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Metformin’s real power may be in the gut

A new Northwestern University study finds metformin primarily targets the gut, driving glucose utilization inside cells lining the intestine to prevent blood sugar levels from rising. The drug slows mitochondrial energy production in gut cells, allowing the intestine to metabolize extra sugar and regulate blood sugar levels.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMay 8, 2026
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.

Digital twin can reveal alcohol consumption in crime cases

Researchers at Linköping University developed a digital twin model to predict alcohol consumption and drinking patterns. The tool uses data from exhaled breath, blood, and urine samples to generate individualised results, providing a more accurate picture of when a person last drank.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 28, 2026

Pennington Biomedical Research Advances understanding of how the brain senses diet to control appetite and metabolism

A recent study published in Cell Reports identified a key pathway through which the hormone FGF21 influences eating behavior and energy balance. The findings highlight the importance of nutrition in brain function and suggest that FGF21-based therapies could be optimized to target specific brain circuits.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 23, 2026

Metabolism, not just weight, improved when older adults reduced ultra-processed food intake

A controlled feeding study out of South Dakota State University shows that older adults who reduced ultra-processed foods naturally consumed fewer calories, lost weight and abdominal fat, and showed improvements in insulin sensitivity and inflammation. This study provides evidence that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can deliver s...

SourceSouth Dakota State University·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 24, 2025

Fatty winter snacks may trick the body into packing on the pounds

A new study from UC San Francisco found that saturated fat affects the behavior of a protein called PER2, which orchestrates fat metabolism and circadian rhythms. Mice eating a diet high in hydrogenated fats struggled to adapt to winter, whereas those on unsaturated fat diets adjusted easily.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 23, 2025
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.

Ultra-endurance athletes test the metabolic limits of the human body

Researchers found that even extreme athletes cannot surpass an average metabolic ceiling of 2.5 times their basal metabolic rate in energy expenditure. The study tracked ultra-runners and cyclists, finding that while they can burn six to seven times their BMR during multi-day races, longer periods see a return to the predicted ceiling.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2025

Researchers engineer plants for optimal biofuel production

Researchers have charted how plant metabolism responds to genetic changes that increase oil production, finding simultaneous increases in both oil and protein content. The study's findings will provide scientists with clues for optimizing biofuel production in plants such as camelina and pennycress.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJul 10, 2025
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.

Would you hand over your health data if it meant better care?

A global study by UniSA researchers found that 94% of people who use wearable activity trackers are open to sharing their health information with healthcare providers. This could lead to more personalized and responsive care. The demand for personalized healthcare is on the rise, and wearable activity tracker market is increasing.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalHealthcare·TypeSurvey·DateJun 3, 2025

Pennington Biomedical Research Center investigates tirzepatide's role in weight loss and metabolic health

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center investigated tirzepatide's effects on weight loss and metabolic health. The study found that tirzepatide decreased calorie intake and increased fat oxidation, leading to significant weight loss. However, the drug did not decrease the slowing down of metabolic rate usually observed wi...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 24, 2025
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 humans evolved to be ‘energetically unique’

A new Harvard study finds humans possess higher metabolic rates than primates and apes, allowing for bigger brains, longer lifespan, and increased reproduction. Humans have 'escaped a tradeoff' between resting and active metabolism due to unique sweating ability.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

Bats are surviving and thriving on nothing but sugar

Scientists discovered the highest natural blood sugar levels in mammals, found in a species of bats that can survive on a diet rich in sugars. The study's findings suggest that these bats have evolved unique strategies for glucose regulation, which may hold potential for managing metabolic diseases in humans.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024

Animals are also suffering from stress and anxiety due to the war

A new study at Tel Aviv University found that geckos experience a sharp increase in metabolic rates when exposed to rocket explosions, leading to energy depletion. The researchers hypothesize that this stress response may apply to many other animals in conflict zones.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalEcology·DateJul 28, 2024

How hot is too ‘too hot’ for humans?

Researchers identified an upper critical temperature (UCT) for humans, where metabolic energy costs rise significantly. This finding has implications for working conditions, sport, medicine, and international travel.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 6, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breath test can monitor metabolism at home - study

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that a portable breath test can detect changes in metabolism in response to diet. The study used the Lumen device to monitor metabolic fuel use at home and showed that it could detect acute changes in carbohydrate use, but was not sensitive on a day-to-day basis.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·DateApr 26, 2023

Scientists improve the equation in FDA guidance predicting drug interactions

Researchers have improved the FDA's equation for predicting drug interactions by addressing fundamental limitations and incorporating new models. The modified equation has shown a significantly increased accuracy of about 80%, which is expected to contribute to increasing the success rate of new drug development.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalClinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2023
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.

Illinois study suggests the humble minnow can take the heat(wave)

A new University of Illinois study shows that fathead minnows can handle simulated heatwaves with few nasty side effects. Most minnows rapidly returned to normal physiological functioning after cooling down, but some became more susceptible to oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateAug 22, 2022

“Healthy underweight” individuals topple research expectations

A study published in Cell Metabolism found that healthy underweight individuals had lower food intakes and lower activity levels, yet surprisingly higher-than-expected resting metabolic rates linked to elevated thyroid hormones. These findings contradict previous assumptions about metabolism in low BMI individuals.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 25, 2022

Hummingbirds may struggle to go any further uphill

Researchers found that hummingbirds experience a 37% drop in metabolic rate and become torpid for longer periods at high elevations, making it unlikely they can relocate to higher altitudes. The birds' physiological response suggests lower oxygen availability and low air pressure may be difficult challenges to overcome.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Do sharks get their ZZZs? New evidence shows it’s not all about the hunt

Research at Simon Fraser University found that sharks produce a lower metabolic rate and recumbent body posture when inactive for longer periods, supporting the idea that they sleep to conserve energy. This is the first physiological evidence of sleep among elasmobranchs, a fish group including sharks, rays, and skates.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 15, 2022

Live fast, die young? or live cold, die old?

A study published in Nature Metabolism found that body temperature has a greater impact on lifespan than metabolic rate, contrary to the traditional 'live fast, die young' phrase. The researchers used an unusual experiment where high temperatures increased lifespan by lowering metabolism and reducing body temperature.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Metabolism·DateMar 14, 2022

An obesity treatment for women only?

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a potential way to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes in women by targeting a specific gene called KLF14. Increasing KLF14 abundance in fat cells may help alleviate metabolic abnormalities, including slower metabolic rates and less efficient triglyceride management.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 9, 2022

Metabolic adaptation delays time to reach weight-loss goals

A recent study published by The Obesity Society found that metabolic adaptation after weight loss increases the time necessary to achieve weight-loss goals in premenopausal women. The study, which included 65 participants, revealed a significant delay in achieving weight-loss goals due to metabolic adaptation.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateJan 27, 2022
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.

Keto diet may not work for women

Researchers at University of California - Riverside are studying the keto and intermittent fasting diets on a molecular level, finding that women may metabolize fat differently than men. The study aims to understand why keto diet may not be effective for women and how it affects their overall health.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateDec 8, 2021

Hypoxia tolerance: naked mole-rats may provide secret to low oxygen survival

Researchers discovered that naked mole-rats rapidly decrease uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue to conserve energy in hypoxia. This mechanism may hold secrets for humans to survive and thrive in low-oxygen environments, particularly in relation to diseases like stroke and chronic pulmonary disorders.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2021

Potential indicator for obesity risk detected during sleep

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that individuals with inflexible metabolisms exhibit higher carbohydrate oxidation rates at night, indicating a reduced ability to burn fat during sleep. This discovery has the potential for practical use in disease prevention and early intervention.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateSep 8, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Metabolism changes with age, just not when you might think

A new study reveals that metabolism peaks in infancy, followed by a gradual decline until age 60, with the biggest slowdown after 90. The research suggests that tissue metabolism is changing over time, contradicting previous assumptions about lifestyle and body composition.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 12, 2021

Metabolism changes with age, just not when you might think

A new study reveals that metabolism increases rapidly during infancy, peaking at around one year old. After a gradual decline until the 20s, metabolism levels off and then slows down again after age 60, with older adults requiring fewer calories. The findings suggest that muscle loss and cellular changes contribute to this decline.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 12, 2021

Resilience to climate change?

A recent study on octopus rubescens found a significant adaptability to short-term exposure to acidic water, with metabolic rates returning to normal after 1 week. Long-term effects were less pronounced, with reduced oxygen circulation and function in low-acidity conditions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateJan 13, 2021

Shrinking instead of growing: how shrews survive the winter

Common shrews have a high metabolic rate and quickly deplete their fat reserves in winter. However, they do not need to increase their metabolism in response to colder temperatures, thanks to their unique adaptation of shrinking in autumn and growing in spring.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 28, 2020
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.

Suit up with a robot to walk and run more easily

A team of researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute has developed a portable exosuit that assists with gait-specific hip extension during both walking and running. The device reduces metabolic rates by 9.3% for walking and 4% for running, demonstrating its versatility in various environments.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2019

Is there a limit to human endurance? Science says yes

A new study found that humans can only burn calories at 2.5 times their resting metabolic rate before the body starts breaking down tissues to make up for the caloric deficit. This limit is linked to the digestive process and applies to various endurance activities, including marathons, ultra-marathons, and pregnancy.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 5, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

All human endurance activities share a common metabolic ceiling

Researchers found that human endurance activities share the same metabolic limits, with energy expenditure unable to exceed 2.5 times resting metabolism. This universal limit applies across various events and muscle groups, suggesting a common adaptive mechanism.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 5, 2019

Species' longevity depends on brain cell numbers

Researchers found that brain cell numbers, not body size or metabolic rate, are the key factors determining maximal longevity in animals. The study suggests that a higher number of cortical neurons leads to longer lifespans and better adaptability.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateNov 8, 2018
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.

New study shows supplementation of capsicum extract helps increase metabolic rate

A recent study published in Obesity Open Access found that supplementing with capsicum extract increased metabolic rate by 116 calories per day, equivalent to burning an extra 1 lb. of fat over 30 days. This natural approach supports healthy body composition and weight management as we age.

SourceOmniActive Health Technologies·JournalObesity & Control Therapies Open Access·DateAug 7, 2017

Fish prefer to swim with sporty shoalmates

Research reveals minnows prefer energetic shoalmates due to increased visual stimulation and potential hydrodynamic benefits. Higher metabolic rates in shoal mates may reduce predation risks for following fish.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 5, 2017

New study finds that eating whole grains increases metabolism and calorie loss

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that substituting whole grains for refined grains increases calorie loss by reducing calories retained during digestion. Participants who ate a whole-grain diet lost close to an extra 100 calories per day due to increased resting metabolic rate and greater fecal ...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 8, 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.

Why big brains are rare

Researchers found that the largest-brained species of electric fish have the highest demand for oxygen, while the smallest-brained species have the lowest. This suggests that large brains can only evolve if constraints on energy intake are lifted or alternative solutions are found to accommodate the increased energy demands.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateDec 21, 2016

Soaring metabolic rates place sea otter moms at risk

Researchers measured the resting metabolic rate of a lactating sea otter mother, revealing a significant increase in energy demands after giving birth. This finding suggests that sea otters may be accumulating fat reserves before milk production to cope with the high costs of rearing their young.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 3, 2016
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.

Altered microbiome burns fewer calories

A University of Iowa study found that changes in the gut microbiome can cause obesity by reducing the resting metabolic rate, leading to weight gain. The researchers discovered a significant decrease in non-aerobic resting metabolic rate sufficient to account for the animals' weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalEBioMedicine·DateDec 14, 2015

Blue crabs more tolerant of low oxygen than previously thought

New study reveals blue crabs can survive at oxygen levels as low as 1.3mg/L, contrary to previous findings. Rising water temperatures exacerbate the effects of hypoxia on blue crabs, threatening their populations and management.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateSep 21, 2015
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.

You need this hole in the head -- to be smart

University of Adelaide researchers found a significant correlation between brain volume and blood flow rate in primates, indicating faster cognitive ability. The study suggests that brain metabolic rate increased with brain size, leading to higher intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 14, 2015