Can the brain be targeted to treat type 2 diabetes?

Successfully treating type 2 diabetes may involve focusing on brain neurons, rather than simply concentrating on obesity or insulin resistance, according to a new study. For several years, researchers have known that hyperactivity of a subset of neurons located in the hypothalamus, called AgRP neurons, is common in mice with diabetes.

School dinners may encourage picky teenagers to eat better, says new study

Having school dinners rather than packed lunches could encourage picky eating 13-year-olds to eat a wider variety of foods, according to a new study.

'Rogue' immune cells explain why a gluten-free diet fails in some Celiac patients

Researchers have discovered why some people with Celiac disease continue to suffer debilitating symptoms despite strictly avoiding gluten.

Infant with rare, incurable disease is first to successfully receive personalized gene therapy treatment

A research team has developed and safely delivered a personalized gene editing therapy to treat an infant with a life-threatening, incurable genetic disease. The infant, who was diagnosed with the rare condition carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency shortly after birth, has responded positively to the treatment. The process, from diagnosis to treatment, took only six months and marks the first time the technology has been successfully deployed to treat a human patient. The technology used in this study was developed using a platform that could be tweaked to treat a wide range of genetic disorders and opens the possibility of creating personalized treatments in other parts of the body.

Exercise the key to maintaining Vitamin D levels in winter

New research shows that regular exercise can help maintain Vitamin D levels during the darker months.

Research shows how hormone can reverse fatty liver disease in mice

A pioneering research study details how the hormone FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) can reverse the effects of fatty liver disease in mice. The hormone works primarily by signaling the brain to improve liver function.

Seek medical advice before attempting water-only fasting diets, experts warn

Experts are urging people, especially those with existing heart or vascular conditions, to seek medical advice before attempting to lose weight using water-only fasting diets.

Eating ultra-processed foods may harm your health

Consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as sugar-sweetened beverages, potato chips and packaged cookies, may be associated with adverse health outcomes. Study finds each additional 100 grams/day consumption of ultra-processed foods increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular events, cancer and more.

Lack of sleep can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

Even a few nights with insufficient sleep promote molecular mechanisms linked to a greater risk of heart problems. This has been shown in a new study in which the researchers investigated how sleep deprivation affects biomarkers (in this case proteins) associated with cardiovascular disease.

Eating ultra processed foods may speed up early signs of Parkinson's disease

People who eat more ultra processed foods like cold breakfast cereal, cookies and hot dogs are more likely to have early signs of Parkinson's disease when compared to those who eat very few ultra processed foods, according to a new study. The study does not prove that eating more ultra processed foods causes early signs of Parkinson's disease; it only shows an association.

Obesity a leading cause of knee osteoarthritis

New research reveals that obesity, having a knee injury and occupational risks such as shift work and lifting heavy loads are primary causes of knee osteoarthritis.

Junk food for thought: Landmark study directly links ultra-processed foods to poor health

A landmark study exploring consumption of chips, frozen pizzas, breakfast cereals and other ultra-processed foods typically loaded with fat, sugar and additives has confirmed these foods are directly and significantly linked to poor health outcomes.

A healthy diet in childhood is linked to starting menstrual periods later, regardless of BMI or height

Eating a healthy diet as a child is linked to girls having their first menstrual period at an older age than those who consumed a less healthy diet, according to a new study. The findings remained unaltered by the girls' body mass index or height, both of which have been associated with the earlier onset of periods. The study has implications for health in later life as it is well known that women who started their periods at an early age may be at higher risk for diabetes, obesity, breast cancer and diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Food as medicine: How diet shapes gut microbiome health

Researchers show how mice fed a Western-style diet are not able to rebuild a 'healthy,' diverse gut microbiome following antibiotic treatment. These mice were also more susceptible to infection by pathogens like Salmonella. However, mice given food loosely mimicking a Mediterranean diet -- high in plant-based fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains -- were able to quickly restore a healthy and resilient gut microbiome after antibiotics.

Neuroestrogen: The brain's secret weapon against hunger

Estrogens are known for their role in reproduction, but a new study reveals that neuroestrogens -- estrogens produced in the brain -- play a key role in appetite regulation. These brain-made hormones enhance the expression of a hunger-suppressing receptor in the hypothalamus and improve leptin sensitivity. The findings highlight a new biological pathway that could lead to innovative strategies for managing obesity and eating disorders.

Designer microbe shows promise for reducing mercury absorption from seafood

Scientists inserted DNA-encoding methylmercury detoxification enzymes into the genome of an abundant human gut bacterium. The engineered bacterium detoxified methylmercury in the gut of mice and dramatically reduced the amount that reached other tissues, such as the brain and liver. Mice given an oral probiotic containing the engineered microbe and fed a diet high in bluefin tuna had much lower methylmercury levels than expected, suggesting that a probiotic might eventually make it safer for people to consume fish. Researchers performed the tests using pregnant mice and found lower levels of methylmercury in both maternal and fetal tissues, and lower signs of mercury toxicity in the fetal brain.

Does your biological age affect your risk of dementia?

People whose biological age is higher than their chronological age may be more likely to develop dementia than people whose biological age matches or is lower than their chronological age, according to a new study. Biological age is based on biomarkers of aging such as lung function, blood pressure and cholesterol.

Semaglutide treats liver disease in two thirds of patients

Semaglutide effectively treats liver disease in two thirds of patients, new research has found.

Seasonal changes affect alcohol tolerance and your waistline

Researchers have found that drug effectiveness, alcohol tolerance, and carbohydrate metabolism change with the seasons. Their findings are based on a comprehensive seasonal gene expression map, which investigated over 54,000 genes in 80 tissues in monkeys across one year. The study has implications for drug prescription and precision medicine.

Protein sources change the gut microbiome -- some drastically

Protein sources appear to have major effects on both the population and function of the mouse gut microbiome.

Drug combination reduces breast cancer risk and improves metabolic health in rats

Researchers investigated the combined effects of bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens in rat models as an alternative to tamoxifen.

United States sees disproportionate increase in body mass index rates of more than 60

In the past 20 years, the average rate of obesity among adults in the United States has risen by approximately 30 percent, but the rate of those with the most severe forms of obesity, or those with a body mass index, or BMI, of more than 60 kg/m2, increased by 210 percent. Researchers analyzed national health data from 2001 through 2023, and discovered the alarming increase in the numbers of patients with the most severe forms of obesity.

Nudges improve food choices and cut calories when shopping for groceries online

A team of researchers designed and tested a new digital toolkit that helps consumers make healthier grocery choices online -- an innovation that could play a major role in the global fight against chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Young adults and rise in dry eye disease

Researchers have called for more advice to be given to young people about preventing dry eye disease, after a study found that 90% of participants had at least one sign of the condition in their eyes.

Why our waistlines expand in middle age: Stem cells

It's no secret that our waistlines often expand in middle-age, but the problem isn't strictly cosmetic. Belly fat accelerates aging and slows down metabolism, increasing our risk for developing diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases. Exactly how age transforms a six pack into a softer stomach, however, is murky. New research shows how aging shifts stem cells into overdrive to create more belly fat.

Metabolic syndrome linked to increased risk of young-onset dementia

Having a larger waistline, high blood pressure and other risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of young-onset dementia, according to a new study. Young-onset dementia is diagnosed before the age of 65. The study does not prove that metabolic syndrome causes young-onset dementia, it only shows an association.

Newborns living near trees tend to be healthier: New data suggests it's not because healthier people reside near parks

The link between proximity to greenspace -- including trees and parks-- and healthy birth outcomes is well established. Now new data adds to our understanding of these health benefits, accounting for other factors that may influence this link, such as education, income and body mass index, but also taking the body of knowledge a step further by exploring the effect of residing near newly planted trees.

Smart eating for exercise and weight management in diabetes

Fueling your body correctly before and after workouts is essential for weight management in diabetes. Learn what to eat and how to adjust for diabetes medications like insulin.

Know why you’re eating

Emotional eating can quickly sabotage weight loss efforts. If you can pinpoint the emotions that cause you to reach for food, you can stay on track.

Stay positive on your weight loss and diabetes journey

A positive mindset is key to success in weight loss and diabetes. Use positive self-talk strategies to stay motivated and on track with your goals.

Get back to basics

The key to weight loss for most people is simply finding the right combination of exercise, healthy foods and portion control. No fad diet required.

High-fat, high-sugar diets impact cognitive function

New research links fatty, sugary diets to impaired brain function. The findings build on a growing body of evidence showing the negative impact of high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diets on cognitive ability, adding to their well-known physical effects.

Omnivorous? Vegan? Makes no difference to muscle building after weight training, study finds

A new study asked three questions about muscle protein synthesis in response to a nine-day diet and weight training regimen: First, does the source of protein -- plant or animal-based -- make any difference to muscle gain? Second, does it matter if total daily protein intake is evenly distributed throughout the day? And third, does a moderate but sufficient daily protein intake influence any of these variables? The answer to all three questions is 'no,' the researchers found.

Meat or veg? Plant-based protein is linked to a longer life, research shows

A global study has shown that countries which consume more plant-based proteins -- such as chickpeas, tofu and peas -- have longer adult life expectancies. Scientists studied food supply and demographic data between 1961-2018 from 101 countries, with the data corrected to account for population size and wealth, to understand whether the type of protein a population consumed had an impact on longevity.

Sharp uptake in use of new weight loss and glucose-lowering medications

Researchers found that by December 2023, more than 1 in 3 of the medications being started for type 2 diabetes treatment were GLP-1RA-based medications.

The gut health benefits of sauerkraut

A new study suggests that sauerkraut could help protect your gut, an essential part of overall health.

High blood pressure? Eat more bananas

New research suggests increasing the ratio of dietary potassium to sodium intake may be more effective for lowering blood pressure than simply reducing sodium intake.

Brain pathway links inflammation to loss of motivation, energy in advanced cancer

Researchers identified a direct connection between cancer-related inflammation and the loss of motivation characteristic of advanced cancer. In a mouse study, they describe a brain pathway that starts with neurons (labeled in green, above) that sense inflammation signals, and the researchers were able to treat the loss of motivation by blocking this pathway.

Running on empty: Poor nutrition increases injury risk for female athletes

Proper nutrition is crucial for enhancing athletic performance, supporting recovery and overall health. Now, a new study reveals that proper nutrition is also key to reducing risk of injury, especially for females.

Impact of processing on biochemical composition of plant-based products revealed

A study showed that different processing methods significantly affect the biochemical composition of plant-based foods. Current food classification systems do not sufficiently acknowledge the biochemical composition of the product.

Novel drug delivery platform paves way to potential new treatments for Alzheimer's, other brain-related disorders

Researchers have discovered a way to get anti-inflammatory medicine across the blood-brain barrier, opening the door to potential new therapies for a range of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and cancer cachexia.

Carb restriction offers relief from calorie counting

The intermittent fasting diet, which involves periods of severe calorie restriction, may be on the way out, as research is suggesting that rather than drastically reducing calories, people can achieve similar metabolic benefits by cutting back on carbs.

CVD and obesity: When protective lipids decline, health risks increase

New research has uncovered a surprising culprit underlying cardiovascular diseases in obesity and diabetes -- not the presence of certain fats, but their suppression. The study challenges the conventional belief that a type of fat called ceramides accumulates in blood vessels causing inflammation and health risks. Instead, their findings reveal that when ceramides decrease in endothelial cells lining blood vessels, it can be damaging and cause chronic illnesses. Ironically, the findings could ultimately lead to therapies that maintain high levels of these protective lipids in patients with obesity.

Planetary health diet and Mediterranean diet associated with similar survival and sustainability benefits

A cohort study was conducted in Spain to compare the health and environmental benefits of the Planetary Health Diet (PHD) and the Mediterranean Diet. Compared to participants with low adherence, higher adherence to both diets was similarly associated with lower all-cause mortality and with comparable low environmental impact. This study highlights the advantages of the plant-based diets, with wider adoption of healthy and sustainable diets needed to prevent excess premature deaths worldwide.

Western diet causes inflammation, traditional African food protects

A switch of just two weeks from a traditional African diet to a Western diet causes inflammation, reduces the immune response to pathogens, and activates processes associated with lifestyle diseases. Conversely, an African diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods has positive effects. This study highlights the significant impact of diet on the immune system and metabolism.

When it comes to obesity-related cancers, where you shop for food matters

Obesity is at epidemic proportions in the United States where more than 40% of adults are obese and more than 70% are overweight. One common policy intervention to tackle this urgent issue is to try to improve diet quality by increasing local grocery stores that offer healthy options. However, this is not a silver bullet, but researchers are not sure why. A team of researchers developed a novel tool to help understand consumer behavior at the county level, and to study the relationship between where people shop for their food and the risk of obesity-related cancers.

How specialized diet can improve gut disorders

A new study examined whether a specialized diet could improve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders linked to an imbalance in gut microbiota.

Omega-6 fatty acid promotes the growth of an aggressive type of breast cancer, study finds

Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in seed oils such as soybean and safflower oil, and animal products including pork and eggs, specifically enhances the growth of the hard-to-treat 'triple negative' breast cancer subtype, according to a preclinical study. The discovery could lead to new dietary and pharmaceutical strategies against breast and other cancers.

New options for controlling type 2 diabetes

Nearly 40% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes imperil their health by stopping their medication within the first year, diabetes experts warn.

How time-restricted eating affects weight loss

A new study indicates that when healthy adults pair an eight-hour eating window with regular exercise, they lose more fat -- without sacrificing lean muscle -- compared to exercise alone.

Children of moms who smoked or were obese are more likely to become obese adults

A study finds that factors beyond a person's control, like socioeconomic status and whether their mom smoked or was obese, can influence whether they are overweight or obese as teenagers or adults.

Neurons in brain that regulate energy levels and body temperature

Scientists have gained greater clarity in the brain regions and neurons that control metabolism, body temperature and energy use. A team of researchers discovered which chemicals influence the signals that control how much energy the body uses. Researchers laid out the pathways, chemicals, neurons and brain regions that are activated.

Scientists discover why obesity takes away the pleasure of eating

Many obese people report losing pleasure in eating rich foods -- something also seen in obese mice. Scientists have now discovered the reason. Long-term high-fat diets lower levels of neurotensin in the brain, disrupting the dopamine pleasure network and decreasing the desire to eat high-fat foods. Raising neurotensin levels in mice brings back the pleasure and aids weight loss. Bringing back the pleasure could help people break the habit of overeating.

Biologists discover ancient neurohormone that controls appetite

Biologists have discovered that bombesin, a neurohormone controlling appetite in humans, also regulates feeding in starfish, revealing its ancient evolutionary origin dating back over 500 million years. The study not only sheds light on the deep evolutionary roots of appetite regulation but also suggests potential applications for managing starfish invasions in shellfish farms impacted by climate change. Alongside weight-loss inducing drugs, compounds that mimic the action of bombesin are in development for treatment of obesity.

Healthy eating in midlife linked to overall healthy aging

Maintaining a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods, with low to moderate intake of healthy animal-based foods and lower intake of ultra-processed foods, was linked to a higher likelihood of healthy aging -- defined as reaching age 70 free of major chronic diseases and with cognitive, physical, and mental health maintained, according to a new study. The study is among the first to examine multiple dietary patterns in midlife in relation to overall healthy aging.

Cellular mechanisms that may lead to onset of inflammatory bowel disease

New study shows that dysfunction of protective immune cells in GI tract may contribute to onset of inflammation in Crohn's disease.

Lifestyle risks weigh heavier on women's hearts

Lifestyle and health factors that are linked with heart disease appear to have a greater impact on cardiovascular risk in women than men.

AI food scanner turns phone photos into nutritional analysis

An AI system can tell the calorie count, fat content, and nutritional value of a meal just from a photo.

Tax sugar and salt in food to improve health?

Introducing a new salt levy is another proposal put forward in a comprehensive set of recommended regulations for the food sector.

Mother's high-fat diet can cause liver stress in fetus

When mothers eat a diet high in fat and sugars, their unborn babies can develop liver stress that continues into early life. A new study sheds light on changes to the fetus's bile acid, which affects how liver disease develops and progresses.

Lowering bioenergetic age may help fend off Alzheimer's

A person's 'bioenergetic age' -- or how youthfully their cells generate energy -- might be a key indicator of whether they're at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, new research shows. The study suggests healthy living can turn back the bioenergetic clock for some people, helping them fend off Alzheimer's as effectively as a new drug called lecanemab.

Eat better, breathe easier? Research points to link between diet, lung cancer

A new study shows how the lungs respond to poor diet.

New study explores the link between diet, blood sugar and cancer risk across species

A new study analyzing diet, average plasma sugar levels and cancer prevalence in some 273 vertebrate species showed surprising results. The study found no significant link between diet and plasma sugar levels across nonhuman vertebrate species, suggesting that glucose regulation is likely influenced more by evolutionary and physiological adaptations than diet alone. Birds in particular did not suffer increased cancer rates compared with mammals and reptiles, despite having higher blood glucose levels, which are associated with increased cancer risk in other animals, including humans.

Managing your diabetes can help prevent associated vision loss

Although there is no cure, diabetic retinal disease treatment has improved over the past two decades.

Video: How to cut a jalapeño while avoiding finger cuts and burning skin

Here's how to cut a pineapple quickly and safely

Video: How to make a watermelon feta salad

Hacks: How to easily cut an avocado into slices

Cell phones to be banned from Dutch school classrooms next year

Cell phones, tablets and smartwatches will be largely banned from classrooms in the Netherlands from January 1, 2024, the Dutch government said on Tuesday, in a bid to limit distractions during lessons.