Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Obesity: Not just what you eat

Researchers found that fat cells expand with disuse, causing accelerated growth of lipid droplets and altering the environment of surrounding cells. This discovery offers new insights into the development of obesity and potential solutions to prevent or reverse fat gain.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 20, 2014

Researchers discover molecule behind the benefits of exercise

Researchers discovered a molecule produced during exercise that helps protect against metabolic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. The molecule, β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA), was found to increase fat cells' ability to burn calories and balance blood sugar levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2014

Breaking the cycle of obesity, inflammation and disease

A new drug called amlexanox has shown promise in reversing obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease in mice. The treatment works by restoring sensitivity to catecholamines, which enables fat cells to burn energy and return to normal size.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateDec 19, 2013
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Bacteria and fat: A 'perfect storm' for inflammation, may promote diabetes

A new study by University of Iowa researchers found that staph bacteria superantigens trigger pro-inflammatory molecules in fat cells, amplifying inflammation and potentially leading to diabetes. Chronic exposure to these toxins creates a 'perfect storm' for inflammation, worsening the risk of developing diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 30, 2013

UTSW study unlocks origin of brown fat cells important in weight maintenance

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that brown fat cells are generated through new cell formation rather than converting white fat cells. This finding could lead to therapeutic strategies to activate precursor cells to produce more brown fat cells for weight management and related diseases.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 26, 2013

Ovarian cancer metastases influenced by factors in target tissues

Researchers found that ovarian cancer cells colonize milky spots in the omentum, which promotes cell growth and spread. The study suggests an alternative model of omental colonization, where both milky spots and fat cells play a role in attracting cancer cells.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 18, 2013

Epigenetic changes to fat cells following exercise

Research found epigenetic changes in fat cells after exercise, influencing genes linked to type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of how physical activity affects disease risk.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 3, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Some like it hot: The role of heat in sea lampreys' sex lives

Researchers discovered a thermogenic secondary sexual character in male sea lampreys, producing heat through a rare type of fat. The 'rope tissue' plays a crucial role in courtship and mating, making it an essential component of the species' reproductive behavior.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 27, 2013

Sea lampreys turning up the heat

Researchers discovered a fat cell near male sea lampreys' dorsal fin produces heat when approached by females, a previously unknown mechanism in spawning. This finding sheds new light on the invasive species' biology and may help reduce its numbers or eliminate it from the Great Lakes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 27, 2013

Fat cells in breast may connect social stress to triple-negative breast cancer

Research suggests that social stress can lead to increased metabolism in breast fat cells, which in turn stimulates nearby pre-cancerous cells to proliferate more rapidly. This local effect of fat cells in the breast may contribute to the development of triple-negative breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateJun 18, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCLA scientists isolate new population of pluripotent stem cells in fat removed during liposuction

Researchers at UCLA have isolated a new population of pluripotent stem cells, called Multi-lineage Stress-Enduring (Muse-AT) cells, from fat tissue that can differentiate into virtually every cell type in the human body. These cells are stress-resistant and may even be activated by severe stress, making them potentially superior source...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 5, 2013

Conversion from bad fat to good fat

Scientists at ETH Zurich demonstrated that white and brown fat cells can convert into each other, challenging current beliefs. This interconversion process is likely to occur in humans as well, offering a novel strategy for treating obesity by promoting brown fat formation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 28, 2013
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.

Fat cells prolong survival of human stem cells grown in vitro

Researchers found that human hematopoietic stem cells can survive for longer periods when cultured with a feeder layer of adipocytes, or fat cells. The study demonstrates the potential for using fat cells to extend the lifespan of hHSCs in vitro, which could be crucial for developing advanced cell therapies.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBioResearch Open Access·DateApr 9, 2013

Knowing how brown fat cells develop may help fight obesity

Researchers have discovered that a protein switch called Ebf2 determines the development of brown fat cells, which are thought to counteract obesity by burning excess energy. The study found that Ebf2 regulates the binding activity of PPAR-gamma, a protein that regulates differentiation of developing cell types.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 14, 2013

Long noncoding RNAs control development of fat cells

Researchers at Whitehead Institute have identified long noncoding RNAs as essential regulators of white fat cell development, which can lead to obesity. The study found that knocking down specific lncRNAs reduced the formation of lipid droplets in fat cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2013
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.

It's not just what you eat, but when you eat it

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that deleting the Arntl clock gene in fat cells causes mice to become obese due to a shift in eating timing. Supplementing with fish oil-like fatty acids can rescue this phenotype.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 11, 2012

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A recent study found that short-term sleep deprivation significantly decreases insulin sensitivity in fat cells, a key finding with implications for metabolic disorders. The researchers also discovered that regular sleep deprivation may lead to metabolic problems such as diabetes and obesity over time.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 15, 2012

Even your fat cells need sleep, according to new research

Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center discovered that not getting enough sleep has a harmful impact on fat cells, reducing their ability to respond to insulin. This finding suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, comparable to its role in brain function.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 15, 2012
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Study finds that natural killer T-cells in fat tissue guard against obesity

Scientists discovered that invariant natural killer T-cells (iNKT) in fat tissue regulate inflammation and protect against obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. iNKT cells can be restored through weight loss and activated by alpha-galactosylceramide, a lipid known to improve metabolism.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateSep 13, 2012

Study in mice discovers injection of heat-generating cells reduces belly fat

Researchers discovered that injecting heat-generating cells into mice reduced visceral fat by 20% and converted existing belly fat cells into thermogenic cells. The study suggests a potential new therapy for obesity, targeting patients with aging-related visceral fat accumulation and those who cannot exercise or reduce calorie intake.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 5, 2012
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.

How 'beige' fat makes the pounds melt away

Scientists have decoded signals that boost the burning of fat, focusing on the conversion of white fat cells into beige fat cells. Beige fat cells are efficient at converting energy from food into heat and can form from white fat cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 28, 2012

JCI early table of contents for Aug. 6, 2012

Researchers found that CCR9 is abundant in early stage colon cancer but lacks in invasive and metastatic cancer, suggesting its role in reducing cancer spread. Activation of NOTCH promotes degradation of CCR9, inhibiting the chemokine-induced signaling pathway.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 6, 2012

New target for treating diabetes and obesity

Researchers found that disabling a protein called FAS reduces white fat stores, allowing brown fat to thrive and burn more energy. Inhibiting PexRAP also shows promise as a potential treatment strategy for obesity and diabetes.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 2, 2012

In adult humans, brown fat is actually beige

Researchers identified a third type of fat cell, beige adipocytes, that can be activated to burn energy and generate heat in both mice and humans. Beige fat cells are genetically intermediate between white and brown fat, and respond to hormone irisin, which is released during exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2012
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.

The skinny on what makes us fat

Research found that SFRP5-deficient mice showed increased metabolic activity and were resistant to diet-induced obesity, revealing the mechanism of SFRP5-mediated fat cell generation. The study suggests targeting the WNT signaling pathway could be a therapeutic approach to treat obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2012

Why do fat cells get fat? New suspect ID'd

Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a surprising finding about WNT signaling and its role in fat cell growth. They discovered that Sfrp5, a molecule previously thought to have an opposing effect, actually stimulates fat cells to grow larger and burn fat slower.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2012

JCI early table of contents for June 25, 2012

Scientists identify WNT signaling pathway as potential therapeutic target for obesity. Antibiotic treatment after Lyme disease shows fluorescent bacterial debris remains without causing infection. Oxidative stress contributes to parasite persistence in host tissues, opening new avenue for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi drugs.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2012

Fungicide used on farm crops linked to insulin resistance

A recent study has found that exposure to the fungicide tolylfluanid can induce insulin resistance in fat cells, providing new evidence of the link between environmental pollutants and diabetes. This discovery raises concerns about the potential health risks of using this chemical on farm crops.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 23, 2012
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.

A new candidate pathway for treating visceral obesity

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified a new candidate pathway for treating visceral obesity by manipulating vitamin A metabolism. By inhibiting the enzyme Aldh1a1, white fat cells can take on characteristics of brown fat, leading to reduced fat storage and improved metabolic health.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 6, 2012

Unmasking black pepper's secrets as a fat fighter

A new study reveals that black pepper's piperine interferes with genes controlling fat cell formation, potentially leading to a metabolic chain reaction. This finding may lead to wider use of piperine or black-pepper extracts in fighting obesity and related diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 2, 2012

The fat stopper

Researchers at the University of Delaware have identified a protein called endoglin that regulates the creation of fat cells. By decreasing the amount of this protein on the surface of cells, it may be possible to force fat cells to transform into other cell types, potentially leading to new treatments for osteoporosis and obesity.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateApr 23, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cellular pathway linked to diabetes, heart disease

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found a cellular pathway linked to obesity-related disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Deleting the enzyme histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) completely protected mice against high-fat feeding's negative health consequences.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 19, 2012

Red wine, fruit compound could help block fat cell formation

A compound found in red wine and fruits can block the development of immature fat cells, according to a Purdue University study. The compound, piceatannol, alters gene expressions and insulin action during adipogenesis, delaying or inhibiting the formation of mature fat cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 4, 2012

Study finds protective gene in fat cells

A new study finds a protective gene in fat cells that helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially leading to a new therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. The discovery challenges popular notions of body fat and health.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2012
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.

Teaching fat cells to burn calories

Scientists at UCSF have identified a protein called PRDM16 that can convert ordinary white fat cells into brown fat cells, which burn calories. This discovery makes PRDM16 a possible target for future obesity treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 7, 2012

The heart can make 'bad' fat burn calories

Researchers discovered that cardiac natriuretic peptides can convert white fat cells into brown fat cells in mice and humans, increasing energy usage and potentially aiding in weight loss. The study suggests a new approach to combating the obesity epidemic.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 2012

Heart hormone helps shape fat metabolism

A new study at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute suggests that the heart hormone natriuretic peptides play a role in breaking down fat. The peptides turn on a molecular mechanism similar to what's activated when the body is exposed to cold and burns fat to generate heat.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 6, 2012
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.

Knocking out key protein in mice boosts insulin sensitivity

Researchers at UC San Diego and EPFL found that removing a regulatory protein called NCoR dramatically improved insulin sensitivity in mice. The study reveals a new role for NCoR in regulating fatty acid storage and glucose metabolism, which could lead to the development of targeted treatments for type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateNov 10, 2011

Lose the fat and improve the gums, CWRU dental researchers find

A pilot study of 31 obese people with gum disease found that those who underwent gastric bypass surgery had better periodontal outcomes than those who did not. The researchers believe that removing excess fat cells may help reduce inflammation and improve the body's response to treatment.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Periodontology·DateNov 9, 2011

Fat cells in abdomen fuel spread of ovarian cancer

A large pad of fat cells in the abdomen provides nutrients that promote the spread and growth of ovarian cancer. Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to thrive on lipids acquired from fat cells, leading to rapid tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 30, 2011

Yale researchers reveal 1 reason why fat cells fail

A Yale research team discovered a mechanism that enables fat cells to expand when excess metabolic energy is present, helping them store and use fatty acids efficiently. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular balance and preventing the breakdown of fat storage capacity in obese individuals.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 2011
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.

Cell dysfunction linked to obesity and metabolic disorders

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet found that fat cells in overweight people have a higher capacity for storing fats but a lower capacity for ridding themselves of them. This can lead to an accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of metabolic diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2011

Glucose uptake relies on newly identified protein

A study by Sanford Burnham Prebys reveals that CDP138 is a crucial protein for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle and fat cells. The researchers found that optimal insulin response requires the correct insertion of GLUT4 into the cellular membrane, with CDP138 playing a key role.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 6, 2011

Diabetes drug side effects traced to fat action

Researchers explore the effects of thiazolidinediones on fat tissue, finding that they remodel adipose tissue and lead to weight gain. The studies also reveal a link between rosiglitazone's vascular benefits and the hormone adiponectin.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2011

A stem cell target for expanding waistlines?

Scientists have discovered a protein marker on the surface of adipose stromal cells (ASCs), which drive fat expansion in the body. The finding may lead to developing a method to inactivate these cells, potentially treating obesity and improving regenerative therapies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 16, 2011
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.

Mount Sinai researchers find potential therapeutic target for controlling obesity

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered a cellular signaling pathway governing fat tissue and vascular smooth muscle differentiation. Elevated PDGFRβ signaling inhibits the formation of fat cells, offering new therapeutic targets for preventing obesity and cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 14, 2011