Category: Scientific/Technical Items
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Study Examines Role of Gut Bacteria in Obesity
A recent study examining the role of gut bacteria in obesity has reported that germ-free mice transplanted with human fecal microbiota either gained weight or stayed lean depending on the body profile of the human donor. Vanessa Ridaura, et al., “Gut Microbiota from Twins Discordant for Obesity Modulate Metabolism in Mice,” Science, September 2013. Using…
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Rudd Center Report Criticizes Cereal Marketing to Youth
The Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity has published a study that criticizes cereal companies for allegedly promoting high-sugar products to children and portraying “unhealthy eating behaviors” in TV advertisements. Megan LoDolce, et al., “Sugar as Part of a Balanced Breakfast? What Cereal Advertisements Teach Children About Healthy Eating,” Journal of Health Communication, August…
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Study Claims Fast Food Companies Not Adhering to Child Marketing Pledges
A recent study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has claimed that fast food TV advertisements directed at children have allegedly failed to abide by Children’s Advertising Review Unit and Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative recommendations that food products—as opposed to toys, movie tie-ins and brands—should be the focus of youth marketing messages.…
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Researchers Track Alcohol Brand Mentions in Pop Songs
Boston University School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers have identified the alcohol brands most frequently mentioned in popular music, raising questions about whether public health efforts should focus on reducing youth exposure “to these positive messages about alcohol use.” Michael Siegel, et al., “Alcohol Brand References in U.S.…
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Study Examines BPA and Chronic Disease Risk Factors in Children
A recent study has reportedly claimed that higher levels of urinary bisphenol A (BPA) “were associated with a higher odds of obesity … and abnormal waist circumference-to-height ratio” in children. Donna Eng, et al., “Bisphenol A and Chronic Disease Risk Factors in US Children, Pediatrics, September 2013. Using data from 3,000 children ages 6 to…
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Study Allegedly Links Glucose Levels to Increased Risk of Dementia
A recent study has reportedly concluded that “higher glucose levels may be a risk factor for dementia, even among persons without diabetes.” Paul Crane, et al., “Glucose Levels and Risk of Dementia,” New England Journal of Medicine, August 2013. Relying on data from 2,067 men and women enrolled in the Adult Changes in Thought study,…
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Study Claims BPA Affects Human Egg Development
A recent study has reportedly claimed that bisphenol A (BPA) can disrupt the maturation of human oocytes in vitro, raising questions about the effect of the substance on human development and fertility. Ronit Machtinger, et al., “Bisphenol-A and human oocyte maturation in vitro,” Human Reproduction, August 2013. Researchers apparently analyzed the impact of both high…
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Researchers Link FTO Gene to Increased Ghrelin Levels
A new study has reportedly detailed how a common gene variant linked to obesity affects the production and reception of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger. Efthimia Karra, et al., “A link between FTO, ghrelin, and impaired brain food-cue responsivity,” Journal of Clinical Investigation, July 2013. According to a July 15, 2013, press release,…