Showing 20 articles starting at article 1
Categories: Living Well, Nutrition
Published Your body's own cannabinoid molecules calm you during stress


When you're under stress, your brain may release its own cannabinoid molecules to calm you, activating the same brain receptors as THC derived from cannabis plants. But the brain activity regulated by these cannabinoid molecules were not well known. A new study in mice has discovered a key emotional brain center, the amygdala, releases cannabinoid molecules under stress that dampen the incoming stress alarm from the hippocampus, a memory and emotion center in the brain. The finding may reveal novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
Published Lower jersey numbers make football players look thinner


Football players sometimes choose jerseys with lower numbers thinking that they'll look slimmer and faster. There's a scientific basis for that belief, according to a new study. In two experiments, volunteers consistently said that images of players in jerseys numbered 10 to 19 looked thinner than players in jerseys numbered 80 to 89, even when the bodies were the same size. The finding suggests that people's previously learned associations between numbers and sizes influence their perceptions of body size.
Published Breathe! The shape-shifting ball that supports mental health


A soft ball designed to support mental health by 'personifying' breath has been invented by a computer science student.
Published Research team identifies human odorant receptor for horse stable odor


Para-cresol is an aromatic compound with a strong horse stable-like odor. It contributes to the off-flavor of some foods, but it is also detectable as a characteristic odorant in whiskey and tobacco, as well as in the urine of various mammals. A research team has now discovered which odorant receptor humans use to perceive para-cresol.
Published Participating in genetic studies is in your genes



Why do some people take part in genetic studies while others do not? The answer may lie within our genetic makeup. According to a groundbreaking study, people who participate in genetic studies are genetically more likely to do so, leaving detectable 'footprints' in genetics data. This breakthrough equips researchers with the ability to identify and address participation bias, a significant challenge in genetic research.
Published These lollipops could 'sweeten' diagnostic testing for kids and adults alike



A lollipop might be a sweet reward for a kid who's endured a trip to the doctor's office, but now, this candy could make diagnostic testing during a visit less invasive and more enjoyable. Researchers have shown that a lollipop-based saliva collection system can capture bacteria from adults and remain shelf-stable for up to a year. Study participants also preferred the candies over conventional collection systems.
Published AI tests into top 1% for original creative thinking



New research suggests artificial intelligence can match the top 1% of human thinkers on a standard test for creativity.
Published DNA barcoding identifies the plants a person has eaten



DNA barcoding is now being used to identify the plant matter in human feces, revealing what a person has eaten. A reliable genetic marker for plant-based foods can be retrieved from poop, showing not only what was eaten, but in what relative amounts. The technique should improve clinical trials, nutrition studies and more.
Published Unsafe feeding methods spiked during infant formula shortage



A survey finds nearly half of parents who rely on formula for their babies resorted to potentially harmful feeding methods during the infant formula shortage.
Published Molecular imaging identifies brain changes in response to food cues; offers insight into obesity interventions



Molecular imaging with 18F-flubatine PET/MRI has shown that neuroreceptors in the brains of individuals with obesity respond differently to food cues than those in normal-weight individuals, making the neuroreceptors a prime target for obesity treatments and therapy. This research contributes to the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying obesity and offers valuable insights into potential medical interventions.
Published Lean body mass, age linked with alcohol elimination rates in women



Research links women's lean body mass with how quickly they eliminate alcohol from their system. Women with obesity and those who are older eliminate alcohol from their bloodstreams faster than those of normal weight and those who are younger.
Published All the immunity, none of the symptoms



Scientists found pairing specific diets with diarrheal disease-causing bacteria can create lasting immunity in mice without a need to ever experience symptoms. The findings pave the way for vaccine development that could reduce symptoms and mortality of diarrheal illness and other diseases in humans.
Published Grocery store carts set to help diagnose common heart rhythm disorder and prevent stroke



It could be the shopping trip that saves your life: supermarket trolleys are helping to diagnose atrial fibrillation which can then be treated to prevent disabling or fatal strokes.
Published Omega-3 fatty acids linked to slower decline in ALS



People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who eat more foods high in certain omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseed oil, walnuts, canola oil and pumpkin seeds may have a slower physical decline from the disease and may have a slightly extended survival. Researchers also found an omega-6 fatty acid may be beneficial. The study does not prove that these omega fatty acids slow decline of ALS or extend survival; it only shows an association.
Published Ketone supplements worsen performance in trained endurance athletes, researchers find



Kinesiologists at McMaster University have found ketone supplements, used by some athletes hoping to cross the finish line faster, may in fact worsen performance. The new study tackles contradictory research findings related to the effectiveness of ketone supplements, which have gained popularity among athletes seeking a competitive advantage.
Published Illusions are in the eye, not the mind



Numerous visual illusions are caused by limits in the way our eyes and visual neurones work -- rather than more complex psychological processes, new research shows.
Published A 'pinch' of mineral salts helps the noncaloric sweeteners go down



Perfect noncaloric replacements for sugar and high fructose corn syrup just don't exist yet. For example, some alternatives have a lingering sweet aftertaste and lack a sugar-like mouthfeel, leaving some consumers unsatisfied. Now, researchers propose adding blends of nutritionally important mineral salts to make noncaloric sweeteners seem more like the real thing. Taste-testers indicated that these blends gave zero- and low-calorie drinks a better flavor.
Published Fewer meals may prevent Type 2 diabetes, obesity



When intermittent fasting became all the rage among Hollywood celebrities, skeptics balked at the idea of skipping meals. But new research suggests the celebs might not have been that far off. The review found that a specific type of restricted eating may reduce the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and improve your overall health. Known as time-restricted eating, this type of fasting means having regular but fewer meals, cutting out late-night snacks and not eating for 12 to 14 hours (often overnight).
Published The latest weapon against cancer is ... a keto diet?



Keto diets shrink pancreatic and colorectal tumors by starving them of the glucose they need to survive. But they also speed up development of a lethal wasting disease called cachexia. In mice, researchers have found that pairing keto with a corticosteroid prevents cachexia and increases survival.
Published Researchers uncover why light-to-moderate drinking is tied to better heart health



A new study offers an explanation for why light-to-moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with lower risk of heart disease. For the first time, researchers found that alcohol, in light to moderate quantities, was associated with long-term reductions in stress signaling in the brain.