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.
 In this week's edition of Science Weekly, obesity research has the main role but there are other intriguing topics investigated by scientists too. Like how your gut is more protected after a foodborne disease, how eating alone affects heart health, or what you and your clients do with your nutrition to reduce your carbon footprint without going vegetarian or vegan. The highlights:
How foodborne diseases protect the gut's nervous system Prior infections appear to shield enteric neurons, preventing these key components of the body's 'second brain' from dying off when future pathogens strike. Source: Rockefeller University The 5:2 diet: A good choice for gestational diabetes Weight loss after gestational diabetes can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Yet finding the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off can be a challenge, especially for mothers with a new baby. Now, new research suggests that the popular 5:2 or intermittent fasting diet is just as effective as a conventional energy-restricting diet, enabling women greater choice and flexibility when it comes to weight loss. Source: University of South Australia Potential strategy for fighting obesity Lab safely replicates weight-loss benefits of plant linked to harmful side effects Scientists may have identified a method of safely mimicking the weight-loss benefits of a plant compound that -- despite its harmful side effects -- hold critical answers to developing therapies for obesity. Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center Brain reveals the risk for developing obesity Obesity risk factors of family background are associated with changes in the brain function, finds a new study. The results show that the function of neural networks regulating satiety and appetite is altered already before a person develops obesity. Source: University of Turku Why sugary drink taxes aren’t effective -- and how to change that Study finds price tags need to mention the tax to sway consumers Several U.S. cities have instituted taxes on drinks with added sugar in order to reduce consumption, but new research suggests these policies currently have one fatal flaw. The study found that sugary drink taxes only reduce purchasing if price tags at stores mention that consumers are paying that tax when they buy the drink. Source: Ohio State University Can eating alone be bad for your heart? As women age, their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) exceeds men's largely because of decreased levels of estrogen that regulate vascular function. As a result, much research is focused on various risk factors. A new study suggests that eating alone may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease in older women. Source: The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Three ways to reduce the carbon footprint of food purchased by US households Most consumers want to make food purchases that are smart for their wallets, their health and the environment. And while switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet can lower one's impact on greenhouse gas emissions, it may not be realistic or healthful for everyone. Now, researchers report three ways that Americans can reduce the carbon footprint of their food purchases, without requiring drastic dietary changes. Source: American Chemical Society Save the planet (and your health) by steering clear of sweets and pastries Need another reason to cut back on sugary foods and drinks, apart from an expanding waistline? They're not helping the environment, contributing to a higher cropland, water scarcity and ecological footprint, according to a new review. Source: University of South Australia Blood metabolites associated with coffee consumption may affect kidney disease risk Researchers have identified several metabolites in the blood whose levels are altered by coffee consumption. Levels of 3 of these coffee-related metabolites were significantly associated with individuals' risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Source: American Society of Nephrology |
