Showing 20 articles starting at article 1
Categories: Birth Defects, Obesity
Published Fish reveal cause of altered human facial development


Some substances in medicines, household items and the environment are known to affect prenatal child development. Researchers tested the effects of five drugs (including caffeine and the blood thinner warfarin) on the growth of zebrafish embryos. They found that all five had the same effect, impairing the migration of bone-forming cells which resulted in the onset of facial malformation. Zebrafish embryos grow quickly, are transparent and develop outside of the parent's body, making them ideal for studying early development. A zebrafish-based system could be used to easily screen for potentially harmful substances, reducing animal testing on mammals and supporting parents-to-be when making choices for themselves and their baby.
Published Compound derived from hops reduces abundance of gut microbe associated with metabolic syndrome


Researchers have shown in a mouse model and lab cultures that a compound derived from hops reduces the abundance of a gut bacterium associated with metabolic syndrome.
Published Lower risk of haematological cancer after bariatric surgery


Obesity surgery is associated with a 40% lower risk of haematological cancer. This has been shown in a study at the University of Gothenburg. This clear link is expected to influence future research in the field.
Published Exposure to plasticizers in pregnancy associated with smaller volumetric measures in the brain and lower IQ in children


A study with 775 mother-child pairs in Rotterdam (The Netherlands) finds an association with maternal exposure to certain plasticizers (phthalates) and smaller volumetric measures in the brain of children as well as lower IQ at age 14
Published Researchers identify inherited gene mutation linked to esophageal cancer


Studying genes in families with a propensity for certain diseases has led to many critical advances in medicine, including the discovery of statins in family members who suffered heart attacks at an early age. Now, a team of researchers has identified an inherited mutation in a gene linked to a highly lethal cancer of what is commonly known as the food pipe, called esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).
Published Understanding and treating pain in children



It is often hard to understand the source of pain in babies and children, and if they experience it often or for a long time, it can do severe damage.
Published Almonds as part of a healthy weight loss diet


When it comes to weight loss, nuts can get a bad rap -- while they're high in protein, they're also high in fats, and this often deters those looking to shed a few kilos. But new research shows that you can eat almonds and lose weight too.
Published Early treatment of child obesity is effective


The early treatment of obesity in children is effective in both the short and long term, researchers report.
Published A quarter of people are undoing the benefits of healthy meals by unhealthy snacking


A quarter of people are undoing the benefitsĀ of healthy meals with unhealthy snacks, which increases the risk of strokes and cardiovascular disease.
Published Benefits, risks in state-mandated school-based BMI assessments


A resource economist finds mandated in-school Body Mass Index assessments adopted in varying forms by 24 states to combat childhood obesity have the potential to improve the health of some students while introducing body-image issues for others. The research is believed to be the first to assess these policies as a whole, rather than in single states or school districts.
Published Both high-protein and normal-protein diets are effective for T2D management


New findings indicate that the type of protein in the diet is not as important as the overall amount of weight loss for those with Type 2 diabetes. 106 adults with T2D were randomly assigned to either the high-protein or normal-protein diet for 52 weeks. Both diets were energy-restricted. The high-protein diet included recommendations to include lean beef in the diet, while the normal-protein diet instructed participants to refrain from eating any red meats. The team of researchers found that both a high-protein diet (40 percent of total calories from protein) and a moderate-protein diet (21 percent of total calories from protein) were effective in improving glucose control, weight loss and body composition in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Published Fiber from crustaceans, insects, mushrooms promotes digestion


Crustaceans, insects and mushrooms are rich sources of the dietary fiber chitin, which activates the immune system and benefits metabolism, according to a new study in mice.
Published Intellectual disability more common in families with substance use disorder


Children of a parent with alcohol or drug use disorder have a greater risk of intellectual disability, even if the problem only lies with the father, researchers report. According to the study, preventive measures should be directed at both parents.
Published Women with PCOS on keto diet may see improvements in fertility



The ketogenic (keto) diet may lower testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a new article.
Published Study illuminates mechanism that annotates genetic information passed from fathers to offspring


Scientists have identified a key part of a mechanism that annotates genetic information before it is passed from fathers to their offspring. The findings shed new light on genomic imprinting, a fundamental, biological process in which a gene from one parent is switched off while the copy from the other parent remains active. Errors in imprinting are linked to a host of diseases, such as the rare disease Silver-Russell syndrome along with certain cancers and diabetes.
Published Resistant starch supplement reduces liver triglycerides in people with fatty liver disease


Resistant starch is a nondigestible fiber that ferments in the large intestine, and consumption of it has previously been shown to have a positive effect on metabolism in animal studies. Now, a 4-month randomized controlled trial in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) indicates that daily intake of resistant starch can alter gut bacteria composition and lower liver triglycerides and liver enzymes associated with liver injury and inflammation.
Published Di-isononyl phthalate disrupts pregnancy in mice, study finds


In a new study, researchers used mice to understand how DiNP affects pregnancy.
Published A new breakthrough in obesity research may allow you to lose fat while eating all you want


This is a significant development that brings hope to the one billion individuals with obesity worldwide. Researchers have discovered new insights into the regulation of fat metabolism. The focus of their study lies within the star-shaped non-neuronal cells in the brain, known as 'astrocytes'. Furthermore, the group announced successful animal experiments using the newly developed drug 'KDS2010', which allowed the mice to lose weigh without dietary restrictions.
Published T-cells infiltrate brain, cause respiratory distress in condition affecting the immunocompromised


When an immunocompromised person's system begins to recover and produce more white blood cells, it's usually a good thing -- unless they develop C-IRIS, a potentially deadly inflammatory condition. New research has found that the pulmonary distress often associated with C-IRIS is caused not by damage to the lungs, but by newly populated T-cells infiltrating the brain. Knowing this mechanism of action can help researchers and physicians better understand the illness and provide new treatment targets.
Published Researchers identify the link between memory and appetite in the human brain to explain obesity


Disrupted connections between memory and appetite regulating brain circuits are directly proportional to body mass index (BMI), notably in patients who suffer from disordered or overeating that can lead to obesity, such as binge eating disorder (BED), according to new research. The research notes that individuals who are obese have impaired connections between the dorsolateral hippocampus (dlHPC) and the lateral hypothalamus (LH), which may impact their ability to control or regulate emotional responses when anticipating rewarding meals or treats.