Tug-of-war receptors for sour taste in fruit flies sheds light on human taste biology
Sour taste does not have the nearly universal appeal that sweet taste does. Slightly sour foods or drinks such as yogurt and lemon juice are yummy to many, but such highly sour foods as spoiled milk are yucky, even dangerous. Like humans, many other animals, including insects, prefer slightly acidic over very acidic foods. Evolutionary […]
Waist-to-height ratio detects fat obesity in children and adolescents significantly better than BMI
An inexpensive measure of obesity in children and adolescents that could replace body mass index (BMI) has been identified in a new study as waist circumference-to-height ratio. This measure detected excess fat mass and distinguished fat mass from muscle mass in children and adolescents more accurately than BMI. The study was conducted in collaboration between […]
Study results show 25% of pregnant people are not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids from their diet or dietary supplements
Results from a new nationwide cohort study show that, despite strong recommendations in favor of consuming omega-3 fatty acids for optimal pregnancy outcomes and offspring health, 25% of participants reported rarely, or never eating fish during pregnancy, with fewer taking omega-3 supplements. The study, “Demographic and health characteristics associated with fish and n-3 fatty acid […]
Opinion | “I Have the Unfortunate Genetics That I Am Bald’: What We Heard This Week
“I have the unfortunate genetics that I am bald, and so is the driver of the vehicle who was saying these horrible racist things to this woman.” — Andrew Spector, MD, of Dartmouth Health, on an unflattering case of mistaken identity. “A single observed moment may be a sign that cognitive impairments are present, but […]
Study identifies multi-organ response to seven days without food
New findings reveal that the body undergoes significant, systematic changes across multiple organs during prolonged periods of fasting. The results demonstrate evidence of health benefits beyond weight loss, but also show that any potentially health-altering changes appear to occur only after three days without food. The study, published today in Nature Metabolism, advances our understanding […]
6 Common Phrases You May Not Realize Are Actually Fat-Shaming
Carol Yepes via Getty Images Referring to certain foods as “bad” or saying that you “feel fat” are just two examples of common fat-shaming words in our society. As a general rule, phrases that offend groups of people are off limits in any respectful and caring group of people. Words that bring down folks in […]
Opinion | ‘This Is an Extremely Rare Phenomenon’: What We Heard This Week
“It is important to note that this is an extremely rare phenomenon.” — Apurv Soni, MD, PhD, of the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in Worcester, on cases of false-positive rapid COVID tests. “Likely, if we are able to treat one of these illnesses, we will be able to treat them all.” — Avindra […]
Fasting-like diet lowers risk factors for disease, reduces biological age in humans
Cycles of a diet that mimics fasting can reduce signs of immune system aging, as well as insulin resistance and liver fat in humans, resulting in a lower biological age, according to a new USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology-led study. The study, which appears in Nature Communications on Feb. 20, adds to the body […]
Do sugar-free candy and gum give you gas? Researchers think they know why
Researchers at UC Davis have identified changes in the gut microbiome that can result in an inability to digest sorbitol. Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, is used in sugar-free gum, mints, candy and other products. It is also found naturally in apricots, apples, pears, avocadoes and other foods. At high levels, sorbitol can cause bloating, cramps […]
Feeling Irrationally Upset Over Little Things? Here’s What You Should Do.
Maria Korneeva via Getty Images Experts share just exactly how we can let go of the little frustrations that are stressing us out. As the adage goes, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” But that might be easier said than done for many of us. “It’s not uncommon to become upset over small things sometimes,” Nicole […]