Add BrightSurf on Google Email

An obesity treatment for women only?

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a potential way to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes in women by targeting a specific gene called KLF14. Increasing KLF14 abundance in fat cells may help alleviate metabolic abnormalities, including slower metabolic rates and less efficient triglyceride management.

In world-first, Tel Aviv University researchers engineer human spinal cord implants for treating paralysis

Researchers from Tel Aviv University have engineered 3D human spinal cord tissues and implanted them in lab models with long-term chronic paralysis, resulting in an 80% success rate in restoring walking abilities. The team aims to conduct clinical trials in human patients within a few years to make the treatment commercially available.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 7, 2022

How the body uses fat to fight infection

Researchers discovered that blood stem cells use high-energy fatty acids from the body's fat stores to power up their response to infection. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable and older individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Fat cells found to play a central role in renal failure-associated cardiomyopathy

New research from Marshall University finds that production of peptide NaKtide in fat cells inhibits sodium pump function, preventing the development of cardiomyopathy associated with renal failure. The study also suggests targeting adipocytes may serve as a viable clinical strategy for preventing and treating the condition.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 29, 2020

University of Michigan researchers identify new approach to turning on the heat in energy-burning fat cells

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new signaling pathway that can regulate beige fat thermogenesis independently of adrenergic signaling. This discovery opens a new direction for approaching metabolic disorders and could potentially provide a treatment option for patients with catecholamine resistance.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 12, 2020

Different kinds of white fat are important in disease

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered two subtypes of human white subcutaneous fat cells with distinct patterns of gene expression, which may help control whether cells become mature fat cells. This study highlights the potential of bringing together biology, artificial intelligence, and data analysis to better understa...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2020

Eat less, live longer

A new study by Salk scientists shows that caloric restriction can protect against aging in cellular pathways, reducing inflammation and increasing life span. The study found that 57% of age-related changes in cell composition were not present in rats on a restricted diet.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateFeb 27, 2020

Unveiling how lymph nodes regulate immune response

Scientists uncover how lymph nodes' development is controlled by the Hippo pathway, shedding light on their role in regulating immune responses. The research found that impaired Hippo signaling can lead to fibrosis or transformation of fat cells, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for diseases affecting systemic immunity.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2020