Metabolic disorders

Study links UV exposure to increased energy expenditure and reduced weight gain in mice

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Obesity and metabolic disorders are increasingly significant global public health issues. In a novel study, a team of dermatologists has evaluated the effect of ultraviolet (UV) exposure on appetite and weight regulation. They found that UV exposure raises norepinephrine levels, decreases leptin levels, and induces the browning of subcutaneous fat, thereby increasing energy expenditure. These … Read more

The Role of Sweet Taste Receptors in Metabolic Regulation

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The Monell Chemical Senses Center has long been at the forefront of research into sweet taste, tracing back to 2001 when Monell scientists were among the first to identify and describe the mammalian sweet taste receptor, TAS1R2-TAS1R3. Over the past two decades, Monell researchers have significantly advanced our understanding of the genetics and functionality of … Read more

Cellular Respiration: Energy Production in Cells

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Cellular respiration is a fundamental biological process that occurs in living cells to generate energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This process involves the breakdown of organic molecules, such as glucose, through a series of biochemical reactions that release energy stored in chemical bonds. Cellular respiration is essential for the survival and functioning … Read more

Biochemistry: Chemical Processes in Living Organisms

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Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes and molecules within living organisms. It delves into the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and metabolites, elucidating fundamental principles of life, cellular functions, biochemical pathways, and molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes. Proteins Proteins are essential biomolecules … Read more

Heat exposure reduces food intake via neuronal circuit in parabrachial nucleus, study shows

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In a study recently published in Nature, an international research team led by Karolinska Institutet and MedUni Vienna, addressed how and why acute heat exposure, in conditions reminiscent of a sauna session or limited exposure to the sun, leads to reduced food intake. “There is an increasing risk of obesity in society these days and understanding the mechanisms … Read more

Gut bacteria key to weight loss from resistant starch diet, study finds

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A diet based on resistant starch promotes a favorable composition of the gut microbiome in obese people. This leads to weight reduction and measurable positive health outcomes such as improved insulin sensitivity. These are the findings of an international research team led by Professor Weiping Jia from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Professor Aimin Xu from … Read more

Role of ATP in cellular processes

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Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, serves as the primary energy currency in living organisms, playing a crucial role in various cellular processes across all forms of life. Its significance lies in its ability to store and transfer energy within cells, enabling fundamental biological functions necessary for life, growth, and reproduction. At its core, ATP consists of … Read more

Scientists uncover protein key to neuropathic pain

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Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with scientists from The University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Miami, are spearheading a groundbreaking approach to address neuropathic pain, a challenging condition often caused by nerve damage in various bodily tissues. This type of pain, characterized by sensations like electric shocks, … Read more

What is biochemistry?

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Biochemistry is a branch of science that explores the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. Combining principles from biology and chemistry, biochemistry seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules. From the intricate dance of enzymes and metabolic pathways to the decoding of genetic information … Read more

What is an enzyme?

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An enzyme is a complex protein molecule that serves as a catalyst for biochemical reactions. These molecules play a fundamental role in various biological processes, ranging from digestion and metabolism to DNA replication and cell signaling. Enzymes accelerate chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur, facilitating the transformation of … Read more

What is mitochondria?

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Mitochondria are dynamic and vital organelles found in the cells of eukaryotic organisms, playing a central role in energy production and numerous cellular processes. These double-membraned structures are often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell” due to their primary function of generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cellular currency for energy. However, their significance … Read more

What is the primary function of mitochondria in a cell?

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The mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, play a pivotal role in cellular function and energy metabolism. These double-membraned organelles are essential components of eukaryotic cells, where they perform diverse functions crucial for the cell’s survival and overall functionality. The primary function of mitochondria is to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the … Read more

Centrin-SPDL1-L regulates cone cell lipid droplet localization

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In a recent study featured in Developmental Cell, Professor Huang Xun and his team from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have unveiled the pivotal role of CETN-SPDL1-L, a protein localized within lipid droplets, in governing the positioning of lipid droplets within cone cells. This localization holds significant … Read more

Researchers discover potential new way to treat obesity and diabetes

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Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a potential approach to combat the global rise in metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. Their study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, delved into a signaling pathway in fatty tissue, which, if modified, could improve insulin function and counteract the obesity-promoting effects of a high-fat … Read more

Researchers discover new way to convert RNA into energy

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Researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, in collaboration with the University of Lausanne, have made an intriguing discovery regarding the utilization of uridine as an energy source for cells. They have found that cells can process uridine from RNA in a manner similar to how they metabolize sugar when glucose is scarce, … Read more