Over 6,000 Genes Help Determine Body Weight
Researchers from the Monell Center have attempted to count the number of genes that contribute to obesity and body weight. Their results suggest that over 6,000 genes, which is about 25 percent of the genome, are involved in determining body weight.
To perform this study, the researchers examined the Jackson Laboratory Mouse Genome Database for [...]
New Research on Muscle-Building Stem Cells
New evidence explains how stem cells known as satellite cells contribute to building muscles up in response to exercise.
The research has shown that a transient and local rise in an inflammatory signal, the cytokine known as interleukin-6 (IL-6), is essential for the growth of muscle fibers.
Skeletal muscles are composed of individual myofibers, each with many [...]
Sugary Drinks May Lead to Weight Gain
This should not come as a surprise to anyone, but there appears to be a relationship between consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sodas and other carbonated beverages, and insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
Nutritional epidemiologists at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) at Tufts [...]
