with significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience·DateNov 25, 2013