Fasting may help people lose weight, but new research suggests going without food may also boost human metabolic activity, generate antioxidants, and help reverse some effects of aging. Scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) and Kyoto University identified 30 previously-unreported substances whose quantity increases during fasting and indicate a variety of health benefits. Continue reading “Fasting ramps up human metabolism, study shows”
How exercise reduces belly fat in humans
Some of you may have made a New Year’s resolution to hit the gym to tackle that annoying belly fat. But have you ever wondered how physical activity produces this desired effect? A signaling molecule called interleukin-6 plays a critical role in this process, researchers report December 27 in the journal Cell Metabolism. Continue reading “How exercise reduces belly fat in humans”
Sleep deprivation accelerates Alzheimer’s brain damage
Poor sleep has long been linked with Alzheimer’s disease, but researchers have understood little about how sleep disruptions drive the disease. Continue reading “Sleep deprivation accelerates Alzheimer’s brain damage”
Decreased deep sleep linked to early signs of Alzheimer’s disease
Poor sleep is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. People with the disease tend to wake up tired, and their nights become even less refreshing as memory loss and other symptoms worsen. But how and why restless nights are linked to Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood. Continue reading “Decreased deep sleep linked to early signs of Alzheimer’s disease”
Exposure to cannabis alters the genetic profile of sperm
As legal access to marijuana continues expanding across the U.S., more scientists are studying the effects of its active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in teens, adults and pregnant women. Continue reading “Exposure to cannabis alters the genetic profile of sperm”
Nanoparticles derived from tea leaves destroy lung cancer cells: Quantum dots have great potential
Nanoparticles derived from tea leaves inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells, destroying up to 80% of them, new research by a joint Swansea University and Indian team has shown. Continue reading “Nanoparticles derived from tea leaves destroy lung cancer cells: Quantum dots have great potential”