Science Weekly
A weekly round up of scientific research for personal trainers. Join for free to get Science Weekly updates delivered straight to your inbox.
 It looks like science paper publishers have been busy in the past week. We found plenty of intriguing articles, so we shortlisted those that can be useful for personal training clients. From links between mealtimes and blood sugar control, running shoe design aspects to potentially harmful effects of natural supplements on athlete's health, every type of client can find something. The Highlights:
Lucky genes can help protect people with obesity from some disease Geneticists have revealed why some people with obesity remain relatively healthy, whilst others suffer from life-changing ailments such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Geneticists have revealed why some people with obesity remain relatively healthy, whilst others suffer from life-changing ailments such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Source: University of Exeter How the timing of dinner and genetics affect individuals’ blood sugar control Connections among food intake, melatonin levels and genetics may be important for diabetes risk Eating dinner close to bedtime, when melatonin levels are high, disturbs blood sugar control, especially in individuals with a genetic variant in the melatonin receptor MTNR1B, which has been linked to an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes. The high melatonin levels and food intake associated with late eating impairs blood sugar control in carriers of the MTNR1B genetic risk variant through a defect in insulin secretion. Source: Massachusetts General Hospital Previously unknown aspects of running shoe design uncovered A thick running shoe midsole is often favored for its shock absorbing protection, but it has been assumed that these heavily cushioned shoes increase leg stiffness and muscle fatigue. But results of a new study suggest that midsole thickness is unlikely to cause individuals to alter their leg stiffness. Source: University at Buffalo Athletes warned against potential dangers of natural supplements Nutritional supplements taken to boost athletic performance can pose risks to the heart, according to a recent statement. Source: European Society of Cardiology Even light drinking can be harmful to health Research reveals cardiovascular risk of consuming small quantities of alcohol. Drinking less than the UK's recommended limit of 14 units of alcohol per week still increases the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart and cerebrovascular disease. Source: Anglia Ruskin University Curtailed sleep may alter how intense exercise stresses the heart In a new study, participants underwent an intense bout of exercise after both normal sleep and after three nights of curtailed sleep. When they exercised after curtailed sleep, the levels of the heart injury biomarker troponin increased slightly more, compared with when the participants performed exercise in their well-rested condition. The study is a smaller pilot study and it is not yet possible to determine if the findings may be of relevance for cardiovascular health. Source: Uppsala University Picture warnings on sodas? A promising tool to fight childhood obesity Study conducted in 'mini mart' laboratory setting shows parents less likely to choose sugary drinks with health warnings The first study in a laboratory 'mini mart' shows picture warnings reduced parental purchases of sugary drinks like juice and soda. Researchers say the warning labels could be new tool in fighting childhood obesity. Source: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Paternal alcohol use increases frequency of fetal development issues Prenatal visits have traditionally focused almost exclusively on the behavior of mothers, but new research continues to suggest that science should be looking more closely at the fathers' behavior as well. Source: Texas A&M University Greater body fat a risk factor for reduced thinking and memory ability A new study has found that greater body fat is a risk factor for reduced cognitive function, such as processing speed, in adults. Even when the researchers took cardiovascular risk factors (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) or vascular brain injury into account, the association between body fat and lower cognitive scores remained. This suggests other not yet confirmed pathways that linked excess body fat to reduced cognitive function. Source: McMaster University Living in a walkable neighborhood lowers risk of excessive weight gain during pregnancy In one of the first studies to examine the link between neighborhood characteristics and weight gain during pregnancy, researchers find that pregnant people who live in walkable neighborhoods in New York City have lower odds of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) than those who live elsewhere in the city. They also found that living in a neighborhood with high rates of poverty increased the odds of excessive GWG.
Source: Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health |
