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obesity

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 4, 2017·3 min read

Removing Digital Devices From Bedroom Improves Sleep For Kids and Teens

A new study recommends different strategies, including removing digital devices before bedtime and embarking on calming activities to encourage healthy sleep in children and teens.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 9, 2017·4 min read

Making Fat Mice Lean: Specialized Macrophages Responsible For Fat Breakdown

Researchers have identified a population of immune cells that appear to be associated with neurons which play a role in fat storage and obesity.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 25, 2017·5 min read

Maternal Diet Could Affect Kid’s Brain Reward Circuitry

Researchers report rats that ate fatty or junk foods during pregnancy tended to have heavier pups that preferred the taste of fat directly following weaning. They also noted mothers who ate energy rich food either during pregnancy or while breastfeeding had an increased risk of their children becoming obese later in life.

Image shows gut bacteria on a petri dish.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 12, 2017·5 min read

Body Clock and Gut Microbiota Work Together to Pack on Pounds

A new Science study sheds light on how the gut microbiota interacts with circadian rhythm to impact metabolism. Researchers say the finding could help explain why those who work night shifts have higher rates of metabolic diseases.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 22, 2017·5 min read

Brain’s Self-Regulation in Teens at Risk for Obesity

Teens at risk for obesity as they age have less active self regulatory systems in the brain, a new study reports.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 17, 2017·4 min read

Recently Discovered Protein Controls Appetite and Body Fat Composition

NPGL, a recently discovered protein, influences fat storage in the human body, even when on a calorie restricted diet. Researchers believe this mechanism had evolutionary benefits and the protein could be a potential target to treat obesity.

Featured Psychology

·August 6, 2017·2 min read

So Lonely I Could Die: Social Isolation Greater Public Health Threat Than Obesity

According to researchers, social isolation and loneliness significantly increase the risk for premature death.

Featured Neuroscience

·August 1, 2017·4 min read

Brain Switch Tells Body to Burn Fat After a Meal

Researchers report the brain's ability to sense insulin and coordinate feeding with energy expenditure is controlled by a mechanism that is turned on after fasting to inhibit insulin response and conserve energy. After feeding, the mechanism is turned off to facilitate insulin response and expend energy. However, in obese people, researchers believe the switch may stay on all the time.

Image shows a person holding a slice of cake.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 29, 2017·3 min read

Dulled Taste May Prompt More Calories on Path to Obesity

A new study reveals blocking taste receptors leads people to desire sweeter, higher calorie foods. Researchers believe a dulled sense of taste could increase a person's obesity risk.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 21, 2017·4 min read

Pre-Pregnancy Obesity Increases Risk for Neurocognitive Problems in Children Born Very Prematurely

According to a Journal of Pediatrics report, children born prematurely to women who were obese prior to pregnancy showed lower scores on intelligence tests. When tested at age 10, the children were more likely than their peers to score lower in verbal intelligence, cognitive control and spelling tests.

Image shows an infographic with 9 ways to decrease dementia risk.

Featured Neurology

·July 20, 2017·4 min read

1 in 3 Cases of Dementia Are Preventable

Researchers have identified nine risk factors during different stages in life that may increase a person's likelihood of developing dementia. At least 35% of dementia cases, researchers say, may be directly linked to these risk factors. By taking steps to reduce risks and by improving education, it is estimated that the incidence of dementia can be reduced by as much as 20%.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 5, 2017·7 min read

Brain’s Immune Cells May Drive Overeating and Weight Gain

Researchers report microglia, immune cells found in the brain, may trigger overeating and increase weight gain as a response to high fat diets. The study suggests targeting microglia could provide new treatment options to help curb obesity.