Add BrightSurf on Google Email

On-and-off fasting helps fight obesity

A study published in Cell Research found that intermittent fasting can be beneficial for the metabolism, reducing fat build-up and stabilizing glucose and insulin systems. After sixteen weeks of on-and-off fasting, mice weighed less and had lower body fat compared to control groups.

SourceSpringer·JournalCell Research·DateOct 17, 2017

House dust spurs growth of fat cells in lab tests

Research found that small amounts of house dust containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals can spur fat cells to accumulate triglycerides and divide, promoting weight gain. The study suggests that indoor dust is a likely exposure source of chemicals disrupting metabolic health, particularly in children.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 12, 2017

Can fat 'feel' fat?

Researchers at the University of Iowa discovered a protein that controls glucose uptake in fat cells based on cell swelling, leading to insights into the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes. Mice lacking this protein developed insulin resistance and glucose intolerance despite having smaller fat cells.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMay 25, 2017

Improving control of age-related obesity

A team of researchers has discovered that the epigenetic enzyme Lsd1 plays a key role in maintaining beige adipocytes, which burn fat to generate heat. By targeting this gene, they were able to prevent premature transformation of beige to white adipose tissue and reduce metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2017

Inflammation halts fat-burning

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that inflammation in abdominal fat blocks fat-burning by inhibiting cGMP signaling. Administering cGMP-stimulating active ingredients may be a possible starting point for treating obesity and preventing related complications.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 3, 2017

Blood pressure hormone promotes obesity

A new study published in Cell Reports explains how a blood pressure hormone system can promote obesity. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) controls energy balance and metabolic rate, with elevated brain RAS increasing energy expenditure and weight loss, while peripheral RAS suppressing resting metabolism and increasing weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 28, 2016

Converting cells to burn fat, not store it

Researchers at McGill University have found a way to reprogram white fat cells into energy-burning beige or brown fat cells. This 'browning' process can help manage obesity and other metabolic disorders by burning excess energy instead of storing it.

SourceMcGill University·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 16, 2016

Got good fat?

University of Bonn researchers have discovered a new method to measure the activity of energy-consuming brown fat cells in humans and mice. They found that microRNA-92a can be used as an indirect measure of brown fat cell activity, with a small blood sample sufficient for analysis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2016

Researchers at the University of Bonn boost fat-burning

A team of scientists at the University of Bonn discovered a switch that can convert unwanted white fat cells into energy-burning brown cells by blocking Gq proteins. This breakthrough has significant implications for obesity treatment, as it may lead to the development of pharmaceutical products that target this pathway.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2016

New discovery opens doors to manipulating fat production in the body

Scientists have discovered that some human fat cells originate from stem cells in bone marrow, which could lead to new strategies for preventing and reversing fat-related chronic diseases. By manipulating the production of these cells, researchers hope to reduce the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and obesity.