Science Weekly
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 The scientific community hasn't left us without juicy research papers this week either. We can find some particular topics examined as well as intriguing developments in potential obesity treatments. Highlights:
Gut microbiota differences seen in people with autism may be due to dietary preferences Research suggested that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be at least partly caused by differences in the composition of the gut microbiota, based on the observation that certain types of microbes are more common in people with autism. But a new study suggests that the link may actually work the other way around: the diversity in species found in the guts of children with autism may be due to their restricted dietary preferences associated with autism, rather than the cause of their symptoms. Source: Cell Press Obesity raises the risk of gum disease by inflating growth of bone-destroying cells Findings may improve understanding of chronic inflammatory, bone-related diseases that develop alongside obesity, such as gum disease, arthritis and osteoporosis Chronic inflammation caused by obesity may trigger the development of cells that break down bone tissue, including the bone that holds teeth in place, according to new research that sought to improve understanding of the connection between obesity and gum disease. The study, completed in an animal model and published in October in the Journal of Dental Research, found that excessive inflammation resulting from obesity raises the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), a group of immune cells that increase during illness to regulate immune function. MDSCs, which originate in the bone marrow, develop into a range of different cell types, including osteoclasts (a cell that breaks down bone tissue). Source: University at Buffalo Moderate amounts of caffeine not linked to maternal health risks In a prospective study of 2,529 pregnant women, drinking caffeinated beverages was associated with a reduced risk of developing gestational diabetes Consuming a low amount of caffeine during pregnancy could help to reduce gestational diabetes risk, according to researchers. Source: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Diet trumps drugs for anti-aging and good metabolic health A study comparing the impact of diet versus drugs on the inner workings of mice cells has found nutrition has a much stronger impact. Source: University of Sydney Brief 5:2 diet advice is as effective as traditional GP advice, but people like it better, according to new study A clinical trial has found people prefer receiving information on the 5:2 diet than standard GP weight management advice despite both interventions achieving similar modest weight loss results. Source: Queen Mary University of London Exercise increases the body’s own ‘cannabis-like' substance which reduces chronic inflammation Exercise increases the body's own cannabis-like substances, which in turn helps reduce inflammation and could potentially help treat certain conditions such as arthritis, cancer and heart disease. Source: University of Nottingham In the brain’s cerebellum, a new target for suppressing hunger Scientists have identified an entirely new way the brain signals fullness after eating. The findings offer a novel target for therapies that could dramatically curb overeating. Source: University of Pennsylvania Arterial stiffness in adolescence may potentially cause hypertension and obesity in young adulthood Arterial stiffness is a novel risk factor to be targeted for preventing and treating hypertension and obesity from a young age, a new study suggests.
Source: University of Eastern Finland |
