New research directed by Satchidananda Panda (Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA) shows that limiting food intake to a period of 9–12 hours instead of allowing round-the-clock consumption prevented and even reversed metabolic diseases in mice. Lab Anim. (NY) 44, 5 (2015). view full text (login required)
Category Archives: research news
Human glia, mouse brain
Glia are non-neuronal cells in the brain that support, protect and strengthen neurons and their synaptic connections. Glial dysfunction is thought to be involved in various neurological disorders, including Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and certain psychiatric conditions. Researchers may now have a new tool for examining the role of glia in these and other diseases,ContinueContinue reading “Human glia, mouse brain”
A new view of tuberculosis
The tiny zebrafish has enabled some big advances in biomedical research, thanks in part to its optical transparency during embryonic stages, which allows for direct, microscopic visualization of biological processes in vivo in real time. Its latest contribution is to our understanding of tuberculosis, a disease in which pathogenic mycobacteria induce the formation of complexContinueContinue reading “A new view of tuberculosis”
For lack of gut microbes, the blood–brain barrier ‘leaks’
The blood–brain barrier is a selectively permeable barrier between the brain extracellular fluid and the blood formed by capillary endothelial cells connected by tight junctions. The blood–brain barrier prevents potentially harmful molecules and cells from entering the brain and maintains microenvironmental conditions suitable for neuron growth. Its integrity is therefore crucial to proper brain function.ContinueContinue reading “For lack of gut microbes, the blood–brain barrier ‘leaks’”
Reversing neurodegenerative hearing loss
Exposure to loud noises can damage the synapses connecting nerves and hair cells in the cochlea of the ear, causing noise-induced hearing loss that can be permanent. Effective strategies to prevent or reverse this damage and the associated hearing loss are lacking. The coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) can protect neurons from damage in vitro,ContinueContinue reading “Reversing neurodegenerative hearing loss”
A bitter pill for artificial sweeteners
Recent findings about the effects that calorie-free sweeteners can have on metabolism may leave a bad taste in the mouths of some consumers. Eran Segal and Eran Elinav (Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel) found that artificial sweeteners can induce glucose intolerance by altering intestinal microbial communities. The conclusion is based on results from multipleContinueContinue reading “A bitter pill for artificial sweeteners”
Beer boosts brainpower—but only in the young
Flavonoids are compounds found in many plants whose nutritional benefits and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects have been widely studied. The hops used to make beer contain a flavonoid called xanthohumol, which can help to control body weight and blood sugar in a rat model of obesity. New findings from researchers at Oregon State University (Corvallis)ContinueContinue reading “Beer boosts brainpower—but only in the young”
Disrupting metastasis by using a decoy
Metastasis is the process by which cancer spreads in the body, and it contributes to poor prognosis in many cases. “The majority of patients who succumb to cancer fall prey to metastatic forms of the disease,” explained Jennifer Cochran (Stanford University, CA). Most attempts to slow or stop metastasis use chemotherapy, but this approach isContinueContinue reading “Disrupting metastasis by using a decoy”
Strong muscles, strong mind
Depression is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Physical exercise can improve symptoms in many people with depression, but the mechanisms by which it does so have not been characterized. Physical endurance exercise induces PGC-1α1 in skeletal muscle, promoting mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, angiogenesis and resistance to muscle atrophy. By studyingContinueContinue reading “Strong muscles, strong mind”
A new way to measure canine welfare
Animal welfare science focuses on assessing and maximizing animals’ quality of life. In the research context, improving the welfare of laboratory animals is a high priority. To this end, objective measures of animal welfare are greatly needed. One way to evaluate welfare is to consider an animal’s affective state, which can be assessed indirectly byContinueContinue reading “A new way to measure canine welfare”
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