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25 May 2020
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How can some people eat and not get fat, a slimming gene is responsible: Scientists

May 25, 2020

Scientists have discovered a ‘thinness’ gene that may be the reason why some people can eat and not gain weight, according to new research.A study published by University of British Columbia (UBC) scientist Dr. Josef Penninger and a team of researchers identified a gene called Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) which they say is “involved in the resistance to weight gain.”After comparing the genetics and clinical profile of 47,012 “healthy thin, and normal weight individuals aged 20-44,” the international team of researchers discovered there was a mutation in the ALK gene in the thin group.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Only about one percent of the population has this mutated gene that helps them stay thin, according to the study.“We all know these people, who can eat whatever they want, they don’t exercise, but they just don’t gain weight. They make up around one percent of the population,” Penninger was quoted by UBC News as saying.“We wanted to understand why,” Penninger added. “Most researchers study obesity and the genetics of obesity. We just turned it around and studied thinness, thereby starting a new field of research.”UBC News reported that the gene is “known to mutate frequently in several types of cancer and has been identified as a driver of tumor development.”“Our work reveals that ALK acts in the brain, where it regulates metabolism by integrating and controlling energy expenditure,” lead author Michael Orthofer told UBC News.Energy expenditure is measured by calculating how many calories an individual burns while performing activities such as breathing, circulating blood, digesting food, or exercising.The research team ‘deleted’ the ALK gene in both flies and mice which resulted in the animals becoming resistant to ‘diet-induced’ obesity.“Despite consuming the same diet and having the same activity level, mice without ALK weighed less and had less body fat,” according to UBC News.Next, the team will try to determine how the gene “balances metabolism to promote thinness.” The researchers will also conduct further tests on “more diverse” humans in order to validate the results.Penninger said it is a possibility that the researchers could “reduce the function” of the ALK gene to see if individuals stay skinny.Read more:Personal trainers share best at-home workouts for coronavirus distancingTwo million people in UK may be smoking more amid coronavirus crisis: Survey‘Humor is healing’: Laughter soothes nerves during coronavirus trauma
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: How can some people eat and not get fat, a slimming gene is responsible: Scientists

25 May 2020
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Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia records downward trend with 2,235 new cases

May 25, 2020

Saudi Arabia continued on a downward trend with 2,235 new cases over the past 24 hours, raising the total to 74,795, the health ministry announced on Monday.The ministry reported its highest daily toll on May 16 with 2,840 new cases. The number of new daily cases has since been decreasing day by day.The Kingdom also reported 2,148 recoveries, bringing the total number of recoveries to 45,668 so far.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.Meanwhile, nine people who had previously tested positive for the virus have died due to complications. The relatively low death toll stands at 399.Of the new cases, 27 percent are female while 73 percent are male, according to the health ministry spokesman. He also said that 41 percent of the newly detected cases are of Saudi nationality while the remaining 59 percent are of various nationalities.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the appThe spokesman continued to urge people to follow social distancing guidelines and to comply with precautionary measures such as wearing a mask and avoiding gatherings and crowds.Even though over half of those who became infected in the Kingdom have recovered so far, Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister Dr. Tawfig al-Rabiah had warned that the number of cases in the Kingdom could reach up to 200,000 within weeks, based on four different studies conducted by Saudi and foreign experts. His lower estimate was 10,000.The Kingdom currently has the highest number of cases in the region; however, it is also by far the largest country in the GCC, both in terms of population and area. Saudi Arabia recorded its first case on March 2, after a Saudi Arabian national returned from Iran.The government was quick to impose preventative measures such as shutting down domestic and international travel, closed businesses, and eventually imposed a 24-hour curfew on all major cities.Read more:Effect of sunlight and heat on coronavirus being studied: Saudi Arabia officialSaudi Arabia cases could reach 200,000 within weeks, says ministerSaudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman says hard times will pass
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Saudi Arabia records downward trend with 2,235 new cases