Thursday, 9 February, 2012

Fruit flies have a signaling pathway that helps them choose protein or carbohydrate, depending on the situation. The switch, which is also implicated in aging and cancer, exists in a wide variety of animals, including you. Does a new study explain why so many cultures eat rice and beans?

Activity is not just for the heart: For older people, it spells longevity, mobility, independence. Exercise fights diabetes and MS; even extends the lifespan. Time to get moving?

New discovery shows how all animals store fat in cells, could lead to advances in fight against obesity or diabetes. Funny, maybe storing fat is a good thing.

A technology that revolutionized medicine and genetics gets the big Nobelian Nod. Cancer. Heart disease. Obesity. Research into virtually every major disease has gotten a boost from the Knockout Nobel!

Fast genomic analysis could open the door to breakthroughs in health, ecology and genetics. How do these machines work, and what have they taught about obesity, microbial diversity, and drug treatment?

You eat more candies if they are visible and/or close at hand. You may underestimate your consumption if you must lift a finger to get the food.

One-quarter of cats and dogs are fat, says National Research Council. Does this matter?

To battle the bulging waistline, the feds have devised 12 food pyramids to help choose a lifestyle that balances nutrition and excercise. Is this mound helpful?

Mice lacking the SCD-1 gene can’t get fat and don’t have diabetes. Is this interesting to you?

Could a drastic restriction on calories extend your lifespan? Hint: It works for fish, flies and monkeys…