Science Weekly
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 In this week's edition of Science Weekly, we see obesity discussed from multiple angles and how specific nutrition and exercise interventions may affect our brain and may offer solutions in warding off dementia. The highlights:
Weights can be weapons in battle against obesity People battling with their weight who are unable to do aerobic exercise can hit the gym instead and still see positive results Despite the commonly held belief aerobic exercise is essential for weight loss, a new study has found resistance training can have equally positive results -- in conjunction with reducing calorie intake. Source: Edith Cowan University Hormonal changes during menopause are directly related to decline in cardiovascular health Levels of bad cholesterol rise during menopause, and 10% of this increase is likely due to shifts in sex hormones. Women usually undergo menopause at the age of 48 to 52 years, leading to a decline in estrogen and increase in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Menopause is thought to predispose women to heart disease since it typically develops 10 years later than in men, and risk rises after menopause. Source: European Society of Cardiology A study confirms the relationship between an amino acid present in diet and depression The results, shown in humans, mice and flies, show that elevated plasma levels and a diet rich in this amino acid -- proline -- causes a more severe state of depression. Source: Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona Researchers identify key epigenetic markers in vulnerability to developing food addiction Epigenetic markers affected in the mouse brain were also altered in people's plasma. The role of epigenetics in vulnerability to food addiction opens the door to identifying biomarkers for the early diagnosis of the disease and the search for therapies. Source: Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona Boost in nerve-growth protein helps explain why running supports brain health Exercise increases levels of a chemical involved in brain cell growth, which bolsters the release of the 'feel good' hormone dopamine, a new study shows. Dopamine is known to play a key role in movement, motivation, and learning. Experts have long understood that regular running raises dopamine activity in the brain and may protect nerve cells from damage. In addition, past research has tied exercise-driven boosts in the dopamine-triggering chemical called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and in dopamine levels to improvements in learning and memory. However, the precise way these three factors interact has until now remained unclear. Source: NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine New weight-loss intervention targets instinctive desire to eat People who are highly responsive to food lost more weight and kept it off using a new weight loss program that targets internal hunger cues and the ability to resist food. Source: University of California - San Diego Vegan diets boost weight loss, lower blood sugar in adults with overweight or type 2 diabetes An analysis of 11 randomized trials finds that adhering to vegan diets for at least 12 weeks may boost weight loss and glucose control in adults with overweight or type 2 diabetes. Source: European Association for the Study of Obesity Diet plays key role in ADHD symptoms in children Study finds more fruits and veggies means less inattention Here's another good reason for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to eat their fruits and vegetables: It may help reduce inattention issues, a new study suggests. Source: Ohio State University Everyone eats three extra cheeseburgers a day than they admit, study shows Everyone eats the equivalent of three extra cheeseburgers a day than they admit -- regardless of their waistline, researchers have revealed. The study shows obese and thin people all fib about food to the same amount regardless of the number on the bathroom scale and this could be undermining national health advice. Source: University of Essex How cranberries could improve memory and ward off dementia Researchers have found that eating cranberries could improve memory, ward off dementia, and reduce 'bad' cholesterol. The research team studied the benefits of consuming the equivalent of a cup of cranberries a day among 50 to 80-year-olds. They hope that their findings could have implications for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.
Source: University of East Anglia |
