Science Weekly 05082018

​Rather interesting studies revealed and intriguing questions asked by scientist in the nutrition, fitness and sports field. Let's dig in.

Smaller plates don't help you eat less when you're hungry, research finds

A new study debunks a popular diet trick based on the Delbouef illusion that predicts people will identify sizes differently when they are placed within a larger or smaller object. The classic experiment shows that people perceive a similar black circle is smaller when it embedded in a larger circle than when it is embedded in a smaller one.

Source: ​https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/07/180730132929.htm

​Experimental drug reverses hair loss and skin damage linked to fatty diet, shows new study in mice

In a series of experiments with mice, investigators have used an experimental compound to successfully reverse hair loss, hair whitening and skin inflammation linked by previous studies to human diets heavy in fat and cholesterol.

Source: ​https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/experimental_drug_reverses_hair_loss_and_skin_damage_linked_to_fatty_diet_shows_new_study_in_mice

Heat therapy boosts mitochondrial function in muscles

​A new study finds that long-term heat therapy may increase mitochondrial function in the muscles. The discovery could lead to new treatments for people with chronic illness or disease.

Source: ​http://www.the-aps.org/mm/hp/Audiences/Public-Press/2018/45.html

​Measure of belly fat in older adults is linked with cognitive impairment

​Data from over 5,000 adults over the age of 60 indicates that as waist:hip ratio increases, so does cognitive impairment. The findings have significant implications as the global prevalence of dementia is predicted to increase from 24.3 million in 2001 to 81.1 million by 2040.

Source: ​https://www.tcd.ie/news_events/articles/measure-of-belly-fat-in-older-adults-is-linked-with-cognitive-impairment/

Makeup of an individual's gut bacteria may play role in weight loss

​A preliminary study suggests that, for some people, specific activities of gut bacteria may be responsible for their inability to lose weight, despite adherence to strict diet and exercise regimens.

Source: ​https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/makeup-of-an-individuals-gut-bacteria-may-play-role-in-weight-loss-mayo-study-suggests/

New light shed on relationship between calorie-burning fat and muscle function

Endocrinologists have shown for the first time that brown fat can exert control over skeletal muscle function.

Source: ​https://www.bidmc.org/about-bidmc/news/2018/08/new-light-shed-on-relationship-between-calorie-burning-fat-and-muscle-function

Muscle 'switch' may control the benefits of exerciseS 

/Scientists identify a biological pathway that boosts our ability to build aerobic capacity or muscle/

Studying lab animals and humans, researchers discovered that a protein called JNK helps to drive response to exercise. If JNK is activated during exercise, the researchers say, that stimulates skeletal muscle growth. If it's not activated, muscles improve their adaptation for endurance and aerobic capacity.

Source: ​http://www.joslin.org/news/muscle-switch-may-control-benefits-of-exercise.html

Eating crickets can be good for your gut, according to new clinical trial

A new clinical trial shows that consuming crickets can help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and that eating crickets is not only safe at high doses but may also reduce inflammation in the body.

Source: ​https://news.wisc.edu/eating-crickets-can-be-good-for-your-gut-according-to-new-clinical-trial/

​Blocking digestive hormone may prevent diet-induced pancreatic cancer

A high-fat diet may promote the growth of pancreatic cancer independent of obesity because of the interaction between dietary fat and cholecystokinin (CCK), a digestive hormone. In addition, blocking CCK may help prevent the spread of pancreatic tumors to other areas of the body (metastases).

Source: ​http://www.the-aps.org/mm/hp/Audiences/Public-Press/2018/46.html