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Scientists explain age-related obesity: Brown fat fails

Researchers found that platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) deficiency leads to increased adiposity and weight gain in mice, causing brown fat dysfunction. This study suggests that regulating PAFR could lead to treatments for metabolic diseases.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 2, 2014
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

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

Scientists develop a new way to identify good fat

Scientists at UTHealth Medical School developed a brown fat detection method that worked in an animal model, providing a new tool to fight obesity. The peptide probe can be used for whole-body imaging and localization of brown fat tissue.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2013
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.

JCI early table of contents for July 15, 2013

Research identifies a link between the FTO gene and increased hunger-stimulating hormone production in individuals prone to obesity. Additionally, studies show that adult brown fat levels increase with cold exposure, which may provide a new strategy for combating obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 15, 2013

Brown fat responsible for from heart disease-related deaths in winter

A new study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that cold exposure can accelerate the growth of atherosclerotic plaque in blood vessels, leading to increased risk of heart disease-related deaths. Brown fat activation has been linked to the formation of unstable plaques that can rupture and cause blockages in the heart and brain.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 2, 2013

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

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 iPhone 17 Pro

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

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
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.

Shifting the balance between good fat and bad fat

Sanford-Burnham researchers discover that protein p62 plays a crucial role in balancing metabolism in fat tissue. When p62 is missing, the body's metabolic balance shifts towards 'bad' white fat and away from 'good' brown fat. This finding indicates that p62 could be an attractive target for new therapies aimed at curbing obesity.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Dec. 10, 2012

Researchers discovered that brown fat transplants significantly decreased body weight and improved insulin sensitivity in mice fed high-fat diets. The study also found that the transplanted brown fat secreted hormones that mediated metabolic effects throughout the body.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 10, 2012
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.

Brown fat transplants help mice lose weight

Researchers performed brown fat transplants in mice to treat obesity, finding significant reductions in body weight and improvements in glucose metabolism. The transplanted brown fat secreted hormones that mediated metabolic effects throughout the body.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 10, 2012

New clues to how the brain and body communicate to regulate weight

Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has uncovered new insights into energy balance, a complex interchange between the brain's hypothalamus and energy expenditure. The study reveals that GABA neurotransmitter selectively drives energy expenditure and helps explain the fat-burning properties of brown fat.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCell·DateOct 26, 2012

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

Study finds mechanism that turns white fat into energy-burning brown fat

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a mechanism that can give energy-storing white fat some of the beneficial characteristics of energy-burning brown fat. By activating a cell receptor called ppar-gamma, scientists found that sirtuins boost metabolism by promoting the browning of white fat.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateAug 2, 2012
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Fighting obesity with thermal imaging

Scientists use thermal imaging to analyze brown fat reserves, which produce heat and aid in burning calories. The technique may help predict food labels' thermogenic index, aiding the fight against obesity.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 18, 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

Apple peel compound boosts calorie burning, reduces obesity in mice

A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects. Ursolic acid increases muscle and brown fat in mice on a high-fat diet, leading to increased calorie burning and reduced obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 20, 2012

Joslin researchers find 'good fat' activated by cold, not ephedrine

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that cold exposure stimulates brown fat energy expenditure with fewer other systemic effects, suggesting a promising approach to treating obesity. The study disproves the use of ephedrine as a weight loss drug, which has side effects.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 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.

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

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

CNIO scientists discover in studies with mice that an anti-cancer gene also fights obesity

Researchers found that an anti-cancer gene can help combat obesity and age-related diseases by activating brown fat, a type of tissue that burns off excess fat. A synthetic compound with the same effect has been developed, offering hope for a new drug to boost tumour suppressors or improve nutrient metabolism.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 2012

With extra gene, mice are footloose and cancer free

Researchers discovered that mice with an extra copy of the tumor suppressor Pten gene experience hyperactive brown fat, burning energy instead of storing it. This leads to improved metabolic balance, reduced insulin resistance, and lower liver fat, contributing to longer lifespan and cancer prevention.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 6, 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 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

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 6, 2012

Research by Sheila Collins and colleagues found that cardiac natriuretic peptides cause white fat cells to take on characteristics of brown fat cells, increasing energy usage. In another study, Anne Müller's team identified a cellular mechanism by which Helicobacter pylori protects against asthma by modulating immune cells.

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

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 24, 2012

A team of researchers found that brown fat in adult men burns energy to generate body heat when exposed to cold temperatures, but not at warm temperatures. This discovery has significant implications for the human obesity epidemic, suggesting that increasing brown fat is unlikely to lead to weight loss and instead highlights the need f...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 24, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Brown fat burns calories in adult humans

Researchers have found that brown fat in healthy adult men burns energy to generate body heat during cold exposure, but not at warm temperatures. This discovery has significant implications for combating the human obesity epidemic and suggests that increasing brown fat may not lead to weight loss.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 24, 2012

Researchers isolate protein linking exercise to health benefits

A team of researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has isolated a natural hormone from muscle cells that triggers key health benefits of exercise. The protein, called irisin, has been shown to improve glucose tolerance and reduce white fat, promoting the development of 'good' brown fat.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 11, 2012

Immunity against the cold

A team of researchers at UCSF has discovered that tiny immune cells called macrophages can switch on the brown fat in response to cold temperatures, inducing it to burn energy and produce heat. This finding suggests that the immune system plays a role in thermoregulation, potentially leading to new strategies for enhancing metabolism.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2011

Research finding may lead to new treatments for obesity and Type 2 diabetes

Scientists at UC Metabolic Diseases Institute discover that targeted inhibition of CB1 receptor can increase calorie burning in brown adipose tissue, leading to reduced body weight and blood glucose. Further study aims to find a safer and more effective drug strategy for glucose regulation and weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalDiabetologia·DateOct 10, 2011
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Why narcoleptics get fat

Researchers found that narcoleptic patients have a deficiency of the neuropeptide hormone orexin, leading to impaired brown fat activity. This can result in excessive weight gain despite reduced caloric intake.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 2011

A hormone that fights fat with fat

Scientists at Sanford-Burnham discovered that orexin activates calorie-burning brown fat in mice, suggesting potential for new obesity treatments. The hormone is associated with increased energy expenditure and weight loss.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 4, 2011

Joslin researchers identify pathways leading to activation of good fat

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified two molecular pathways that activate brown fat, a type of fat that burns energy rather than storing it. The study provides new opportunities to stimulate brown fat growth, which could lead to the development of treatments for obesity and diabetes.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 21, 2011

In more socially engaging environment, white fat turns to brown

Researchers found that a socially engaging environment can convert white fat to brown fat, leading to increased energy expenditure and weight loss. The study suggests that social isolation may contribute to obesity, highlighting the importance of social engagement in maintaining a healthy metabolism.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 6, 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.

Scientists discover switch that turns white fat brown

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found a biological switch that converts white fat to brown fat, leading to reduced abdominal fat mass and improved metabolism. The discovery uses environmental enrichment to activate a nerve and biochemical pathway that stimulates the transformation.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 6, 2011

'Good fat' most prevalent in thin children

A study at Joslin Diabetes Center and Children's Hospital Boston found that 'good' brown fat is prevalent in leaner children, increasing until puberty and then declining. Boosting brown fat activity may be an effective approach to combating childhood obesity.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 11, 2011

Cortisol controls recycling of bile acids

Research found that cortisol controls the recycling of bile acids, which are crucial for fat digestion. Without cortisol, mice lose weight and develop gallstones due to reduced bile acid levels. In humans with Addison's disease, cortisol deficiency also disrupts bile acid recycling.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 7, 2011
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.

NIH findings in mice have potential to curb obesity and Type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that reducing TGF-beta protein actions in mice converted white fat into brown fat-like cells with increased mitochondria, leading to calorie burning and reduced obesity. This discovery identifies a potential new approach to treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 5, 2011

Turning 'bad' fat into 'good': A future treatment for obesity?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have successfully transformed 'bad' white fat into 'good' brown fat in rats, reducing their calorie intake and weight. This breakthrough finding could lead to new obesity treatments for humans by targeting the transformation of white fat into brown fat.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 3, 2011

Rising indoor winter temperatures linked to obesity?

Research suggests that reduced exposure to seasonal cold may contribute to rises in obesity due to minimized energy expenditure and reduced body heat production. Increased indoor temperatures may also lead to a loss of brown fat, reducing the body's capacity to burn energy.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalObesity Reviews·DateJan 24, 2011

Study identifies cells that give rise to brown fat

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified progenitor cells in mouse white fat tissue and skeletal muscle that can be transformed into brown fat cells. The study found that exposure to the protein BMP-7 and the diabetes drug rosiglitazone increased conversion rates, suggesting a potential for cell-based brown fat therapies.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2010
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Feast, famine and the genetics of obesity: You can't have it both ways

Researchers discovered a genetic link between the gene CRTC3 and obesity. Mice lacking the gene were protected from weight gain on high-fat diets, suggesting that increased brown fat cells may control obesity. Human studies also found a higher incidence of obesity in individuals with an active version of the gene.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 15, 2010
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.

Slimming aid from the cell laboratory?

A study by the Helmholtz Association found that COX-2 inflammation enzyme increases in white fat tissue after cold exposure, stimulating the formation of brown fat cells. The scientists also discovered that boosting COX-2 production in mice leads to a 20% reduction in body weight.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2010

Mother's milk turns on the heat

Researchers discover that mother's milk induces liver production of FGF21, a molecule that activates brown fat to increase body temperature. This phenomenon may have far-reaching consequences for metabolic health in adulthood.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 2, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Brown fat cells make 'spare tires' shrink

Scientists at the University of Bonn have discovered a way to turn on the 'natural heating system' in brown fat cells, which can lead to increased energy expenditure and reduced body weight. By activating this mechanism, it may be possible to fight obesity with fat.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Signaling·DateDec 1, 2009