Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
The debut of stem cell-derived islets in the clinic for glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus has garnered much excitement. Ongoing research in this field guarantees to be transformative for modern treatment of diabetes mellitus.
Adipocytes have high levels of many components of the complement system. These components are involved in antimicrobial activities, but also have the potential to regulate the maintenance and turn-over of adipocytes under normal and pathophysiological conditions through positive and negative regulation of the membrane attack complex.
Case studies of patients with anorexia nervosa revealed psychological improvements upon treatment with recombinant human leptin, including an alleviation of the entrapment in this eating disorder. Hypoleptinaemia induced by loss of adipose tissue mass might trigger psychological changes observed in starvation. Accordingly, leptin analogues might prove beneficial for treatment of anorexia nervosa.
Artificial intelligence has already revolutionized various fields in medicine and research. Due to the complex and interconnected nature of the endocrine system, it is an ideal area to further exploit and maximize the potential benefits of artificial intelligence.
The path to becoming a clinical academic researcher is arduous and convoluted, with many hurdles. A good mentor is key to growth and development, not only as one embarks on the journey, but also as a ‘sounding board’ throughout one’s career.
The field of bioenergetics is rapidly expanding with new discoveries of mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The 2023 Keystone symposium on ‘Bioenergetics in Health and Disease’, which was jointly held with the symposium ‘Adipose Tissue: Energizing Good Fat’, consisted of a powerhouse line-up of researchers who shared their insights.
“Adults have really boring ideas” is what we repeatedly learn from our participatory research with young people. Nevertheless, it is common practice that adults design research, questionnaires and interventions for young people. Not surprisingly, many research initiatives, questionnaires and interventions are utterly boring and a bad fit for the intended population. Consequently, many research efforts go to waste.
