FeaturedNeuroscience·December 4, 2024·5 min readImmune Cells Modulate Movement and EnergyMacrophages, immune cells typically known for fighting infections, have been discovered to play a vital role in controlling movement and linking neural activity with metabolic demands. Located in muscle spindles, these cells modulate neural activity using glutamate signaling, fine-tune muscle contractions, and optimize energy use during physical activity.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·December 2, 2024·6 min readPersonal Gut Environments Shape How We Digest, Absorb FoodIndividual differences in gut physiology and environment play a major role in shaping our gut microbiome and how we process food. Using a smart capsule to measure pH, temperature, and pressure, researchers found significant variations in digestion time and gut conditions between people.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·November 22, 2024·4 min readMitochondrial Gene Editing Reveals Links to MemoryResearchers used mitochondrial gene editing to model genetic disorders in mice, revealing profound impacts on brain function, metabolism, and thermoregulation. They employed a specialized DNA editing tool to induce mutations in the ND5 mitochondrial gene, disrupting energy production and causing learning deficits, hippocampal atrophy, and obesity.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·November 12, 2024·4 min readNatural Compound BHB-Phe Regulates AppetiteScientists have identified BHB-Phe, a natural compound produced by the body, that regulates appetite and body weight. By activating specific brain neurons, BHB-Phe suppresses feeding behavior in mice, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for obesity.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·October 8, 2024·3 min readSex-Based Breakfast Choices May Boost MetabolismA recent study using mathematical models suggests that breakfast choices may affect men’s and women’s metabolisms differently. Results indicate that men’s metabolisms respond better to carb-heavy breakfasts, while women’s bodies benefit more from higher-fat options like eggs or avocados, especially after fasting.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·September 27, 2024·5 min readMetabolic Disruptions in Parkinson’s Uncover New Treatment PotentialA new study has revealed critical metabolic impairments in Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on purine metabolism and ATP recycling. Researchers found that patients with PD have significantly lower levels of uric acid and other purine metabolites in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid, affecting energy production in the brain.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·May 19, 2024·6 min readSweet Taste Receptors Play Role in Glucose MetabolismThe sweet taste receptor, TAS1R2-TAS1R3, plays a dual role in regulating glucose metabolism. Stimulating this receptor with sucralose accelerates insulin release, while inhibiting it with lactisole slows insulin release. This finding suggests that targeting TAS1R2-TAS1R3 could offer new therapeutic avenues for managing metabolic disorders like diabetes.Read More
AutismFeaturedNeuroscience·May 10, 2024·5 min readEarly Metabolic Changes Linked to AutismResearchers discovered significant metabolic changes that occur between birth and the onset of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. This study reveals that a few biochemical pathways, related largely to the body's cell danger response, are responsible for the majority of these changes.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·April 29, 2024·5 min readBrown Fat’s “Off Switch” Discovery Combats ObesityResearchers have made significant discoveries about brown adipose tissue (BAT), which is known for its calorie-burning capabilities. Their study identifies a protein, AC3-AT, that acts as an "off switch" for BAT activation, limiting its effectiveness in combating obesity. By potentially blocking this switch, the researchers believe they can enhance brown fat's activity, offering a new avenue for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·April 25, 2024·4 min readSight and Smell of Food Kickstarts Liver ActivityMerely seeing and smelling food can activate adaptations in liver mitochondria in mice within minutes. This response is driven by the activation of POMC neurons in the brain, signaling the liver to prepare for nutrient processing by modifying mitochondrial protein through phosphorylation.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·April 24, 2024·7 min readSpinal Injuries Trigger Metabolic DisordersA new study demonstrates how spinal cord injuries can lead to significant metabolic disruptions, including the onset of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The study found that abnormal neuronal activities post-injury lead to excessive breakdown of triglycerides in fat tissue, releasing harmful compounds into organs like the liver.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·April 15, 2024·7 min readMicroplastics Journey from Gut to Vital OrgansA new study highlights the alarming infiltration of microplastics into human tissues, including the kidney, liver, and brain. The study investigates how these tiny particles, commonly ingested through water, food, and air, breach the gastrointestinal tract to affect major organs and metabolic pathways.Read More
