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New generation asthma drug could improve metabolism

Researchers have tested a new asthma medication that improves fat and protein metabolism, increasing energy expenditure by over 10% and fat burning by more than 25%. The medication, formoterol, is selective for lung receptors and does not affect the heart rate, suggesting potential benefits for body composition and health.

When it comes to warm-up, less is more

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that shorter warm-ups can result in less muscle fatigue and improved peak power output. The study suggested that sprint athletes may benefit from adopting a shorter and less strenuous warm-up for better performance.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateMay 27, 2011

Insight offers new angle of attack on variety of brain tumors

A new research paper published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reveals a genetic mutation that leads to abnormal metabolic processes in gliomas, potentially leading to targeted therapies. The study shows that almost all tumors with IDH mutations have the same methylation pattern.

SourceBrown University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 15, 2010

Lactate in the brain reveals aging process

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used MRI to measure brain lactic acid levels and found increased levels before other aging symptoms, suggesting a potential indicator of aging and age-related diseases. The study also suggests a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and lactate production in the brain as aging progresses.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2010

Selenium protects men against diabetes

Researchers followed 1162 healthy French men and women for nine years, monitoring plasma selenium concentrations and incidence of dysglycemia. High selenium levels in men were associated with a lower risk of developing dysglycemia, while no such association was found in women.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateMar 17, 2010

CSHL study identifies potential way to reverse cancer cell metabolism and tumor growth

A study at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified three molecular factors that contribute to high levels of PK-M2 in cancer cells, which promotes rapid cell proliferation and tumor growth. The researchers found that forcing a reduction in the levels of these factors could reverse the Warburg effect and restore normal metabolism.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2010

What came first in the origin of life? A study contradicts the 'metabolism first' hypothesis

Researchers from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona found that compound genomes lose essential properties for evolution when complex. The study challenges the 'metabolism first' theory and supports the idea that genetic information stored in nucleotide polymers, like RNA and DNA, is crucial for life to emerge.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2010

White tea -- the solution to the obesity epidemic?

Researchers have found that white tea extract effectively reduces the generation of new adipocytes and stimulates fat mobilization from mature fat cells. White tea, a less processed version of green tea, contains ingredients such as methylxanthines and epigallocatechin-3-gallate that may be responsible for its anti-adipogenic effects.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateApr 30, 2009

Soybean component reduces menopause effects

A rat model study shows that dietary soy supplementation can prevent menopause-related syndromes, improve lipid profiles, and reduce LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. The findings support the indication that soybean consumption may prevent coronary heart disease.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition and Metabolism·DateApr 8, 2009

Lack of vitamin D causes weight gain and stunts growth in girls

A Canada-US study published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that insufficient vitamin D can cause higher body mass and shorter stature in girls during puberty. The researchers discovered a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased abdominal fat, but no link to bone strength.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 10, 2008

Hormone therapy helps short children grow up

A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that dose-dependent growth hormone treatment increased final height in children with short stature who are not GH deficient. Children from parents of normal height responded better to treatment than those from short parents.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 6, 2008

High-fat diet throws off the body's internal clock

Researchers found that high-fat diets can shift mice's activity patterns, causing them to eat more during the day and altering molecular components of the circadian clock. The study suggests that metabolic processes, like nutrient status, may influence the internal body clock.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 6, 2007