Hypothalamus News and Research

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The Hypothalamus is the area of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, and thirst.

Exercise boosts hormone levels: New research shows increased oxytocin and cortisol in urine and saliva

Research shows that both urine and saliva samples effectively capture oxytocin and cortisol fluctuations in response to physical exercise, highlighting the robustness of these non-invasive methods.

22 Jul 2024

SH2B1 gene defends against obesity via the paraventricular hypothalamus

Obesity is a complicated condition, caused by a combination of genetics, the food environment, behavior, and other factors.

15 Jul 2024

New brain targets for GLP1-based obesity drugs may reduce weight without nausea

Researchers identified distinct hindbrain GLP1R neurons driving satiety and aversion, offering new targets for effective, side-effect-free obesity treatments.

14 Jul 2024

Discovering the cerebellum's new role in thirst modulation

The cerebellum, often referred to as the 'little brain', has captivated researchers for centuries due to its unique structure and cellular complexity, as one of the most ancient brain regions in evolutionary terms.

12 Jul 2024

Discovery of TRPC5 gene's role in obesity and postnatal depression offers hope for new treatments

Scientists have identified a gene which, when missing or impaired, can cause obesity, behavioral problems and, in mothers, postnatal depression. The discovery, reported today in Cell, may have wider implications for the treatment of postnatal depression, with a study in mice suggesting that oxytocin may alleviate symptoms.

8 Jul 2024

Gene discovery points to oxytocin for depression

While investigating two boys from different families with severe obesity, anxiety, autism, and behavioural problems triggered by sounds or smells, a team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA, discovered that the boys were missing a single gene, known as TRPC5, which sits on the X chromosome.

3 Jul 2024

TRPC5 gene identified as a diagnostic marker of obesity and postpartum depression

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Cambridge and collaborating institutions have discovered that alterations in the human gene TRPC5 cause obesity and postpartum depression.

2 Jul 2024

Natural compound found in olives can lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss

Findings from a new mouse study suggest that elenolic acid, a natural compound found in olives, can lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

29 Jun 2024

New study reveals how GLP-1 receptor agonists enhance preingestive fullness

GLP-1 receptor agonists promote the feeling of fullness before eating via neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus, according to a new study. The findings offer new insights into the neural pathways by which GLP-1 receptor agonists increase the feeling of fullness to prevent overconsumption of food, which is key in mitigating obesity. Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) plays an important role in signaling the feeling of fullness after eating.

27 Jun 2024

Novel genetic predisposition to being overweight or obese identified

Researchers performed a case-control study to compare metabolic changes between individuals homozygous for a loss-of-function genetic variation in small integral membrane protein 1 (SMIM1) and the general population.

25 Jun 2024

Natural antioxidants could delay age-related decline in male testosterone production

Natural polyphenolic compounds to enhance testosterone production and prevent age-related hypogonadism in aging males.

12 Jun 2024

Mechanisms of aversive learning: How negative experiences shape neural circuits

'I'm not gonna do this again', we often say when faced with negative feedback, adverse effects, or disappointing outcomes. Thus, we attempt to learn from such negative experiences.

7 Jun 2024

Research reveals light's impact on metabolism beyond circadian rhythms

A recent Nature Metabolism review highlights how light exposure or deprivation affects metabolic activities like thermogenesis and glucose homeostasis through non-circadian pathways.

4 Jun 2024

Study links low oxytocin levels to symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome

The role of oxytocin (OT) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

29 May 2024

Treating obesity using glucagon-like peptide-1-directed N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor inhibition

Bimodal drug that successfully cures obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia in mouse models.

20 May 2024

Study uncovers sex differences in brain responses to low sexual desire

Study reveals that women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HDSS) show a "top-down" brain inhibition pattern, while men do not, suggesting significant sexual dimorphism in brain responses to sexual stimuli.

16 May 2024

High-fat diet accelerates aging-related memory loss in rats

Study found that a high-fat diet exacerbates age-related cognitive decline in rats, even when microglia cells are removed from the equation, suggesting other pathways may play a role.

5 May 2024

Researchers identify key molecular alterations from endurance exercise that could combat chronic diseases

A whole-organism molecular map of the temporal effects of endurance training in rats.

3 May 2024

Study uncovers causal genetic variant strongly associated with childhood obesity

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have identified a causal genetic variant strongly associated with childhood obesity.

2 May 2024

New brain connectivity maps offer insights into human consciousness

In a paper titled, "Multimodal MRI reveals brainstem connections that sustain wakefulness in human consciousness," published today in Science Translational Medicine, a group of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, and Boston Children's Hospital, created a connectivity map of a brain network that they propose is critical to human consciousness.