Articles tagged with Metabolism
The study reveals that UCP2 is involved in increased metabolism in embryonic stem cells and cancer cells, while UCP4 is associated with nerve cell metabolism. The findings suggest that UCP proteins can be used to detect diseases at an early stage, such as cancer and neurodegenerative illnesses.
Chronic methamphetamine use is linked to excessive glucose utilization in the brain, paired with daytime sleepiness. The paradox of these symptoms can be explained by a biochemical process that occurs during sleep, cleaning up unnecessary connections between brain cells.
Neurons store glycogen as a rapid energy source, but excess leads to death. Conversely, small amounts are beneficial for cell survival during oxygen depletion.
A new study found that individuals with frailty have lower morning cortisol levels and higher evening levels, associated with reduced grip strength and walking speed. This study suggests a link between disrupted cortisol regulation and loss of muscle mass and strength in frail adults.
Researchers found that mild cold exposure can significantly affect energy expenditure over sustained time periods, suggesting a potential benefit for weight loss. Brown fat, a heat-generating organ thought to be active only in infants, is also present in adults and can be activated by cold temperatures.
A recent study by McGill University researchers discovered a direct link between brain metabolism and signaling, which may explain why seizures in some epilepsy patients can be controlled with a specially formulated diet. The research also found that the mitochondria of brain cells play a crucial role in energy production and signaling.
Researchers have discovered that polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism plays a crucial role in embryonic development and tissue organization. The study found that ACSL4 enzyme activity regulates a specific protein in the Bmp signaling pathway, which is essential for proper embryo organization.
Researchers found that diabetes drugs have different effects on the hearts of men and women, with metformin improving heart function in women but worsening it in men. The study suggests that sex differences play a role in how patients respond to treatments.
A recent study has found that great white sharks have more similar proteins to humans than zebrafish, which challenges current understanding of their evolution. This discovery opens up new avenues for studying shark metabolism and biochemistry, potentially revealing insights into the biology of mammals as well.
Therapeutic hypothermia decreases free radical production and inflammation, improving cerebral metabolism after traumatic brain injury. However, potential negative aspects of hypothermia treatment must be further studied.
John Jelesko, an associate professor of plant pathology and physiology at Virginia Tech, has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to the field of plant specialized metabolism. His research has led to a better understanding of plant metabolism with significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered that metformin reduces harmful fat molecules in the liver, allowing insulin to work better and lower blood sugar levels. The study found that even obese mice with genetic mutations developed fatty liver and pre-diabetes.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have engineered yeast to consume acetic acid, a previously unwanted byproduct of biofuel production, resulting in a 10% increase in ethanol yield from lignocellulosic sources. This breakthrough could simplify cellulosic ethanol production and make it more efficient.
Scientists discovered a function of sNPF, a neuropeptide, in regulating both sleep and food intake in Drosophila. Activating sNPF led to rapid sleep induction, with flies sleeping on food sources for days. This study provides insight into the interaction between sleep and metabolism.
Researchers discovered a mutation in a gene can impact offspring and subsequent generations with developmental abnormalities, epigenetic changes, and severe health effects like spina bifida. Folate fortification programs have reduced the risk but not eliminated health problems.
A study by the University of Cambridge reveals that folic acid deficiency not only affects immediate offspring but also has detrimental health effects on subsequent generations. Researchers found that epigenetic changes caused by a specific gene mutation led to developmental abnormalities in great, great grandchildren.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have found that transplanting fat into mice with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) significantly lowers amino acid levels, a breakthrough for treating this rare inherited disorder. The procedure may also be effective for other metabolic diseases.
A large DNA-sequencing study of anorexia nervosa has linked the eating disorder to variants in a gene coding for an enzyme regulating cholesterol metabolism. This finding suggests that anorexia could be caused by disruption in normal cholesterol processing, affecting mood and eating behavior.
Salmonella bacteria can manipulate macrophages to switch from an inflammatory to anti-inflammatory state, promoting chronic asymptomatic carriage of typhoid fever. This mechanism could lead to new treatments for typhoid fever, a disease that causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year.
Researchers found aberrant splicing changes the form of an enzyme involved in metabolism, leaving slow muscle fibers unable to sustain exercise. This discovery may explain the muscle wasting seen in myotonic dystrophy, a disease characterized by abnormal CTG repeats.
Consuming artificial sweeteners has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular consumption can also lead to altered brain activation patterns and overindulgence in high-calorie foods.
A recent study found that calcium supplements, especially those containing up to 1,000 mg per day, can lower the risk of death among women. The benefit was seen regardless of whether the supplement contained vitamin D.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that taking calcium supplements up to 1,000 mg per day can lower the risk of death in women. The research, conducted on 9,033 Canadians over 12 years, showed no benefit for men and no conclusive evidence that vitamin D has an impact on mortality.
Researchers have developed a method to precisely control the distance between electrodes and cells, allowing for accurate measurement of single-cell oxygen consumption. This enables quick analysis of cell activity and metabolic processes.
A study published in PNAS reveals how disrupted cellular energy metabolism contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease. In early-stage Alzheimer's, amyloid-beta-peptide accumulation disrupts mitochondrial function, leading to over-accumulation of calcium and neuronal death.
Studies found women with PCOS identified through general population screening had similar obesity rates as those without the condition. However, women actively seeking treatment had significantly higher obesity rates. This challenges the long-held assumption that obesity is a hallmark of PCOS.
Research reveals ATRX mutations cause DNA damage leading to premature aging symptoms such as shortened lifespan, cataracts and low bone density. The study found mice without the ATRX gene displayed problems in learning and memory, body growth and metabolism.
Christina Wang, a leading LA BioMed researcher, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of andrology. Her research has focused on male reproductive health and disease, with a particular emphasis on androgen replacement therapy and hormonal male contraceptive development.
Mark Andermann, PhD, received a three-year $300,000 award to investigate the effects of hunger on cognition. His research aims to understand the neural pathways controlling hunger and attention, with potential applications for treating obesity and eating disorders.
A new non-invasive optical measurement system monitors neonatal brain activity via cerebral metabolism and blood flow. The system, developed by Dr. Maria Angela Franceschini, will allow clinicians to screen for brain injury and monitor injury progression.
Researchers found a cross-talk between two types of brown fat that helps maintain body temperature and protect against diet-induced obesity. The study's findings may lead to new therapies that increase BAT formation to treat obesity.
Researchers developed a model that calculates how temperature changes affect parasite metabolism and life cycle, helping to predict disease ranges. The Princeton metabolic model can identify prospects for nearly any disease-causing parasite, even with limited knowledge of the organism.
Employees enrolled in a six-month worksite-based weight loss intervention with behavioral counseling lost an average of 18 pounds, while those in a control group gained two pounds. The study also found improvements in markers for cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk.
Researchers found that African-American and Caucasian women absorb and metabolize vitamin D at the same rate. Vitamin D deficiency can cause abnormalities in calcium, phosphorus, and bone metabolism, leading to conditions like osteomalacia and muscle weakness.
Researchers discover that belly and thigh fat differ significantly in gene expression, with unique homeobox genes influencing fat cell behavior. This finding may lead to targeted treatments for obesity, shifting focus from belly fat to hip and thigh fat.
A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that changes in dietary cholesterol can alter the gut flora, leading to a shift in bacterial populations. The researchers discovered that this change triggered an increase in cholesterol excretion into the gut, which in turn affected the abundance of certain bacterial taxa.
Researchers have elucidated the function of Translation Elongation Factor P (EF-P) during protein synthesis, revealing its role in regulating protein copy numbers in response to changing conditions. EF-P helps stalled ribosomes overcome a specific proline-rich motif, allowing for adjusted protein production.
Joslin scientists have discovered that brown adipose tissue has beneficial effects on glucose tolerance, body weight, and metabolism. The study showed improved insulin sensitivity, lower body weights, and decreased fat mass in mice with BAT transplantation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that a mother's vitamin D level is positively related to birth weight and head circumference. Additionally, a deficiency in vitamin D during the first trimester was negatively associated with the risk of a baby being born small for gestational age.
High-altitude mice utilize carbohydrates for energy due to low oxygen levels, a strategy that could be relevant to humans and other high-altitude mammals. This evolutionary adaptation allows them to efficiently use energy in oxygen-poor environments.
Researchers will use x-ray crystallography and NMR to understand the structural rules governing nuclear receptors' activity. The goal is to fill gaps in knowledge about these proteins' role in metabolism, cancer, inflammation, and bone health.
A study found that a gene variant producing efficient arsenic metabolism is common among Atacameño Indian villagers in Argentina, reducing health risks associated with high levels of arsenic. The research suggests human evolutionary adaptation to environmental toxins may vary among populations.
A recent study found that African American diabetic patients experienced higher rates of end-stage renal failure but lower rates of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke compared to white diabetic patients. The study also showed female diabetic patients had lower rates of complications than male patients.
Research reveals that gene length is crucial for protein expression, with shorter genes utilizing specialized terminators to avoid repression. This finding highlights the importance of gene ends in regulating gene activity.
Researchers discovered hummingbirds' reverse flight is cheaper than hovering and equally costly to forward flight, employing unique kinematic adjustments. The study found that the birds reduce wing beat frequency and inclination during backwards flight, making it 20% more efficient.
Researchers found that a timed high-fat diet reduces body weight and alters metabolism to utilize ingested fats for energy between meals. The study suggests scheduling food consumption can be a therapeutic tool to prevent obesity in humans.
A study at McGill University reveals that people with genetically fast nicotine metabolism have a greater brain response to smoking cues than those with slow metabolism. This finding may lead to tailoring smoking cessation programs based on individual genetics.
A new study reveals that brain clock oscillations are driven by cellular metabolism, which affects the production and flow of chemical energy in cells. The researchers found that redox reactions in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) oscillate on a 24-hour cycle, opening and closing channels of communication in brain cells.
A team of researchers from UNIGE, Switzerland, discovers a molecular mechanism that links body temperature to the expression of 'clock genes' and local oscillators. They also find that this mechanism affects detoxification and drug metabolism, with potential implications for understanding human physiology.
Researchers found that early exposure to antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome, leading to increased fat mass and percent body fat in mice. The study suggests a potential link between antibiotic use in childhood and later development of obesity. Further research is needed to confirm this theory.
A new study published in the journal Metabolism found that yo-yo dieting does not negatively impact metabolism or weight loss ability in the long term. The study involved 439 overweight women who were assigned to different weight loss groups, and found no significant differences between those with a history of yo-yo dieting and those w...
A new study challenges the long-held view that conserving energy maximizes sprinter performance. Instead, researchers found that maximizing the force of each foot hit on the ground allows sprinters to achieve top speed.
A recent study shows that liposuction can lead to an increase in visceral fat, associated with cardiovascular disease. However, regular physical activity effectively prevents this compensatory growth. The study found that exercising after liposuction reduces the risk of weight regain and related health issues.
The tuatara's unique chewing technique, using its lower jaw to slice food apart, raises doubts about the link between chewing and high metabolism in mammals. This specialized mechanism allows the tuatara to eat a wide range of prey, including beetles, spiders, and small lizards.
Scientists develop a technique to measure internal cell temperatures without altering cellular metabolism, opening doors for studying metastasis and differentiating healthy from cancerous cells. The 'fluorescence polarisation anisotropy' method uses green fluorescent proteins to provide non-invasive temperature readings.
A small phase I study suggests that deep brain stimulation, a therapy used for Parkinson's and depression, may increase neuronal activity in people with mild Alzheimer's disease. The treatment showed promising effects on brain function, including sustained increases in glucose metabolism.
Researchers found women who smoke and carry certain gene variants are more likely to experience hot flashes. The study suggests that these women may benefit from aggressive smoking cessation efforts.
Case Western Reserve researchers identify Kruppel-like Factor 15 (KLF15) as a key player in the body's ability to burn fat during exercise, increasing muscle force production. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind exercise benefits and may lead to therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders.
Researchers have discovered that Rev-erb proteins play a crucial role in controlling the body's internal clock and fat metabolism. When both proteins are not functioning, the liver fills with fat, leading to metabolic disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the circadian rhythm of metabolism.
Researchers at Salk Institute find that two cellular switches play a crucial role in maintaining normal sleeping and eating cycles and metabolism. The discovery suggests a powerful link between circadian rhythms and metabolism, potentially leading to new treatments for disorders such as sleep problems, obesity, and diabetes.