Science Weekly - 16092018

This week's topics vary on a larger scale: how elevated blood sugar levels in pregnancy can affect both the mother's and the child's health,  the benefits of dietary fiber for ageing population and they seem to have found a molecule with anti-ageing effect on the vascular system. If you always wondered WHY we burn more energy when we exercise, you may find your answer here too.

Change your diet to save both water and your health

Shifting to a healthy diet is not only good for us, but it also saves a lot of fresh water, according to a new study. Compared to existing diets, the water required to produce our food could be reduced by up to 55 percent for healthy pescetarian and vegetarian diets.

Source: European Commission Joint Research Centre

Scientists block RNA silencing protein in liver to prevent obesity and diabetes in mice

Obesity and its related ailments like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease pose a major global health burden, but researchers report that blocking an RNA-silencing protein in the livers of mice keeps the animals from getting fat-related and diabetic conditions.

Source: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Molecule with anti-aging effects on vascular system identified

A molecule produced during fasting or calorie restriction has anti-aging effects on the vascular system, which could reduce the occurrence and severity of human diseases related to blood vessels, such as cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

​Source: Georgia State University

High blood sugar during pregnancy ups risk of mother's type 2 diabetes, child's obesity

Mothers with elevated blood glucose during pregnancy -- even if not high enough to meet the traditional definition of gestational diabetes -- were significantly more likely to have developed type 2 diabetes a decade after pregnancy than their counterparts without high blood glucose.

Source: NIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Sarcolipin tricks muscle cells into using more energy, burning fat

Ever wonder why you burn fat and heat up when you exercise or shiver? Now, researchers have shown that sarcolipin, a small peptide only found in muscles, increases muscle energy expenditure and fat oxidization.

Source: ​Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute

Requiring physical activity classes help sedentary college students be more active

​Requiring physical activity classes in college encourages sedentary students to become more active, while elective classes tend to draw those who are already motivated, new research from Oregon State University has found.

Source: Oregon State University

Dietary fiber reduces brain inflammation during aging

As mammals age, immune cells in the brain known as microglia become chronically inflamed. In this state, they produce chemicals known to impair cognitive and motor function. That's one explanation for why memory fades and other brain functions decline during old age. But, according to a new study, there may be a remedy to delay the inevitable: dietary fiber.

Source: University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Calorie counts on restaurant menus have customers ordering less

Researchers conducted a randomized experiment and found that diners at full service restaurants whose menus listed calories ordered meals with 3 percent fewer calories -- about 45 calories less -- than those who had menus without calorie information. Customers ordered fewer calories in their appetizer and entree courses, but their dessert and drink orders remained the same.

Source: Cornell University