Genetics

Chaperoning fat storage: The molecular basis of adiposity

Weight gain and weight loss are not as simple as "calories in, calories out," given that countless factors affect body weight. Now, researchers from Japan have identified a gene that may serve as a master regulator of fat ...

Overweight & Obesity

Researchers target gut bacteria to reduce weight gain

A new therapy that involves engineered gut bacteria may one day help reduce the health problems that come with obesity. Incorporating the engineered bacteria into the guts of mice both kept them from gaining weight and protected ...

Medical research

Blocking obesity-associated protein stops dangerous fat formation

Visceral fat deposits around internal organs in the stomach are particularly harmful: they are associated with insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes and heart disease. The study, conducted in close collaboration with researchers ...

Cardiology

A new regulator of cholesterol levels

A high level of cholesterol in the blood is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. An LMU team has now identified an endogenous regulator of serum cholesterol – which could lead to new therapies for ...

Medical research

Children's body fatness linked to decisions made in the womb

New born human infants have the largest brains among primates, but also the highest proportion of body fat. Before birth, if the supply of nutrients from the mother through the placenta is limited or unbalanced, the developing ...

Genetics

Is there a 'healthy' obesity gene?

Why is it that some obese people are healthier than others? This was one of the main questions Dr. Chaodong Wu of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences — Texas A&M University System — and a group of researchers ...