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A flip switch for binge-eating?

Researchers discovered a brain subgroup that triggers binge-like eating when activated, leading to weight gain. Stimulation of this area with specific neurons or hormones increased food intake, but reduced it after stimulation stopped.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 25, 2017
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.

Young women's gradual weight gain lifts pregnancy blood pressure danger

Researchers found that years of gradual weight gain more than doubles the risk of hypertensive disorders, including high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia, during pregnancy. Women who gained moderate to high annual weight gains had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·DateMay 16, 2017

Common sweetener in low-cal foods also a marker for weight gain

A new study identifies erythritol as a biomarker for increasing fat mass in young adults during the transition to college life. Researchers found that students who gained weight had fifteenfold higher blood erythritol levels compared to those who were stable or lost weight.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2017

Parkinson: Weight gain after deep brain stimulation

Researchers at SISSA discovered that weight gain after deep brain stimulation is associated with an increased desire for food and level of impulsiveness. The study also found a link between the duration of Parkinson's disease and reduced pharmacological treatment, highlighting potential preventative measures.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalCortex·DateMay 4, 2017

Recognizing food brands puts preschoolers at risk for obesity

A study by University of Michigan researchers found that preschoolers who recognize food brand logos are more likely to be overweight. The study showed that children with higher BMI percentiles recognized unhealthy foods like M&M's and Coca-Cola more often than healthy-weight peers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAppetite·DateMay 3, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Even 'healthy' weight gain raises pregnancy diabetes risk

Research tracked over 3,000 women and found that small weight gains within the healthy BMI range doubled their risk of gestational diabetes compared to those with stable weights. Women who gained more than 2.5% of their body weight each year had almost triple the risk of developing gestational diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·DateApr 4, 2017
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 study: Pre-pregnancy BMI directly linked to excess pregnancy weight gain

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is directly linked to excess weight gain during pregnancy, especially among young mothers. The research also showed that Hispanic women are less likely to experience excessive weight gain compared to non-Hispanic women.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 21, 2017

Healthy weight gain in infants

Research by Jillian Trabulsi and Julie Mennella investigates the effects of infant formula on infant weight gain. The study found that babies fed cow's milk formula gained weight faster than those fed hydrolyzed protein formula or breastfed, highlighting the importance of choosing a suitable formula for infants.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMar 20, 2017

Fewer overweight adults report trying to lose weight

A study published in JAMA found that the percentage of overweight and obese adults trying to lose weight declined between 1988-1994 and 2009-2014. The decline was most pronounced among black women, who saw a significant reduction in reporting efforts to lose weight.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 7, 2017

Is insufficient weight gain during pregnancy associated with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in children

A Swedish study found that insufficient weight gain during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of nonaffective psychosis, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders, in children. The study of 526,042 individuals born between 1982 and 1989 found that mothers who experienced extremely inadequate gestational weight gain were more l...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 22, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Limiting gestational weight gain did not improve pregnancy complications

A new study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that a weight loss intervention did not improve pregnancy outcomes despite reducing maternal weight gain. The study, MOMFIT, tested an intensive lifestyle behavioral intervention to help overweight and obese women limit gestational weight gain.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·DateJan 23, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Presumed young star turns out to be a galactic senior citizen

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum used data from the Astrophysical Journal to determine the age of the star, finding it had formed at the same time as our galaxy. The dual star system's companion star transferred matter to 49 Lib, causing incorrect age estimates.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJan 16, 2017

Children gain more weight when parents see them as 'overweight'

A study found that children perceived as 'overweight' by parents tend to gain more weight over time, possibly due to negative self-image and attempts to lose weight. The association was seen in both Australian and Irish families, with the link not explained by other factors.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 13, 2017

Does good-tasting food cause weight gain?

A study published in Physiology & Behavior found that desirable taste determines food choice but not consumption volume. Researchers fed mice tasty human foods and discovered they didn't gain excess weight despite strong preference for these diets.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateDec 15, 2016

What else comes with a college degree? An extra 10 pounds, says new study

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that college students experience significant weight gain, averaging around 10 pounds over their four-year college career. This excessive weight gain is associated with an increased risk of health problems, including diabetes and hypertension.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateDec 12, 2016
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.

Gut microbes contribute to recurrent 'yo-yo' obesity

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science found that gut microbes contribute to recurrent 'yo-yo' obesity, with a 'memory' of previous obesity retained after dieting. They developed new treatments using fecal microbiome transplantation and flavonoids, which may help alleviate the obesity epidemic.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2016

Yo-yo dieting might cause extra weight gain

Repeated dieting can cause weight gain as the brain interprets diets as short famines and urges people to store more fat for future shortages. This phenomenon, known as yo-yo dieting, may explain why people struggle to keep weight off after trying low-calorie diets.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateDec 4, 2016

Fear of gaining weight may influence contraception choices

Women who are overweight or obese are less likely to use hormonal birth control methods, opting for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs and implants instead. This preference is driven by fear of weight gain associated with the pill and shot, despite LARCs not containing estrogen.

SourcePenn State·JournalContraception·DateNov 17, 2016

Skipping breakfast and not enough sleep can make children overweight

A new study published in Pediatrics found that children who skip breakfast and have irregular sleep patterns are more likely to become overweight or obese. The research, based on data from over 19,000 UK children, highlights the importance of early life factors such as smoking in pregnancy and disrupted routines in predicting weight gain.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 11, 2016

Adult weight gain could increase cancer risk

Researchers found that substantial weight gain increases the risk of obesity-related cancers, particularly for men who go from a healthy weight to morbid obesity. The study suggests that identifying people at high risk of developing cancer due to weight gain could help prevent cases and improve public health.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateNov 6, 2016
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.

Minimal exercise can prevent disease, weight gain in menopausal women

Researchers found that minimal exercise can regulate insulin levels, maintain metabolic function, and help prevent significant weight gain in postmenopausal women. Sedentary rats experienced a 50% reduction in fat tissue after limited physical activity, highlighting the benefits of any amount of exercise.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateOct 17, 2016

Make an October weight resolution

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals tend to gain weight between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with a peak around the New Year. By setting an October weight resolution, individuals can avoid gaining holiday weight altogether, as it may take over 5 months to lose gained pounds.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 4, 2016

Metformin associated with decreasing weight gain in kids with autism

A clinical trial found metformin to be effective in reducing weight gain associated with atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that metformin may offer a potential treatment option to mitigate the risks of diabetes linked to weight gain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Study quantifies risk factors for preterm birth

A study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal found that abnormalities in interval between pregnancies, body mass index prior to pregnancy, and weight gain during pregnancy may contribute to up to 25% of preterm births. Modifying these risk factors could significantly reduce premature birth rates worldwide.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateAug 17, 2016

Lessons learned from 'The Biggest Loser' study

A recent study on 'The Biggest Loser' television series found that participants regained much of the weight they lost, with suppressed metabolism. Experts say a 5-15% weight loss is unlikely to lead to such large effects on metabolism and emphasize the importance of long-term lifestyle changes.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateAug 1, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Brain changes after menopause may lead to lack of physical activity

Researchers from the University of Missouri found a connection between menopause and decreased physical activity in postmenopausal women. The study suggests that activation of brain receptors may serve as a future treatment to improve motivation for physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJul 28, 2016

Weight gain studied for second-generation antipsychotics for autism spectrum disorders

A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found that Zyprexa (olanzapine) is linked to the highest risk of weight gain, while Geodon (ziprasidone) and Seroquel (quetiapine) were not associated with an increase in body mass index. The study suggests balancing treatment risks and benefits for children and teens with ASD.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateJul 18, 2016

Lighter weights just as effective as heavier weights to gain muscle, build strength

A new study from McMaster University found that lifting lighter weights many times can be as efficient as lifting heavy weights for fewer repetitions in building muscle and strength. Researchers analyzed muscle and blood samples and found gains in muscle mass and fibre size were virtually identical between the two groups.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateJul 12, 2016

Cravings for high-calorie foods may be switched off in the brain by new supplement

A new study suggests that a powdered food supplement, based on a molecule produced by bacteria in the gut, can reduce cravings for high-calorie foods like chocolate and pizza. The supplement, called inulin-propionate ester, releases more propionate than other fiber supplements, which signals to the brain to reduce appetite.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 1, 2016

Anorexia nervosa: Pleasure at getting thin more than fear of getting fat

Researchers suggest that anorexia nervosa is linked to the brain's reward system and a genetic factor involved in neuron survival. The study found that patients with anorexia nervosa experience increased sweating when viewing images of thin bodies, which may be related to the presence of a specific gene variant.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 7, 2016
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.

Female meerkats compete to outgrow their sisters

In a study published in Nature, researchers found that subordinate female meerkats track the growth of potential competitors and adjust their own weight gain to stay ahead. The results suggest that competitive growth is a key strategy for social mammals to maintain dominance.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2016

Brain cells that aid appetite control identified

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a crucial role of NG2-glia cells in the median eminence in regulating appetite and body weight. The cells support and shelter leptin receptor neurons, enabling them to instruct the body when to stop eating, leading to potential new targeted anti-obesity approaches.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 12, 2016

Heavy body shape across lifespan associated with highest mortality

A large study published in The BMJ found that people with a heavy body shape from childhood to middle age have the highest mortality rate. Those who remained lean throughout life had the lowest mortality risk, with a 15-year risk of death being 11.8% in women and 20.3% in men.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 4, 2016
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.

Study identifies successful weight-gain prevention strategies for young adults

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that young adults who made small dietary changes and engaged in regular physical activity successfully prevented weight gain. The 'small-change' group lost an average of 1.2 pounds over two to three years, while the 'large-change' group lost nearly 5.2 pounds.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 2, 2016

Pre-pregnancy obesity increases odds of having overweight children

A Kaiser Permanente study found that pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy increase the risk of a child becoming overweight at age 2. However, breastfeeding for at least six months was associated with a significant reduction in this risk, regardless of the mother's pre-pregnancy weight.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateApr 25, 2016

Does a parent's perception of their child's weight impact on child weight gain?

Researchers found that parental perceptions of a child's weight status are not protective against weight gain during childhood. Children whose parents perceived their weight as 'overweight' gained more weight over time. This association holds true even if the parent accurately or inaccurately believed their child was overweight.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateApr 21, 2016
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.

Compound from hops lowers cholesterol, blood sugar and weight gain

A study at Oregon State University has identified a specific intake level of xanthohumol that significantly improves metabolic syndrome markers and reduces weight gain in laboratory animals. The findings suggest a possible new approach to addressing obesity, high cholesterol and elevated glucose.

SourceOregon State University·JournalArchives of Biochemistry and Biophysics·DateApr 18, 2016

Most people cycle and regain weight

A new study found that those who lose more weight are most likely to keep it off, but also experience weight cycling. Patients who lost high percentages of their initial body mass index (BMI) were more likely to maintain their weight loss over time.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 2, 2016
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

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Sleep loss boosts hunger and unhealthy food choices

A study published in SLEEP found that sleep deprivation amplifies the joy of eating, particularly sweet and salty high-fat snack foods. Sleep-restricted participants ate nearly twice as much fat as those with normal sleep, despite minimal energy needs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalSLEEP·DateFeb 29, 2016

Why you won't lose weight with exercise alone

New research reveals that exercise alone is insufficient for weight loss due to the human body's adaptive response. A study published in Current Biology found that daily energy expenditure increases with moderate physical activity but plateaus at higher levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 28, 2016
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