Why don't fruit bats get diabetes? New understanding of how they've adapted to a high-sugar diet could lead to treatments for people

Fruit bats can eat up to twice their body weight in fruit a day. But their genes and cells evolved to process all that sugar without any heath consequences − a feat drug developers can learn from.

Nadav Ahituv, Professor, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences; Director, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco • conversation
Jan. 9, 2024 • ~7 min

Why red wine can give you a headache

Red wine may pair nicely with your upcoming Thanksgiving meal. But for some people, red wine can bring on a nasty headache.

Amy Quinton-UC Davis • futurity
Nov. 20, 2023 • ~6 min

Thanksgiving sides are delicious and can be nutritious − here's the biochemistry of how to maximize the benefits

The turkey doesn’t have to be the star this Thanksgiving. Vegetable side dishes are packed with nutrients − depending on how you prepare them, they can help keep you energized this holiday season.

Julie Pollock, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Richmond • conversation
Nov. 17, 2023 • ~8 min

Are winter light hours better for metabolism?

Eating habits in winter may be better for our metabolic health than eating habits in summer, research with mice indicates.

Sascha Kael Rasmussen-U. Copenhagen • futurity
Oct. 16, 2023 • ~5 min

Drug may offer relief from cancer-related fatigue

A new study with mice identifies a drug that could help ease cancer-related fatigue without interfering with treatments.

Fred Mamoun-Yale • futurity
Oct. 5, 2023 • ~4 min

Could a drug offer the benefits of exercise?

A drug led obese mice to lose weight by convincing the body's muscles that they're exercising more than they really are, say researchers.

Eric Hamilton-Florida • futurity
Sept. 28, 2023 • ~5 min

Tracking daily step counts can be a useful tool for weight management – an exercise scientist parses the science

Reduction in physical activity over the last few decades is one of the main culprits in rising obesity rates.

Bob Buresh, Professor of Exercise Science, and Director of the Exercise Physiology Lab, Kennesaw State University • conversation
Sept. 28, 2023 • ~9 min

Chowing down on crustacean shells can boost metabolism

Munching on crustaceans and insects could be really good for metabolism, a new study with mice shows.

Marta Wegorzewska-WUSTL • futurity
Sept. 8, 2023 • ~5 min

Horse health research will help humans stay healthy, too, with insights on reining in diabetes and obesity

Horses and humans share biological similarities that lead them to suffer from similar endocrine and orthopedic diseases. A number of treatments that work for one species often work for the other.

Jane Manfredi, Associate Professor of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University • conversation
July 25, 2023 • ~7 min

Exercise may or may not help you lose weight and keep it off – here's the evidence for both sides of the debate

Some researchers assert that the body responds to exercise by burning fewer calories when you’re not working out. Regardless of its effects on weight loss, exercise provides many health benefits.

Donald M. Lamkin, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles • conversation
July 18, 2023 • ~9 min

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