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.
 There were just over half a dozen papers published in the past week in fitness, nutrition and exercise science, but the topics are intriguing. See how HIIT can reshape metabolism, understand the effects of antibiotics on performance and learn how kids' healthy eating can be improved by making produce easily accessible. The Highlights:
How high-intensity interval training can reshape metabolism Scientists have shed new light on the effects that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has on human skeletal muscle, according to a new study in men. Source: eLife About 3 grams a day of omega-3 fatty acids may lower blood pressure, more research needed While there is some evidence that consuming omega-3 fatty acids in food or dietary supplements may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, the optimal amount to consume for this benefit is unclear. A review of dozens of studies suggests that the optimal amount of omega-3 fatty acids to consume to lower blood pressure is likely about 3 grams daily. Consuming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for people at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease, though more research is needed researchers said. Source: American Heart Association Antibiotics wreak havoc on athletic performance Knocking out gut bacteria deflates the will, ability to exercise New research demonstrates that by killing essential gut bacteria, antibiotics ravage athletes' motivation and endurance. The mouse study suggests the microbiome is a big factor separating athletes from 'couch potatoes'. Source: University of California - Riverside Your genetic sex determines the way your muscle 'talks' to other tissues in your body: Study A new study identifies sex-specific circuits of muscle signaling to other tissues and that the organs and processes muscle impacts are markedly different between males and females. This new discovery provides insight into how muscle functions, such as exercise, promote healthy longevity, metabolism and improve cognition. Source: University of California - Irvine High fat diet, unregulated athletic exercise endurance enhancers linked to risk of pancreatic cancer A study suggests that substances touted to improve athletic performance can activate a receptor that accelerates the progression of pre-cancerous lesions to pancreatic cancer in mice. Source: Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan Easy, flexible access to produce, resources boosts healthy eating for kids What children eat affects their lifelong health, but changing their habits can be difficult. However, a new study found that providing easy access to produce and resources can lead to big improvements in kids' diets. Source: University of Texas at Austin Benefit of supplements for slowing age-related macular degeneration After 10 years, AREDS2 formula shows increased efficacy compared to original formula, benefit of eliminating beta-carotene
The AREDS2 dietary supplement formula not only reduces risk of lung cancer due to beta-carotene, but is also more effective at reducing risk of AMD progression, compared to the original AREDS formula. Source: NIH/National Eye Institute |
