Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) involves fat accumulation in the liver, but less is known about whether the underlying metabolic defects vary across the day. Researchers tested whether day–night differences in how the body handles sugar and fat could help explain why fat builds up in the liver. The study included 24 overweight adults: 12 with MASLD and 12 controls without MASLD. Participants did not have diabetes, and each completed separate daytime and nighttime testing visits after 12 hours of fasting. Researchers measured insulin sensitivity using the gold-... circadian rhythm fatty liver metabolism
Read moreStrength training is a cornerstone of type 2 diabetes care, yet heavy lifting is not feasible for all patients. Researchers recently tested whether a modified approach, called blood-flow restriction training (BFRT), could deliver similar strength and metabolic benefits using much lighter weights. The randomized study involved 20 inactive adults with type 2 diabetes who trained three times per week for 12 weeks. One group performed BFRT using about 30% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM, the heaviest weight a person can lift once). During each set, inflatable cuffs placed around the upper le... diabetes exercise metabolism strength
Read moreSarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, exposes many older people to frailty, falls, and loss of independence. Exercise helps, yet the added value of antioxidant supplements in this setting is uncertain. Researchers in China asked whether vitamins C and E could boost the effects of a structured resistance training program in women already diagnosed with sarcopenia. The team enrolled 60 women aged 60 to 75 years who met Asian Working Group criteria for sarcopenia and randomly assigned them to two groups. One group received daily vitamin C (1000 milligrams) plus vitamin ... antioxidant exercise supplements
Read moreRegular exercise is associated with better brain health and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, but less is known about whether everyday walking can influence its earliest biological stages. A long-term Harvard study explored this question by tracking how daily movement related to subtle brain changes that precede memory loss. The team followed 296 older adults with an average age of about 72, who were cognitively unimpaired at the start. At the beginning of the study, each participant wore a pedometer for one week to record average daily steps, then completed yearly cognitive testing for up ... alzheimer's brain exercise
Read moreHigh sodium intake raises blood pressure, while high potassium intake tends to lower it. However, these effects vary between men and women in ways that scientists do not yet fully understand. A recent study found that biological sex differences may influence how sodium and potassium affect blood pressure regulation, with the kidneys playing a crucial role in mediating these responses. Researchers developed sex-specific computer models that simulate how the body regulates sodium, potassium, fluids, and blood pressure. These models incorporated key systems involved in this process, such as the k... blood pressure salt
Read moreIf you're struggling to remember things, a robust workout might help. Scientists have discovered that exercise can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports learning and memory. A recent study in rats found that low-speed uphill exercise raises blood lactate levels, increasing lactate and BDNF in key brain regions involved in cognition. Researchers divided rats into three groups: One remained inactive, another walked on a flat treadmill, and a third walked uphill at a 40% incline. The exercise sessions lasted either 30 or 90 minutes. To see if lactate... exercise brain memory bdnf lactate
Read moreCreatine helps supply energy to muscles during high-intensity exercise and is commonly used to boost performance and muscle mass. However, determining the most effective creatine supplementation protocol has proven challenging. A recent study found that combining creatine with dextrose for five days rapidly increases muscle total creatine, with continued consumption maintaining this high level. Researchers provided healthy young men with one of four creatine supplementation protocols: Group 1: Four doses of 5 grams of creatine daily for five days, followed by 5 grams daily for 28 days. Group... exercise muscle supplements
Read moreAlthough iron is essential for many physiological processes in the body, it can also be harmful, inducing oxidative stress and hindering neurogenesis. The body typically stores iron in protein complexes until needed, but these storage processes decline with age, leading to iron accumulation in body tissues. A recent study revealed that iron can build up in the brain, impairing cognitive function. Nevertheless, dietary components can help reduce iron accumulation in the brain and maintain cognitive health. Researchers examined the brain health of 72 cognitively healthy older adults by conductin... brain diet iron polyphenol
Read moreDr. Steve Horvath discusses epigenetic aging clocks and their use in predicting biological aging and healthspan. ... epigenetics aging telomeres genetics
Watch nowDr. Ronald Krauss discusses the role that LDL cholesterol plays in heart disease, dyslipidemia, and atherosclerosis. ... heart disease diet aging biomarkers cholesterol inflammation
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