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a gray mouse drinking from a water bottle in a cage
“Feel-Good” Neurons Steer Mice Toward Hydration-Boosting Liquids
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.
“Feel-Good” Neurons Steer Mice Toward Hydration-Boosting Liquids
“Feel-Good” Neurons Steer Mice Toward Hydration-Boosting Liquids

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.

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.

eating

multiple generations of family members eating at outdoor table
Sun Exposure Triggers Hunger in Men but Not Women, Study Suggests
Shafaq Zia | Jul 12, 2022 | 4 min read
Ultraviolet radiation leads to secretion of an appetite-boosting hormone in male mice, but experts say it’s not yet clear whether the mechanism applies to humans.
snake eating another snake
Male Snakes Cannibalizing Females Present Evolutionary Puzzle
Chloe Tenn | Nov 15, 2021 | 4 min read
The Scientist speaks with organismal biologist Xavier Glaudas about possible reasons for his recent finding that male Montpellier snakes cannibalize female conspecifics.
Six primates eat leaves
Umami Taste Receptor Evolved with Primates’ Diets
Abby Olena, PhD | Sep 6, 2021 | 4 min read
A study suggests that mutations in the gene that encodes the T1R1/T1R3 taste receptor allowed primates that relied on insects for protein to transition to eating leaves and fruit.
A bar of milk chocolate with the foil peeled back and a bite taken out
Q&A: Eating Milk Chocolate in the Morning Boosts Fat Metabolism
Amanda Heidt | Jun 30, 2021 | 6 min read
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.
Hippocampal neurons are labeled in blue and purple on a black background
New Role for Leptin: Promoting Synapse Formation in Rat Neurons
Abby Olena, PhD | May 20, 2021 | 3 min read
The hormone, which is well known for regulating appetite, appears to influence neuronal development—a finding that could shed light on disorders such as autism that involve dysfunctional synapse formation.
Image of the Day: Feather Feeders
Emily Makowski | Dec 11, 2019 | 1 min read
These ancient insects ate dinosaur feathers during the Cretaceous period.
Image of the Day: Penguin Populations
Emily Makowski | Dec 3, 2019 | 2 min read
Chinstrap penguins are decreasing in numbers due to a lack of krill, their only food source.
Q&A: Myth Debunkers Take Aim at Microbiology Lore
Ashley Yeager | Jun 25, 2019 | 4 min read
University of Michigan’s Ada Hagan separates fact from fiction, such as whether you should starve a fever or if eating chocolate really causes acne.
Doubts Raised About Brain Stimulation to Reduce Food Cravings
Abby Olena, PhD | Jan 10, 2019 | 4 min read
Despite previous positive reports, researchers didn’t see transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) cut back on people’s urges or eating.
a plate with fruits and vegetables arranged into the shape of a clock
People at Rest Burn More Calories in the Afternoon
Shawna Williams | Nov 8, 2018 | 2 min read
Circadian rhythms heavily influence how our bodies use energy, a small study suggests.
Tadpoles Keep Eating Because They Don’t Feel Full
Catherine Offord | Mar 27, 2018 | 1 min read
Baby frogs don’t develop the neural circuitry responsible for feeding inhibition until they begin metamorphosing into adults. 
Caloric Restriction Slows Signs of Aging in Humans
Diana Kwon | Mar 26, 2018 | 2 min read
Findings from a randomized, controlled trial finds that reducing food intake decreases metabolism and reduces oxidative damage to tissues and cells.
Emails Reveal Questionable Practices by Cornell Food Scientist and His Coauthors
Shawna Williams | Feb 26, 2018 | 2 min read
The correspondence points to routine data-massaging at a high-profile lab.
Olfaction Determines Weight in Mice
Diana Kwon | Jul 5, 2017 | 3 min read
Animals lacking a sense of smell stayed thinner than their smelling counterparts, despite eating the same amount.
Genes’ Composition Guides More-Optimal Diets
Ruth Williams | Jun 1, 2017 | 2 min read
Fruit flies and mice grow better and eat less when the amino acid balance of their food reflects that coded by their exomes.
Infographic: Cook Up an Exome-Based Diet
Ruth Williams | May 31, 2017 | 1 min read
See how scientists designed food with amino acid compositions based on protein-coding regions in the genomes of mice and fruit flies.
Binge-Eating Neurons Identified
Jef Akst | May 26, 2017 | 1 min read
Inducing activity in the zona incerta region of the brain prompts mice to gorge themselves.
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.
Sweet and Low
Ashley P. Taylor | Oct 1, 2015 | 3 min read
Glucose activates sleep-promoting neurons in the mouse hypothalamus.
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