metabolic

Researchers have discovered two distinct types of mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in mouse lungs, one specialized to combat viral infections and the other to fight bacterial infections. This research may guide the development of new vaccines and cell therapies to strengthen the immune system against specific pathogens.Scientists at the LJI have discovered that MAIT cells’ metabolism can be adjusted to combat various pathogens, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic strategies.An unconventional type of…

Lumen, the pocket-sized device that measures your metabolism to help you achieve health and fitness goals has received a new update. The iOS-connected device with Apple Health support now offers granular results to show you the exact percentage of fat and carbs your body is burning plus new healthy combo meal suggestions that line up with your personalized nutrition plan. One of Lumen’s primary features is being able to analyze your breath at different times of the day and measure the fat and…

A siesta is a short nap taken during the day, typically after lunchtime. This tradition is commonly practiced in several countries, particularly in Spain and other Mediterranean regions.Researchers discovered through analyzing data that individuals who engage in lengthy siestas tend to have higher body mass indexes and a greater likelihood of having metabolic syndrome compared to those who do not take siestas.It is a common practice in some countries to take a midday nap, known as a siesta. Despite its potential to impact…

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands. It is caused by a mutation in the ABCD1 gene on the X chromosome and is characterized by progressive damage to the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include behavioral changes, difficulty with coordination and movement, and vision and hearing loss.Scientists reveal the results of a controlled clinical trial for a new drug to treat X-linked…

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease.A new study investigates the link between belly fat and the risk of metabolic illness.Changes in the body in reaction to an increase in belly fat have been studied as part of a TwinsUK study, providing new insight into the cause of metabolic disease.Researchers from King’s College London examined how epigenetic marks (measures of how the human body reads <span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt" data-cmtooltip="<div…

3D Data for Health and MedicineWe use 3D body scans data to improve model prediction of metabolic diseaseSummary TL:DR3D data is high dimensional and can be used to build powerful models.Using 3D data (3D biomarkers) in health models helped improved predictions of metabolic syndrome status.We demonstrate another published example of using integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification index (NRI) to evaluate and compare two models and new biomarkers.Read the articleThree dimensional (3D) scanning…

Indian fitness platform, Ultrahuman, is expanding its wearable portfolio by launching a smart ring to boost its ability to provide tech loving ‘biohackers’ — and, it hopes, health-concerned Boomers — with more insightful metabolic insights. Sensors embedded in the forthcoming Ultrahuman Ring include temperature, heart rate and movement monitors, which enable the device to track the wearer’s sleep quality, stress levels and activity density, per CEO and co-founder, Mohit Kumar. The device is designed to work in…

Researchers have just discovered a previously unknown process that makes sense of the 'secret decisions' plants make when releasing carbon back into the atmosphere."We found that plants control their respiration in a way we did not expect, they control how much of the carbon from photosynthesis they keep to build biomass by using a metabolic channel," University of Western Australia plant biochemist Harvey Millar told ScienceAlert.  "This happens right as the step before they decide to burn a compound called pyruvate to…

Scientists have found a new way to tell whether dinosaurs were hot- or cold-blooded.This question has long eluded paleontologists, leading to many heated debates where they even accused each other of acting more like politicians than scientists.  Early dinosaur researchers initially assumed these animals were slow, lumbering, and cold-blooded like the modern reptiles they seemed to resemble – their closest reptilian relatives that exist today being crocodilians.More recently, however, there have been hints that this is…

As temperatures around the world shift dramatically, wildlife are often being forced to relocate to find suitable habitats – and scientists are working hard to try and understand how many species might struggle with trying to find a new home.  Animals going to higher ground face two issues: colder temperatures, and thinner, less oxygen-rich air (so it's harder to breathe). In a new study, a group of Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna) were taken on a trip some 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) above their normal…