Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Risky metabolism

A study by Max-Planck Institute found that great tits' risk-taking behaviour correlates with both metabolic rate and ambient temperature. Birds with high metabolic rates and low temperatures were more likely to approach predators.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateSep 30, 2014

Primates: Now with only half the calories!

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that primates, including humans, expend only half the daily energy needed by other mammals. This slow metabolism accounts for their prolonged childhoods, infrequent reproduction, and extended lifespans.

SourceLincoln Park Zoo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014

Increased metabolic rate may lead to accelerated aging

A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that higher metabolic rates are associated with early natural mortality, indicating potential acceleration of aging. Higher energy expenditure was linked to increased risk of organ damage and accumulation of toxic substances.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 27, 2011

Spherical cows help to dump metabolism law

Researchers challenge long-held 3/4-power law of metabolism with new paper, finding support for 2/3 exponent in geometry and network analysis. Empirical evidence from animal studies also aligns with 2/3 exponent, suggesting a potential universal scaling law for metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 2, 2010

University of Oklahoma study reveals 'red hot' results

A new weight-loss supplement, tri-pepper blend, has been shown to burn as many calories as a 20-minute walk. The University of Oklahoma study found statistically significant results, validating product weight-loss claims through measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateFeb 2, 2010

Migrating birds chill to fatten up

Researchers found that smaller migrating blackcaps lose body temperature at night during stopovers to save energy, while heavier birds drop their metabolic rates less. This helps the birds accumulate more fuel and shorten their refueling stops.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 11, 2009

Tropical birds have slow pace of life compared to northern species, study finds

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that tropical birds expend less energy at rest compared to northern bird species. The researchers measured basal metabolic rate (BMR) and peak metabolic rate (PMR) in 69 species of tropical birds, finding they used about 18% less energy than temperate birds.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2007

Why are lions not as big as elephants?

Carnivores can only sustain body mass up to one ton due to energy intake and expenditure limitations. This explains why large predators like lions and modern-day polar bears are relatively small compared to extinct herbivorous mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 15, 2007

Study challenges belief that tree frogs depress metabolic rate after 'waxing' themselves

Researchers found that waxed and inactive tree frogs have similar metabolic rates as unwaxed, dehydrating frogs, challenging the idea of a hibernation-like dormant state. Tree frogs use wiping behaviors to conserve energy by reducing surface evaporation by up to 4%, but this does not lead to significant changes in metabolic rate.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateOct 16, 2006

Study in Royal Society journal on heritability of female orgasm

A twin study published in the Royal Society journal examines the genetic influences on female orgasmic function, suggesting a significant heritability component. The research highlights the complex interplay of biological and environmental factors contributing to individual differences in female orgasmic function.

SourceRoyal Society·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateJun 7, 2005

Could mice hold the secret to longer life?

Researchers discovered that mice with the highest metabolic rate lived 36% longer than those with lower rates, potentially adding an extra 27 years to human lifespan. The most metabolically active mice contained factors that made their metabolism less efficient but reduced toxic by-products called oxygen free radicals.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalAging Cell·DateMay 28, 2004