Scientists at Louisiana State University report that infection with a common virus may be a contributing factor to the increase in obesity rates across the United States and other countries. The researchers shows that infection with human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) changes adult stem cells obtained from fat tissue into fat cells. Stem cells not exposed to the virus were unchanged. The study also reported identification of a specific gene in the virus that appears to be involved in promoting this effect.
According to Magdelena Pasarica, M.D., Ph.D., "We're not saying that a virus is the only cause of obesity, but this study provides stronger evidence that some obesity cases may involve viral infections."
1. Hello,
My name is Ryan Armbrust. I was diagnosed with Stage III Hodgkin's back in December of 2006 and am currently undergoing chemo. I took time off from my day job to get through this whole "Cancer" thing. In my spare time, I created an online T-Shirt and Swag shop called http://www.chucklenutshirts.com.
I have a section that is nothing but off color cancer humor shirts. http://www.cafepress.com/chucklenut/2619770
They are selling really well, but any exposure I can get would help. Can you please add them to your great website?
Here is a link to a banner I made for the cancer shirt section
http://bigryan.smugmug.com/photos/151661075-O.jpg
Thanks for your consideration,
Ryan Armbrust
Posted at 11:30AM on Aug 28th 2007 by Ryan