Researchers identify a protein that promotes changes in adipose tissue in vitro and in pregnant mice and may help protect against gestational diabetes in humans.

Researchers propose a mechanism by which a protein produced in the placenta may trigger blood vessel growth and enlarge fat cells.

A study of 19 postmenopausal women found that eating a bar of chocolate in the morning affected their bodies differently than eating it at night, but neither led to weight gain.

Paul Cohen of the Rockefeller University describes his study of thousands of people, finding that the energy-burning tissue is tied to a lower risk of for several diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

The decision may facilitate the agency cracking down more effectively on the unproven interventions these companies sell.

Researchers disentangle how adipocytes communicate with prostate tumors in mice.

Zooming in on the ovarioles of Drosophila could reveal links between muscles, nutrition, and the development of eggs.

Hanging in front of the abdomen like an apron, the depot of visceral fat known as the omentum helps regulate immune responses.

The oldest-known ice mummy consumed high amounts of fat.

Previously considered immobile, these cells swoop in to seal epithelial holes and clean up cellular detritus.  

Researchers at the annual American Association for Cancer Research meeting discuss the roles of adipose tissue and inflammation in the growth and spread of tumors.

DNA released from dying fat cells stimulates inflammation within murine fat tissue. 

Bruce Spiegelman has spent his career at the forefront of adipocyte differentiation and metabolism.

Meet some of the people featured in the November 2015 issue of The Scientist.

Obese people are at higher risk for developing cancer, have worse prognoses once diagnosed, and are often resistant to chemotherapy regimens. The question is, Why?

Factors that likely contribute to obesity include disruptions to intercellular signaling, increased inflammation, and changes to the gut microbiome.
 

Scientists know how to turn on these fat-combusting cells. Can these energy burners be used to combat obesity?

Researchers pinpoint the neurons within white fat tissue that mediate brain-bound leptin signaling and eventual fat breakdown.

Following extreme trauma, patients’ adipose samples have revealed—for the first time in humans—that white fat can be converted into energy-burning brown fat.