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Scientists ID genetic factors that influence body weight and neurological disorders

A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers has identified genetic factors that influence motor performance and body weight in a genetically diverse group of mice. The findings show significant overlaps with genes related to neurological disorders and obesity in humans, providing a new framework for studying these connections.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 11, 2015

After prostate cancer, start walking

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that walking at an easy pace for three hours a week improves prostate cancer survivors' fatigue, depression, and body weight issues. Non-vigorous walking also showed benefits in these areas, with brisk walking potentially leading to similar improvements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateApr 16, 2015

Anti-inflammatory drug counters obesity in mice

A study led by Tokyo Medical University researcher Toshihiro Nakajima found that an anti-inflammatory drug can counteract obesity in mice by regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid breakdown. The drug, LS-102, inhibits the Synoviolin gene, leading to increased energy control pathways.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 19, 2015

Cardiorespiratory fitness is often misdiagnosed

Researchers from University of Eastern Finland propose a new method for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness by scaling maximal oxygen uptake and maximal workload by lean mass. This approach can avoid confounding effects of body adiposity, leading to more accurate assessments of an individual's functional capacity.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalClinical Physiology and Functional Imaging·DateSep 24, 2014

Healthy mom with lots of help key to thriving brood say scientists

Researchers found that mother wolves' body weight and pack size play a crucial role in enabling pups to survive and thrive. The study suggests that managers can use information on pack size, female wolf weight, and disease prevalence to set harvest limits and ensure sufficient population growth.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateOct 9, 2012

Carers and pharmacists confused about paracetamol doses for overweight kids

A survey of carers and pharmacists found that they often incorrectly calculated paracetamol doses for overweight children. The recommended dose should be adjusted according to the child's actual body weight, but many responders got it wrong. To prevent adverse consequences, simple evidence-based dosing guidelines must be developed.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEuropean Journal of Hospital Pharmacy·DateAug 20, 2012

Need an expert? Try the crowd

A team at the University of Vermont discovered that crowdsourcing can effectively predict user behavior, such as body weight and electricity use. The experiment showed that self-directed questions and answers by visitors to websites led to computer models that accurately predicted these outcomes.

Heavy rucksacks storing up back problems for many school-kids

Research found that over half of school children carry rucksacks weighing 10% or more of their body weight, increasing the risk of back problems. Girls are more susceptible to back issues, which worsen with age. Experts advise parents and teachers to promote healthy backpacking habits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateMar 14, 2012

Tendency to obesity starts with pre-schoolers

A two-year study found that children who approach food with emotional over-eating or boredom tend to be overweight, while those who avoid food due to fussiness or slow eating are more likely to be underweight. The researchers suggest that household environments and parental behaviors play a significant role in shaping these early food ...

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Obesity·DateOct 26, 2010

'Beneficial' effects of alcohol?

Researchers found no association between light-to-moderate alcohol consumption and reduced risk of functional decline over time. Lifestyle-related characteristics such as physical activity, body weight, education, and income were identified as the real determinants of the reported beneficial effects of alcohol.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 14, 2009

Studies of obese children reveal body-weight control hormone

Researchers identified an abnormal variant of β-MSH in five out of 538 obese children, which was more common in overweight or obese family members than in normal-weight relatives. The mutation altered the hormone's structure and ability to stimulate brain receptors, leading to increased obesity risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 7, 2006

Eating and body weight regulated by specific neurons

A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that AgRP neurons play a crucial role in regulating eating behavior and body weight. The research found that these neurons are essential for acute regulation of eating, and their destruction leads to anorexia and changes in blood glucose levels.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 13, 2005