Science Weekly
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 Plenty of papers published in the last week and the topics are varied within the fields of fitness, nutrition and sports science. There's something for personal trainers with elderly clients, people with lifestyle conditions, kids or even for the geeks. Not to mention the one on how facemasks affect cognition in hot environments. This week's highlights:
Is sitting always bad for your mind? A new study suggests maybe not It's generally accepted health advice that adults of all ages should sit less, move more, and engage in regular exercise to feel better and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, when it comes to the brain and cognition, a new study of older adults suggests that some sedentariness isn't all bad, so long as basic physical activity benchmarks are being met. Source: Colorado State University Could excessive sugar intake contribute to aggressive behaviors, ADHD, bipolar disorder? New peer-review paper looks at evolution and current Western diet to help explain manic behaviors New research suggests that conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and even aggressive behaviors may be linked with sugar intake, and that it may have an evolutionary basis. Source: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Plant genetic engineering to fight 'hidden hunger' More than two billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient malnutrition due to deficiencies in minerals and vitamins. Poor people in developing countries are most affected, as their diets are typically dominated by starchy staple foods, which are inexpensive sources of calories but contain low amounts of micronutrients. Researchers now explain how plant genetic engineering can help to sustainably address micronutrient malnutrition. Source: University of Göttingen Boost to develop microalgae into health foods A new discovery may provide the crucial link that helps accelerate development of microalgae into beneficial human health supplements. Source: Flinders University Exercise and nutrition regimen benefits physical, cognitive health 12-week double-blind control trial in 148 Air Force airmen Researchers studied the effects of a 12-week exercise regimen on 148 active-duty Air Force airmen, half of whom also received a twice-daily nutrient beverage that included protein; the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA; lutein; phospholipids; vitamin D; B vitamins and other micronutrients; along with a muscle-promoting compound known as HMB. Both groups improved in physical and cognitive function, with added gains among those who regularly consumed the nutritional beverage, the team reports. Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau The 'goldilocks day': The perfect day for kids' bone health Not too little, not too much - Goldilocks' 'just right' approach can now assess children's daily activities as new research confirms the best make up of a child's day to maximize bone health and function in children. Source: University of South Australia Cognitive behavioral therapy reduces insomnia symptoms among young drinkers Pilot study shows sleep therapy also reduces alcohol-related issues among those who binge drink More than half of young adults at risk for alcohol-related harm report symptoms of insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the first-line treatments for insomnia, but it's never been tested on young adults who are actively drinking. Researchers evaluated CBT's effect on young adult binge drinkers with insomnia to determine if this treatment can improve their sleep and potentially affect alcohol use outcomes. Source: University of Missouri-Columbia Facemasks do not impair indicators of cognitive performance when performing moderate physical work in hot environments, study finds A novel study shows that facemask use does not affect indicators of cognitive performance when the wearers are resting or performing moderate physical work in hot environments. However, wearing a facemask does make it more difficult to breathe when performing moderate physical work in a hot environment. Source: Faculty of Science - University of Copenhagen Vitamin A boosts fat burning in cold conditions The conversion of white into brown adipose tissue is a promising target for obesity treatment A recent study shows that cold ambient temperatures increase vitamin A levels in humans and mice. This helps convert 'bad' white adipose tissue into 'good' brown adipose tissue which stimulates fat burning and heat generation. Source: Medical University of Vienna High flavanol diet may lead to lower blood pressure First study to use objective measure to look at 25,000 people's diet People who consume a diet including flavanol-rich foods and drinks, including tea, apples and berries, could lead to lower blood pressure, according to the first study using objective measures of thousands of UK residents' diet. Source: University of Reading MonoEye: A human motion capture system using a single wearable camera Researchers have developed a new human motion capture system that consists of a single ultra-wide fisheye camera mounted on the user's chest. The simplicity of their system could be conducive to a wide range of applications in the sports, medical and entertainment fields. Source: Tokyo Institute of Technology Bacterial metabolism of dietary soy may lower risk factor for dementia A metabolite produced following consumption of dietary soy may decrease a key risk factor for dementia - with the help of the right bacteria, according to a new discovery.
Source: University of Pittsburgh |
