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metabolism

·April 23, 2025·6 min read

The Brain Remembers Cold: How Memories Drive Metabolism

New research reveals that the brain stores memories of cold experiences, which can later trigger metabolic responses in anticipation of cold environments. Mice trained to associate visual cues with cold temperatures began to increase their metabolism when shown those cues—even at room temperature.

This shows the shadow of an obese person and a clock.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 23, 2025·4 min read

Obesity Throws Metabolism Timing Off Balance

A new study reveals that while the molecular structure of liver metabolism remains intact during starvation, obesity disrupts the precise timing of metabolic responses. In healthy mice, key "hub" molecules like ATP and AMP responded rapidly and in a coordinated sequence to starvation.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 14, 2025·4 min read

How Lactating Brains Rewire Metabolism for Milk Production

Lactation triggers significant metabolic changes in mothers, driven by shifting hormone levels and brain activity. Researchers have now uncovered how increased prolactin and reduced estrogen suppress specific neurons in the hypothalamus to boost appetite and conserve fat, meeting the energy demands of nursing.

This is an AI rendition of macrophages in muscle tissue.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 4, 2024·5 min read

Immune Cells Modulate Movement and Energy

Macrophages, 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 2, 2024·6 min read

Personal Gut Environments Shape How We Digest, Absorb Food

Individual 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.

This shows an AI representation of mitochondria.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 22, 2024·4 min read

Mitochondrial Gene Editing Reveals Links to Memory

Researchers 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 12, 2024·4 min read

Natural Compound BHB-Phe Regulates Appetite

Scientists 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 8, 2024·3 min read

Sex-Based Breakfast Choices May Boost Metabolism

A 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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 27, 2024·5 min read

Metabolic Disruptions in Parkinson’s Uncover New Treatment Potential

A 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 19, 2024·6 min read

Sweet Taste Receptors Play Role in Glucose Metabolism

The 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.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·May 10, 2024·5 min read

Early Metabolic Changes Linked to Autism

Researchers 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.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 29, 2024·5 min read

Brown Fat’s “Off Switch” Discovery Combats Obesity

Researchers 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.