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New, comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis illustrate the need for nuance in public health guidance related to consumption of sugars

A comprehensive review of 169 clinical trials found that the effect of fructose-containing sugars on adiposity varies among food sources and energy control. High doses of certain sources, like SSBs, lead to increased body weight, while others, such as fruit and honey, show moderate beneficial effects when consumed in moderation.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 26, 2023
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.

Managing stress with food and alcohol consumption connected with faster lifelong weight gain

A 30-year follow-up study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that eating as a means of stress management is correlated with higher body weight, while alcohol consumption is associated with higher weight in middle age. Stress-induced eating is more common among women due to cultural pressures to reduce weight.

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalPsychology and Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2023

Study casts doubt on causal link between cognitive ability and obesity

A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that existing associations between cognitive ability and body mass index may be due to confounding by family factors. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 siblings and found a significantly smaller association when comparing siblings within families.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023
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.

‘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

Genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length clarified

A major international study published in Nature Genetics has provided new insights into the genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length. The research reveals a mutually antagonistic effect between the woman's and unborn child's genes, favoring earlier labor for the mother's survival and extending pregnancy for the child's weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Sweets change our brain

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that consuming small amounts of high-fat and high-sugar foods regularly rewires the brain, leading to a preference for these types of food.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel drug makes mice skinny even on sugary, fatty diet

Researchers developed a small-molecule drug that limits magnesium transport into cellular power plants, resulting in skinny, healthy mice. The findings hold significant implications for preventing cardiometabolic diseases like heart attack and stroke, as well as reducing liver cancer risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023

Extra pounds put kids at higher risk for hypertension

A Kaiser Permanente study of over 800,000 children aged 3-17 found that youth with higher BMI were at a 26% increased risk of developing hypertension. The study highlights the importance of preventing hypertension in young people to avoid irreversible organ damage.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 14, 2023

Island-inhabiting giants, dwarves more vulnerable to extinction

Research reveals island-dwelling mammal species face higher extinction risks, with those experiencing extreme size changes being particularly endangered. Human arrival on islands multiplies the probability of extinction by 16, contributing to a 'protracted extinction event' spanning over 100,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

More evidence that sugary drinks cause weight gain

A review of dozens of studies found a positive association between sugary drinks and weight gain in both adults and children, with increasing SSB intake linked to greater weight gain over time. Limiting SSB consumption is an effective way to prevent age-related weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Can’t exercise a particular muscle? Strengthening the opposite side of your body can stop it wasting away

A new study found that eccentric contractions prove most effective in preventing muscle wasting and damage after immobilization. Strengthening the unaffected arm through weightlifting also counteracted muscle atrophy, with a stronger cross-education effect observed for eccentric contractions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Obesity makes it harder to diagnose and treat heart disease

A new review paper from Mayo Clinic outlines how obesity impacts common tests used to diagnose heart disease, such as ECG, CT scan, MRI, and echocardiogram. The study highlights the need for alternative approaches to prevent weight gain in patients with heart disease.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 28, 2023

Accepting anxiety for peace of mind

A mindfulness-based intervention program significantly decreased subjective anxiety and improved emotional regulation in AN patients. The study found changes in brain regions involved in anxiety, emotion arousal, and self-referential processing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023
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.

Reducing total calories may be more effective for weight loss than intermittent fasting

A six-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that reducing overall calorie intake was a stronger determinant of weight change than meal timing. The research suggests that limiting total eating window during the day may not be as effective for controlling weight as previously thought.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 18, 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

Some guts are better than others at harvesting energy

Research found that approximately 40% of Danish population has gut microbes that extract more energy from food, leading to a higher risk of obesity. This composition of gut microbes is also associated with faster digestion and greater nutrient extraction.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMicrobiome·DateDec 25, 2022
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.

Activity “Advent calendar” could help boost activity and cut sitting time

A Christmas-themed physical activity intervention during Advent showed promise for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time among inactive adults. The study, published in the BMJ, found that participants who received a daily email with physical activity ideas reported participating in more moderate-to-vigorous intensity...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2022

Electrolytes as diagnostic tool for early detection of eating disorders

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered that patients with electrolyte abnormalities are twice as likely to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. This study analyzed Ontario health data between 2008 and 2020, identifying a potential preventative treatment for approximately 1 million Canadians.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2022
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.

Obesity-related gut damage may worsen asthma symptoms

Research finds that increased body weight is associated with higher levels of inflammation, signs of gut permeability, and poorer asthma control. The study suggests that targeting the gut could be an effective treatment target for improving asthma control in patients with obesity. Weight loss may also improve symptoms for these patients.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·DateNov 15, 2022

Cal Poly professor co-authors research article examining strategies to maintain weight loss after regain

A new study published in the Obesity journal surveyed nearly 2,500 WeightWatchers members who lost an average of almost 58 pounds and kept it off for over 3.5 years. The study found that individuals who successfully maintained weight loss resumed efforts responsively after showing limited gains and used coping skills to get back on track.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalObesity·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 31, 2022

Got junk food on the brain? These cells may be to blame

A team of researchers has identified specific neurons in the amygdala that drive mice to eat fatty or sugary foods, even when not hungry. Switching off these neurons reduced overeating and protected against obesity, while also boosting physical activity and improving metabolic health.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2022

Are midlife women doomed to gain weight?

Common causes of midlife weight gain in women include aging-related metabolic changes, sleep disturbances, and hormonal fluctuations. Effective strategies for managing weight include calorie restriction, physical activity, and behavioral modification.

SourceThe Menopause Society·DateOct 12, 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.

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.

Analysis of gestational weight gain during pandemic

The study found that pregnant individuals younger than 25 years, non-Hispanic Black individuals, unmarried individuals, and those with obesity before pregnancy experienced higher gestational weight gain. The pandemic also led to a higher risk of excessive gestational weight gain among these groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 9, 2022

Pregnant women with obesity and diabetes may be more likely to have a child with ADHD

Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes and obesity are twice as likely to develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new study. The researchers found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy was a significant risk factor for ADHD in offspring, but not within normal weight gain ranges.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 8, 2022

Eating behaviors of parents play a role in teens' emotional eating

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that parents' eating behaviors play a significant role in shaping their teenagers' emotional eating habits. The research found that restrictive feeding practices and monitoring food led to increased emotional eating, while a parent's restrained eating beha...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateSep 7, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Dogs with more active owners may get more exercise

A new international study suggests that dog owners who spend more time exercising themselves tend to exercise their dogs more, leading to a perceived ideal body weight. The study found that feeding practices play a main role in owner perception of their dog being overweight, while exercise practices are crucial for an ideal weight.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 24, 2022

Dental biorhythm is associated with adolescent weight gain

Research found that adolescents with faster dental biorhythms (five or six-day cycle) weighed less and gained less weight than those with slower biorhythms. This discovery provides a new avenue for exploring links between childhood overweight and adult health risks.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateAug 22, 2022

Educate medics about weight stigma to reduce UK’s obesity rate

A large-scale review by UCL researchers calls for better education of medical professionals on weight stigma to reduce the UK's obesity rate. Weight-inclusive approaches to education in healthcare were found to be effective in challenging stereotypes and improving attitudes among medics.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalObesity Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 10, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Circadian clocks play a key role in fat cell growth

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that disrupting circadian clocks leads to increased fat cell growth and insulin production. Stress and other factors can throw the body's 'clocks' out of rhythm, contributing to weight gain.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2022

Women’s Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women

The Women's Preventive Services Initiative issues guidelines for preventing obesity in midlife women, recommending counseling on healthy eating and physical activity. The guideline aims to mitigate concerns about weight stigma by normalizing counseling among all midlife women, regardless of BMI status.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2022

Large-scale study of disordered eating in children explores role of weight, sex and puberty

A large-scale study of nearly 12,000 children aged 9-10 found that disordered eating behaviors are more common than previously thought, with a prevalence of up to 5% in some cases. Children with higher BMIs and those further along in puberty face an elevated risk, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 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.

Wearable activity trackers encourage us to walk up to 40 minutes more each day

Researchers found wearable activity trackers encourage users to walk up to 40 minutes more each day, resulting in a significant weight loss of 1kg over five months. The study, which reviewed almost 400 studies involving 164,000 people, also found benefits for blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 19, 2022

Proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed the pounds in England nearly tripled

The proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed pounds in England has nearly tripled from around 1 in 20 to nearly 1 in 7 over 20 years. Reported slimming attempts among all children, particularly those who are overweight and obese, have shot up, surpassing the rise in excess weight gain and service provision.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

PCOS in mothers is linked to increased risk of health problems in their children

Children born to mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing infections, allergies, and other childhood illnesses by age 13. The study found that children of mothers with PCOS were 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital for various health problems.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

ASN promotes diversity of research methods to advance nutrition science

The American Society for Nutrition (ASN) emphasizes that all methodologies in nutrition research contribute to the discipline and advance health and well-being. The ASN-commissioned white paper reviews various methodologies used in nutrition research, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and interpretations.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 8, 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.

Long term high-fat diet expands waistline and shrinks brain

A long-term high-fat diet has been shown to cause significant weight gain and metabolic disorders in mice, leading to anxiety, depression, and worsening Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a clear link between chronic obesity and diabetes with cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMetabolic Brain Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022

A rhythmic small intestinal microbiome prevents obesity and type 2 diabetes

A study published in Cell Reports found that a rhythmic small intestinal microbiome prevents obesity and type 2 diabetes in mice. The researchers used mouse models to explore how diet and feeding patterns affect the gut microbiome and its impact on host health, particularly with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 5, 2022

Daily avocados improve diet quality, help lower cholesterol levels

Eating one avocado a day for six months improved overall diet quality by eight points and slightly decreased LDL cholesterol levels. However, avocados had no effect on belly fat or weight gain in participants with overweight or obesity.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022

New research delves into the contributors to obesity-related health disparities

This supplement explores the complex contributors to obesity and obesity-related health disparities, highlighting the role of social determinants, behavioral factors, and biological influences. Researchers propose strategies for improving population wellbeing and inform healthcare and public policy approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2022
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.

Women burn fat even after menopause

A University of Jyväskylä study found that menopausal women's ability to use fat as an energy source is not impaired by estrogen levels or menopause. Women who burned more fat during exercise had higher fitness and physical activity levels, while those with better glucose tolerance did not necessarily burn more fat.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases·DateJun 14, 2022

Physical activity should be encouraged during pregnancy, even for socially vulnerable women

Research in western Amazonia found that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week correlated with lower birth weight and reduced risk of childhood obesity and diabetes. The study also showed that physical activity during pregnancy may help prevent excessive weight gain, contributing to a reduced birth weight.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 13, 2022

New study gives a more accurate picture of pregnancy related diabetes risks

A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in The BMJ provides a comprehensive understanding of the adverse outcomes associated with gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy. The study found that women with gestational diabetes had increased odds of caesarean section, preterm delivery, and infant complications.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 25, 2022

Scientists study links between obesity, age and body chemistry

Researchers investigate how enzymes regulate metabolism, weight gain, and liver disease, revealing diet's significant role in obesity and altered lipid profiles. The study also shows that age affects metabolic processes, leading to weight gain, increased fat storage, and unhealthy liver changes.

SourceClemson University·JournalJournal of Lipids·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Just 3% of adults with a recording of overweight or obesity in primary care in England are referred to weight management programmes

A recent study found that only 3% of adults with a recording of overweight or obesity in England are referred to weight management programmes, indicating under-reporting in primary care. The programme's effectiveness varies across the country, and the lack of national registry makes it difficult to determine access for patients.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 6, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

UK study in a million adults suggests under 45s and women more likely to gain weight and jump a BMI category during lockdown

A UK study of over a million adults found that young adults (under 45) and women were more likely to gain weight and move up at least one BMI category during lockdown. The study suggests that this could lead to an increased risk of obesity-related health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 5, 2022