Pennington Biomedical researchers propose a new understanding of how protein restriction promotes healthy aging and extends lifespan by triggering a coordinated whole-body response. The response connects cellular nutrient sensing with hormones, brain function, and changes throughout the body, influencing healthy aging and longevity.
Researchers found that meal timing programs the liver's daily rhythms and can have serious metabolic and health consequences when out of sync. The liver uses food signals to activate metabolic pathways, which can conflict with the body's natural circadian clock, leading to health issues.
Dr. Emily Flanagan's five-year NIH grant will investigate how energy intake and expenditure influence infant growth and future obesity risk. The study aims to improve energy-intake standards for infants and identify critical periods for interventions promoting healthy growth.
Research explores role of short-chain fatty acids in regulating dendritic cell development and differentiation via epigenetic regulation. Study reveals butyrate increases expression of surface molecules, influencing immune-cell trafficking and localization.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
Dr. Steven B. Heymsfield joins an elite group of scholars recognized for advancing knowledge and transforming their fields. He has authored over 1,300 scientific publications with nearly 79,000 citations, placing him among the top 500 most-cited researchers globally.
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.
Creatine has broad health benefits beyond athletic performance, including maintaining energy in stressed cells and preventing muscle loss with aging. Studies have shown no significant side effects from creatine supplementation, contradicting common misconceptions.
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.
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...
Researchers found that some coral reef fish exhibit higher thermal tolerance in the Arabian Gulf's variable thermal environment, but overall biodiversity is lower. This suggests that only certain species can adapt to environmental changes, and highlights the need for further investigation into climate change impacts.
Research found that intermittent fasting inhibits hair growth in mice by causing oxidative stress on stem cells. A clinical trial showed a similar effect in humans, with a 18% reduction in hair growth speed.
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.
A cross-sectional study found a significant increase in GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA) use as anti-obesity medications from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, the rate of metabolic bariatric surgery decreased by 25.6% during the same period. These findings suggest a potential shift in treatment strategies for obesity management
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inducing a hibernation-like state in mice using Q neuron activation has been shown to protect kidneys from oxygen deprivation and avoid harmful side effects. This technique could lead to new methods of performing heart surgery with reduced organ damage.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered a way to activate the soleus muscle, which can sustain elevated oxidative metabolism and improve blood glucose regulation for hours. The 'soleus pushup' movement has been shown to increase oxygen consumption and reduce insulin requirements.
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.
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.
Researchers found that healthy underweight individuals consume 12% less food and are 23% less active than those with normal BMIs. They also have higher resting metabolic rates, suggesting that low body fat may trump physical activity in downstream consequences.
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.
Researchers found that birds infected with lipopolysaccharide from bacteria reduced their body temperature by 2°C to conserve energy. In contrast, chicks fed and warm did develop fever. The study suggests that regulated hypothermia is an energy-saving response during severe infection, prioritized over maintaining a fever.
A new study found that red-backed salamanders have limited ability to adjust to warming climates, with depressed metabolic rates in warmer conditions. This may lead to energy deficits and negatively impact individual growth and reproductive success.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Harvard University study estimates Americans perform about 30 minutes less moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily compared to 200 years ago. The decline is attributed to technology, with researchers using historical body temperature records as a 'thermometer' of population-level physical activity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at TU Dresden compared bovine sperm from different layers, identifying connections between metabolic rate, motility, and tail length. The study found that faster sperm show higher metabolic rates and longer flagella than non-selected cells.
Developed by Chung-Ang University researchers, the new exosuit helps users walk and run more efficiently while reducing energy expenditure. It features a fabric vest, wires, and batteries, weighing just 5kg and automatically switching between walking and running modes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that gastric bypass surgery leads to rapid initial weight loss, but subsequent muscle mass is maintained over five years. The study dispels fears of long-term muscle insufficiency despite weight regain.
A new study reveals polar bears have higher metabolic rates than thought, making them struggle to catch enough seals to meet their energy demands. The research found that five of nine adult female polar bears lost body mass due to insufficient fat-rich prey.
Scientists at Southern Methodist University have discovered a new, more accurate way to predict how much energy a person uses while walking. The method, known as the Minimum Mechanics Model, relies on three variables: speed, load carried, and slope.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
A new study of 'The Biggest Loser' contestants found that resting metabolic rate remained suppressed even after significant weight regain. The average rate was approximately 500 calories per day lower than expected based on body composition and age.
Researchers found that male Barbary macaques' metabolic rate increases dramatically during mating season, allowing them to allocate more energy for reproduction and competition. The study suggests that this adaptation may be an echo of a vital physiological mechanism in humans.