Science Weekly - 19082019

You'll find papers on obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and how it all links to specific macro-nutrients and/or gut bacteria. ​Those trainers who work with clients for sports performance will also find something to digest as well as trainers who specialize in clients with conditions or particular recovery including stroke, cancer and MS.

​The mind-muscle connection: For aesthetes, not athletes?

Focusing on movement instead of muscle can enhance weightlifting performance, suggests research
​The 'mind-muscle connection.' Ancient lore for bodybuilders, latest buzz for Instragram fitness followers. But when the goal is muscle performance rather than growth alone, does the idea still carry any weight? A new analysis suggests that to lift heavier, or longer, it is better to focus on moving the weight itself -- not your muscles.

Source: Frontiers

Maximising alertness and productivity on the nightshift

If you're one of the world's many shiftworkers, eating at irregular times is just par for the course - but have you ever stopped to think about the impact this might have on your body? Researchers have now investigated whether altering food intake during the nightshift could optimize how shiftworkers feel during the night and reduce their sleepiness.

Source: University of South Australia

Reduced carbohydrate intake improves type 2 diabetics' ability to regulate blood sugar

Patients with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to regulate blood sugar levels if they eat food with a reduced carbohydrate content and an increased share of protein and fat. The findings are contrary to the conventional dietary recommendations for type 2 diabetics.

Source: Faculty of Science - University of Copenhagen

Over-55s shouldn't wait for retirement to make time for their health

People in middle-age need to keep up their physical activity levels if they are to enjoy a fit and healthy retirement -- according to a new report. The study reveals that over-55s in particular should be doing more to keep fit as they approach retirement age -- because of the physical, mental and social benefits of being active. But health problems, not having enough time or energy because of work, and a lack of motivation are leaving many approaching retirement in poor shape.

Source: University of East Anglia

Gut-brain connection helps explain how overeating leads to obesity

A multi-institutional team reveals a previously unknown gut-brain connection that helps explain how those extra servings lead to weight gain.

Source: Baylor College of Medicine

High-fat diet and gut bacteria linked to insulin resistance

Researchers have discovered how our choice of diet can weaken our gut immune system and lead to the development of diabetes.

Source: University Health Network

Association between celiac disease risk and gluten intake confirmed

An extensive study has confirmed that the risk of developing celiac disease is connected to the amount of gluten children consume. The new study is observational and therefore does not prove causation; however, it is the most comprehensive of its kind to date.

Source: Lund University

Winning coaches' locker room secret

Researchers found a significant relationship between how negative a coach was at half-time and how well the team played in the second half: The more negativity, the more the team outscored the opposition.

Source: University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business

Flavonoid-rich diet protects against cancer and heart disease, study finds

Consuming flavonoid-rich items such as apples and tea protects against cancer and heart disease, particularly for smokers and heavy drinkers, according to new research.

Source: Edith Cowan University

Exercise associated with benefit to patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who engaged in moderate exercise while undergoing chemotherapy tended to have delayed progression of their disease and fewer severe side effects from treatment, according to a new study.

Source: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Aerobic exercise programs may improve endurance, walking after stroke

Stroke survivors who completed a group-based aerobic exercise program, like cardiac rehabilitation, significantly improved their endurance and walking capacity regardless of time since stroke. Mixed forms of aerobic activity and walking had the most benefit for stroke survivors.

Source: American Heart Association

Vegetable-rich diet lowers fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients by raising good cholesterol

Fatigue affects majority of MS patients, impacting quality of life and ability to work full time​Higher levels of blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL) -- or good cholesterol -- may improve fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients, according to a new study.

Source: University at Buffalo