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Scientists Develop Approach to Develop Brown-Fat Tissue in Those With Obesity, Diabetes

August 21, 2015

Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley have developed a new approach to facilitate the growth and expansion of energy-burning fat with the goal of combating obesity and diabetes, according to a study published in the journal Diabetes.

Using the biophysical properties of hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels, the scientists developed a white-fat stem cell implant to form a functional brown-fat-like tissue. Brown fat, unlike the white fat associated with obesity that stores excess energy, serves as a heat generator and burns calories.

The scientists tested the technique on mice, and found that those with the implant demonstrated enhanced respiration rates, improved glucose homeostasis and reduced weight gain.

The approach, the scientists say, is the first truly clinically translatable system to unlock the therapeutic potential of brown fat-like tissue expansion. — Michael Cipriano