hormone

Leptin-A Hormone To Regulate Appetite?

Patricia Brubaker, Ph.D., F.R.S.C. — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:11:35 +0000

The implementation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based drugs for the treatment of obesity has been an incredible advance in the field, enabling up to 25% decreases in body weight in many patients. However, GLP-1 is only one of many factors in the body that regulate appetite. So why are some of these other hormones not also being used to treat overweight and obesity? The answers are sometimes surprising, as exemplified by the focus today on leptin.

How can melatonin, a hormone, be sold without a prescription?

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 16:32:27 +0000

Melatonin is indeed a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain, mostly during the night with its secretion being impaired by exposure to bright light. It has appropriately been termed the “Dracula hormone” and seems to be related to the circadian (from “circa” around and “dian” day) cycle of our body.

A Silent Spring

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 18:09:45 +0000

Mention “Silent Spring” and thoughts immediately turn to Rachel Carson’s epic in which she alerted readers to the risks of pesticides. But long before, way back in the 1940s, Australian sheep farmers experienced a silent spring of their own. The familiar baa baa of spring lambs was absent. Lambs were being born alright, but they were stillborn. What was causing the disaster? Actually it was the farmers themselves. Or at least the clover they had planted to feed their sheep.

PETA’s Science is For Wing Nuts

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 20:05:15 +0000

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Castrated Goats Lose their Smelliness

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 04:01:20 +0000

Think of a ghastly smell. Skunk? Halitosis? BO? Outhouse? Rotting fish? Rancid butter? Dog flatus? Decomposing flesh? All devastating. But let’s not forget the penetrating fragrance of a billy goat. Especially a wet one. That will horrify any nose. Unless that billy goat, or "buck" in more scientific terms, happens to be castrated. Along with the loss of manhood comes the loss of smell. Actually “smell” doesn’t do the aroma justice. “Reek” is a better description of the unforgettable stench. And if you handle one of these animals you will learn what “unforgettable” means.

When Protein is not Protein

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 01:43:47 +0000

You need protein to build muscle. We have all heard that, probably as early as elementary school. And it is true. Muscle is mostly made of protein and its source is protein in the diet. But the route is not direct. Proteins are complex molecules composed of hundreds to thousands of amino acids linked together. When consumed, these chains are broken down into smaller fragments called peptides as well as into individual amino acids.

Is HGH (Human Growth Hormone) an Anti-Aging Miracle?

Joe Schwarcz PhD — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 04:36:53 +0000

It sounds like the fountain of youth. It builds muscle and takes off extra pounds. And that's just the beginning. How about increased energy level, fewer wrinkles and more hair? These are just some of the claims made on behalf of the newest anti-aging miracle supplements, the Human Growth Hormone Releasers. But don't go investing in baby clothes just yet.

A New Role for Oxytocin?

Ariel Fenster — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:41:07 +0000

Could oxytocin, a natural hormone, help patients suffering from anxiety and other related personality dysfunctions? Maybe. At least that is what a group of researchers from the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine believe. Oxytocin, a chemical found in the brain, plays a number of important physiological functions in all mammals. In women it facilitates labour by promoting cervical dilation and promoting uterine contractions.