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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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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