Study identifies molecule that stimulates muscle-building in humans
In a randomized control study of 10 healthy young men, researchers compared how consuming the single amino acid leucine or its two-molecule equivalent, dileucine, influenced muscle-building and breakdown. They found that dileucine boosts the metabolic processes that drive muscle growth 42% more than free leucine does. They report their findings in the Journal of Applied […]
Cytokine increases production of ‘beige fat’ to burn more cellular energy: New insights point toward a potential obesity treatment
An immune signal promotes the production of energy-burning “beige fat,” according to a new study publishing Aug. 5 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Zhonghan Yang of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China, and colleagues. The finding may lead to new ways to reduce obesity and treat metabolic disorders. The beige color in beige fat […]
Study identifies DNA signatures linked to heart disease
A new study identifies DNA signatures associated with risk for cardiovascular disease, a discovery that could lead to opportunities for clinical intervention years before symptoms manifest. Based on analyses of data from five large heart cohort studies of diverse populations, the findings are published in the journal JAMA Cardiology. “The science is rapidly advancing in […]
New DNA study provides critical information on conserving rainforest lizards
A study published June 16 in Biotropicaby a team of researchers at the University of Washington, the UW Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, WWF Hong Kong and the University of Colombo has provided an important road map to conserving rough-nosed horned lizards in Sri Lanka. Rough-nosed horned lizards, or Ceratophora aspera, are small […]
Thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gas from depth: After 2020 heat wave: methane concentrations in Siberian air point to gas emission from limestone
In a study led by the University of Bonn (Germany), geologists compared the spatial and temporal distribution of methane concentrations in the air of northern Siberia with geological maps. The result: the methane concentrations in the air after last year’s heat wave indicate that increased gas emissions came from limestone formations. The study is published […]
Adding color to your plate may lower risk of cognitive decline
A new study shows that people who eat a diet that includes at least half a serving per day of foods high in flavonoids like strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples may have a 20% lower risk of cognitive decline. The research is published in the July 28, 2021, online issue of Neurology the medical journal […]
Common floral bacteria can induce pollen germination: The bacteria can double amount of protein released from pollen
Certain species of floral bacteria can enhance pollen germination, according to a study published today from the University of California, Davis in the journal Current Biology. “This is the first paper documenting stimulation of pollen germination by non-plants,” said first author Shawn Christensen, a doctoral candidate in associate professor Rachel Vannette’s laboratory in the Department […]
No more finger pricks: A continuous glucose monitor benefits patients with diabetes in more ways than one
A 15-center study of 175 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes in JAMA found that continuous glucose monitoring, compared to blood glucose meter monitoring, or finger pricking, significantly decreased their hemoglobin A1C over eight months (-1.1% versus -0.16%, respectively.) Although the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring for patients with diabetes has been demonstrated before, […]
Climate change to bring more intense storms across Europe
Climate change is driving a large increase in intense, slow-moving storms, a new study by Newcastle University and the Met Office has found. Investigating how climate affects intense rainstorms across Europe, climate experts have shown there will be a significant future increase in the occurrence of slow-moving intense rainstorms. The scientists estimate that these slow-moving […]
Common medication used to reduce cholesterol levels may reduce COVID-19 severity
In a new study from University of California San Diego School of Medicine, researchers have confirmed that patients taking statin medications had a 41 percent lower risk of in-hospital death from COVID-19. The findings were published July 15, 2021 in PLOS ONE and expand upon prior research conducted at UC San Diego Health in 2020. […]