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Tirzepatide may change how the body uses energy

A study found that tirzepatide significantly increases brown adipose tissue activity and volume in premenopausal women with obesity. The medication also shows potential signs of converting white subcutaneous fat into more metabolically active 'beige' fat.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 15, 2026

Brown fat could help protect against cardiovascular disease in obesity

Researchers discovered brown adipose tissue protects against atherosclerosis and inflammation in humans with obesity, showing lower arterial inflammation and healthier blood profiles. Higher brown fat activity correlates with reduced vascular inflammation and improved cardiovascular health.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateMay 4, 2026

Scientists discover pathway that activates brown fat

Researchers have identified a key protein that activates brown fat by expanding blood vessels and nerves, which can regulate body temperature and is linked to weight loss. The findings suggest a new approach to treating obesity that deviates from suppressing appetite.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2026
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.

How beige fat keeps blood pressure in check

Researchers found that the loss of beige fat increases the sensitivity of blood vessels to angiotensin II, leading to hypertension. The team identified QSOX1 as a key enzyme involved in this process, which is normally kept off by beige fat.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateJan 15, 2026

Air pollution can contribute to obesity and diabetes

Long-term exposure to fine air pollutants like PM2.5 can impair metabolic health by disrupting the normal function of brown fat through complex epigenetic changes. The study identified two enzymes, HDAC9 and KDM2B, as key drivers of this process.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2025

Tiny cell messengers in obese individuals accelerate Alzheimer’s-linked plaque buildup in the brain

A new study found that adipose-derived extracellular vesicles, tiny cell messengers in obese individuals, accelerate the buildup of amyloid-β plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers hope targeting these tiny cell messengers could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in people with obesity.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study points out that a synthetic molecule helps reduce visceral fat and improve sleep

A synthetic molecule called Pep19 has been shown to reduce visceral fat and improve sleep quality in overweight adults, with no side effects observed. The study involved 24 volunteers who took either a placebo or Pep19 in capsules, and found a 17% reduction in visceral fat and improved sleep quality in those who received the molecule.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalDiabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews·DateAug 28, 2025
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.

Sensing fat

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that nerve cells can sense mechanical forces in fat tissue, regulating brown fat activity and influencing energy balance. Mice lacking this sensing ability were resistant to obesity and metabolic conditions.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 3, 2025

CNIO and CNIC research identifies a key protein for ‘burning’ fat

A new mechanism by which brown fat is converted into heat has been identified, revealing a potential target for treating obesity and related metabolic diseases. The MCJ protein plays a crucial role in this process, protecting against health problems associated with obesity such as diabetes and increased blood lipids.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2025

Brown fat boosts exercise performance and promotes healthy longevity

Researchers found that brown adipose tissue enhances exercise endurance and supports healthy aging by improving blood circulation and reducing cellular stress. The study suggests that treatments mimicking BAT's benefits could lead to innovative therapies for improved energy levels and heart health.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateJan 8, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Liver protein SerpinA1 enhances fat browning and glucose control

Researchers from Kumamoto University identified SerpinA1 as a key regulator in combating obesity and enhancing glucose metabolism. The study found that activating brown adipose tissue could pave the way for innovative treatments for diabetes and metabolic disorders.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2025

Terasaki Institute researchers develop promising nanoparticle-based approach to obesity treatment

Researchers at Terasaki Institute have developed simvastatin-loaded nanoparticles to target adipose tissue inflammation, promoting fat tissue browning and weight loss. The treatment effectively inhibits obesity-related inflammation, controlled white fat production, and demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024
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.

Duke-NUS finding advances quest to slow ageing

A team of scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School has identified interleukin-11 as a principal factor in ageing, linked to increased fat accumulation and muscle loss. Blocking the effects of IL11 could potentially increase healthy lifespan by up to 25%.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Scientists turn white fat cells into calorie-burning beige fat

Researchers at UCSF have discovered a way to turn ordinary white fat cells into beige fat cells that burn calories, opening the door to developing new weight-loss drugs. The approach uses a protein called KLF-15 and may avoid side effects associated with current treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2024

Marsupials key to discovering the origin of heater organs in mammals

Research from Stockholm University reveals that marsupials possess a not fully evolved form of brown fat, a crucial finding for understanding the origin and regulation of this heat-producing organ. The study suggests that the gene networks required to enable thermogenesis existed before the divergence of marsupials and placental mammals.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Main regulator for the body`s oven discovered

Brown fat cells convert energy into heat, protecting against cardiovascular diseases. Researchers discovered a new protein, EPAC1, that increases brown fat mass and activity, offering a potential target for weight loss therapies.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 9, 2024
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.

Can you actually have a hot flash in cold weather?

Researchers found a significant association between brown adipose tissue activity and bothersome hot flashes during the coldest months of the year. The study suggests that declining estrogen levels may lead to changes in body core temperature, triggering sweating responses.

SourceThe Menopause Society·DateSep 27, 2023

New model for in vitro production of human brown fat cells lays groundwork for obesity, diabetes cell therapy

A new model for producing human brown fat cells in vitro has been developed, providing a potential solution for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. The researchers identified key cellular signaling cues that lead to brown adipocyte formation and successfully reproduced this process in human pluripotent stem cells.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Cold-activated brown fat asks for more sugar via signalling RNAkines

Researchers found that cold exposure increases the secretion of miR-378a-3p by brown adipose tissue, which stimulates hepatic gluconeogenesis. This process is essential for regulating whole-body glucose homeostasis during cold stress.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

A secret sibling of fat cells could hold new clues to understanding fat’s role in cardiometabolic diseases

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen discovered a new type of fat cell called SWAT cells that provide structural integrity to adipose tissue. These flexible cells can differentiate into various types, including fat cells and progenitor cells, suggesting a crucial role in adapting to metabolic conditions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJun 19, 2023

Healthy vascular fat during menopause may stave off dementia later in life

Researchers found that women with higher-quality cardiovascular fat during midlife had stronger long-term memory and lower inflammation, while those with lower-quality fat had worsening working memory. The study suggests that taking care of heart health during menopause may protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

The breakthrough that could lead to new obesity treatments

A new study reveals the molecular structure of UCP1, allowing scientists to develop therapeutics that activate it to burn excess calories. This breakthrough could combat obesity and related diseases like diabetes by activating brown fat tissue.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023
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.

New Penn Medicine study uncovers key details of fat cells, advancing potential treatments for obesity, diabetes

Researchers have unlocked insights into how brown fat tissue can be harnessed to combat obesity and remove glucose from the blood. The study used a cryogenic electron microscope to view mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 in atomic detail, revealing potential new ways to promote weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2023

Time of day may determine the amount of fat burned by cold exposure

A new study suggests that cold exposure in the morning may be more effective at boosting metabolism and burning fat than in the evening, especially in men. In women, however, there was no significant difference in response to cold exposure times, but they were more tolerant of cold in the morning.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 17, 2023

‘Beige fat’ could hold key to age-related metabolism change

New research suggests a way to ward off age-related weight gain by stimulating beige fat cells. Beige fat has thermogenic properties that can reduce blood sugar and fatty acids causing heart disease. The study identifies a specific signaling pathway responsible for suppressing beige fat formation in older mice.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Protein Sirtuin 7 suppresses heat production in brown adipose tissue

Researchers found that Sirtuin 7 regulates brown adipose tissue functions, leading to suppressed energy expenditure and thermogenesis. The study reveals a molecular pathway involving protein deacylation and mRNA binding, which will have implications for treating hypermetabolic conditions like cancer and obesity.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

DARPA grant will fund hunt for drug that can keep people warm

Researchers aim to develop a drug that enhances brown adipose tissue response to cold exposure, potentially treating hypothermia and arctic exploration challenges. The new screening method could also optimize drug development for diseases and infections, reducing costs and time.

SourceRice University·DateJan 12, 2023

Eating almonds daily boosts exercise recovery molecule by 69% among ‘weekend warriors’

A randomized controlled trial found that daily almond supplementation increased the beneficial fat molecule 12,13-DiHOME in blood plasma after intense exercise. This increase was associated with reduced muscle damage and fatigue, as well as improved recovery from exercise. The researchers suggest that polyphenols in almond skin may be ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2023

Microprotein increases appetite in mice

Researchers at Salk Institute discover thousands of previously unknown microproteins in brown and white fat tissue, finding that one, Gm8773, increases feeding activity in mice. This discovery could lead to the development of a therapeutic to promote weight gain in certain disease situations.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 3, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New findings on how to avert excessive weight loss from COVID-19

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers blood vessel formation in fat tissues, leading to thermogenic metabolism and significant weight loss. Blocking this process with an antiangiogenic drug restored weight loss in mice and hamsters infected with the virus.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal editorial probes into the role of blood vessels in treating obesity-related disorders

Researchers explore the interactions between adipose tissues and surrounding blood vessels in connection with lipid metabolism and associated diseases. Targeting angiogenesis may provide a gateway for treating obesity, while its inhibition or promotion depends on the specific disease context.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 22, 2022

WTAP regulates the postnatal development and thermogenesis of iBAT

The study demonstrates that Wilms'tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) plays an essential role in the postnatal development and maturation of brown adipose tissue. WTAP expression is significantly increased in BAT after birth, and its deletion impairs postnatal development and leads to cold intolerance and reduced energy expenditure.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

Drug discovery method identifies naturally occurring metabolite that converts ‘bad’ fat to ‘good’ fat

A team of scientists at Scripps Research and Calibr discovered a naturally occurring metabolite called myristoylglycine that can convert white fat cells into brown fat cells, potentially treating obesity and related diseases. The breakthrough uses a novel drug discovery method to identify endogenous metabolites with therapeutic potential.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMetabolites·DateOct 13, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Daylight hours impact opioid receptor levels in brown fat

A new study at the Turku PET Centre discovered that shorter daylight hours increase opioid receptor levels in brown fat of rats. This complements previous findings on day length modulating opioid receptor levels in brain emotional circuits.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateOct 7, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Cool room temperature inhibited cancer growth in mice

A study found that cold temperatures activate brown adipose tissue that competes with tumors for glucose, inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging survival. Researchers suggest that cold therapy could be a promising approach to cancer therapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

Molecule boosts fat burning

A new molecule, inosine, has been identified as a key booster of fat burning through activation of brown fat cells. Studies have shown that inosine can increase energy consumption and protect against diabetes in mice fed high-energy diets.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2022

Cold temps may help to combat obesity and related metabolic diseases by reducing inflammation, researchers find

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that cold exposure can resolve obesity-induced inflammation while improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in diet-induced obese mice. Brown adipose tissue is activated to produce anti-inflammatory molecules, including Maresin 2.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
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.

Immune cells in the liver regulate body temperature

Scientists at CNIC discovered a complex network between liver tissue connections that allows the liver to regulate body temperature. The secretion of IL-12 by liver-infiltrating macrophages blocks FGF21 production, reducing heat generation by brown fat in mice.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Active brown adipose tissue protects against “pre-prediabetes”

A study found that higher levels of active brown adipose tissue are associated with early metabolic dysfunction and pre-cooling glucose, insulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, and triglyceride levels. Activated brown fat was recruited to counteract 'pre-prediabetic' states, potentially serving as a first-line protective mechanism.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMay 5, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Energy-burning brown fat less active in boys with obesity

A study at McMaster University found that brown adipose tissue (BAT) is less active in boys with obesity compared to their normal-weight peers. The research team used MRI scans to measure BAT activity in response to a cold stimulus, revealing reduced activity in obese boys.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalDiabetes·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 14, 2022

Novel therapeutic approach to tackle obesity shows promise in lab trials

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a novel therapeutic approach to tackle obesity, reducing body fat and improving blood markers through a hydrogel injection and near infrared light treatment. The treatment shows significant promise in lab trials, with mice experiencing reduced body mass and improved metabolism.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 25, 2022
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.

A potential protector against a mild heart attack’s aftereffects on metabolism

A study in mice suggests that transplanted brown fat can reduce type 2 diabetes risk factors after a heart attack by dampening gene activation linked to negative effects. The transplantation method could help researchers understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect and potentially lead to therapeutic applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021