Showing 20 articles starting at article 1
Categories: Fitness, Living Well
Published Your body's own cannabinoid molecules calm you during stress
(via sciencedaily.com) 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
(via sciencedaily.com) 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
(via sciencedaily.com) 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
(via sciencedaily.com) 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
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research suggests artificial intelligence can match the top 1% of human thinkers on a standard test for creativity.
Published Lean body mass, age linked with alcohol elimination rates in women
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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 Grocery store carts set to help diagnose common heart rhythm disorder and prevent stroke
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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 Ketone supplements worsen performance in trained endurance athletes, researchers find
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source 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 New study gives clues on why exercise helps with inflammation
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have long known that moderate exercise has a beneficial impact on the body's response to inflammation, but what's been less understood is why. New research done on a mouse model suggests that the answers may lie at the production level of macrophages -- white blood cells responsible for killing off infections, healing injury and otherwise acting as first responders in the body.
Published Taurine may be a key to longer and healthier life
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A study finds that deficiency of taurine, a molecule produced in our bodies, drives aging, and taurine supplements can improve health and increase lifespan in animals.
Published The fast and the fibrous: Developing the muscles you need for speed
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have identified the role of the large Maf transcription factor family in regulating fast twitch muscle fibers. A mouse model lacking Maf expression in the skeletal muscles exhibited a significant loss of type IIb myofibers, a subtype of fast twitch fibers. Overexpression of large Mafs promoted type IIb muscle fiber induction. The large Maf family may represent potential targets for developing treatments for muscular disorders involving fast twitch fibers.
Published Running throughout middle age keeps 'old' adult-born neurons 'wired'
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new study provides novel insight into the benefits of exercise, which should motivate adults to keep moving throughout their lifetime, especially during middle age. Long-term exercise profoundly benefits the aging brain and may prevent aging-related memory function decline by increasing the survival and modifying the network of the adult-born neurons born during early adulthood, and thereby facilitating their participation in cognitive processes.
Published Study finds brain connectivity, memory improves in older adults after walking
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Regular walks strengthen connections in and between brain networks, according to new research, adding to growing evidence linking exercise with slowing the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The study examined the brains and story recollection abilities of older adults with normal brain function and those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, which is a slight decline in mental abilities like memory, reasoning and judgment and a risk factor for Alzheimer's.
Published Ready, set, go: New study shows how marathon running affects different foot muscles
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Marathon running is a popular sport. However, long-distance running can weaken and damage foot muscles, leading to chronic pain and running-related injuries. A new study reveals that marathon running can reduce foot arch height, as well as induce damage to extrinsic foot muscles, which connect the lower leg and foot.
Published Amputees feel warmth in their missing hand
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An unexpected discovery about temperature feedback has led to new bionic technology that allows amputees to sense the temperature of objects ¬-- both hot and cold -- directly in the phantom hand. The technology opens up new avenues for non-invasive prosthetics.
Published Researchers pinpoint brain cells that drive appetite in obesity
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A group of brain cells discovered by researchers reveals a potential new approach to anti-obesity treatment.
Published Researchers discover brain circuit underlying spontaneous synchronized movement of individuals in groups
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Individual fish in schools scatter in unison when a predator is in their midst. Such precisely coordinated group movements and immobility during threats have long been observed in insects and mammals. Now, a brain pathway has been discovered that enables individual animals to rapidly coordinate a unified response, with no rehearsal required.