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A cross-section of a mouse hypothalamus, where cells of the arcuate nucleus are shown in bright green at the bottom.
Methylation in Young Brains May Be Key to Obesity: Mouse Study
Epigenetic events, such as methylation, during early brain development in mice occur in genomic regions associated with BMI in humans, according to a new study.
Methylation in Young Brains May Be Key to Obesity: Mouse Study
Methylation in Young Brains May Be Key to Obesity: Mouse Study

Epigenetic events, such as methylation, during early brain development in mice occur in genomic regions associated with BMI in humans, according to a new study.

Epigenetic events, such as methylation, during early brain development in mice occur in genomic regions associated with BMI in humans, according to a new study.

obesity, neuroscience

gray mouse drinking from water bottle in cage
“Feel-Good” Neurons Steer Mice Toward Hydration-Boosting Liquids
Shafaq Zia | Jul 19, 2022 | 3 min read
The cells signal to the brain how hydrating particular beverages are, but it’s not yet clear whether they play a similar role in humans.
a mouse on an exercise wheel
Early Epigenetic Changes Regulate Voluntary Exercise in Mice: Study
Emma Yasinski | Dec 7, 2019 | 3 min read
Altering DNA methylation in a particular area of the hypothalamus halved the animals’ voluntary exercise as adults.
Self-Control Center in the Brain Linked to Weight Loss
Ashley P. Taylor | Oct 18, 2018 | 2 min read
Activity in the lateral prefrontal cortex was the best correlate of weight loss in a study of people on a restricted-calorie diet.
Maternal Obesity and Diabetes Linked to Autism in Children
Sukanya Charuchandra | Oct 1, 2018 | 5 min read
Inflammation may be a strong contender for the connection between mom’s weight and children’s neurodevelopment, according to lab studies on animals.
Microglia Cause Cognitive Decline in Obese Mice
Diana Kwon | Sep 10, 2018 | 3 min read
The brain’s immune cells gobble up synapses in the hippocampi of rodents fed high-fat or high-sugar diets.
Primary Cilia in Neurons Linked to Obesity
Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 8, 2018 | 3 min read
Three studies—one of mice and two of human genetics—describe the role of two proteins, adenylyl cyclase and melanocortin 4 receptor, in the development of obesity and diabetes. 
Neural Circuit Plays Role in Overeating
Alison F. Takemura | Aug 8, 2016 | 1 min read
Activating serotonin receptors halts a binge-like eating behavior in mice, researchers report.
Hot Off the Presses
Bob Grant | Aug 1, 2016 | 3 min read
Idiot Brain, Wild Sex, Why Diets Make Us Fat, and The Ethics of Invention
The Death of Diets
The Scientist | Jul 31, 2016 | 1 min read
Book author and neuroscientist Sandra Aamodt discusses her own struggle with her weight and the science behind breaking the cycle of gain and loss.
Go To Bed!
Kerry Grens | Mar 1, 2016 | 10+ min read
The immediate consequences of losing out on sleep may be harbingers of long-term repercussions.
Gut Bugs to Brain: You’re Stuffed
Kerry Grens | Nov 24, 2015 | 1 min read
Bacteria in the intestine produce proteins that stop rodents from eating.
Allele Linked to Obesity in People
Kerry Grens | Nov 3, 2015 | 1 min read
A single nucleotide polymorphism in BDNF is tied with lower levels of the protein and higher body-mass index.
Heady Stuff
Kate Yandell | Nov 1, 2015 | 5 min read
New research on how fat influences brain neuronal activity
Appetite, Obesity, and the Brain
The Scientist | Oct 31, 2015 | 1 min read
How the foods that make us fattest are not that different from heroin and cocaine
Leptin’s Effects
Kerry Grens | Jun 2, 2014 | 1 min read
The hormone leptin, which signals fullness to animals, acts not only through neurons but through glia, too.
Speaking of Science
The Scientist | Apr 1, 2012 | 2 min read
April 2012's selection of notable quotes
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