The brain’s crucial ‘stop eating’ signal appears to originate from an unlooked-for cellular player. Recent scientific investigations have unveiled that astrocytes, previously considered mere support cells for neurons, hold a pivotal function in regulating appetite. Following a meal, the presence of glucose stimulates tanycytes. These tanycytes, in turn, transmit signals to astrocytes, which subsequently activate the neurons responsible for generating feelings of satiety. This newly identified neural pathway offers promising avenues for developing groundbreaking therapies for obesity and various eating disorders.
Scientists Discover Hidden Brain Switch That Tells You to Stop Eating
By Rupert Blackwood
Investigative journalist based in Sheffield, focusing on technology's impact on society. Rupert specializes in cybercrime's effect on communities, from online fraud targeting elderly residents to cryptocurrency scams. His reporting examines social media manipulation, digital surveillance, and how criminal networks operate in cyberspace. With expertise in computer systems, he connects technical complexity with real-world consequences for ordinary people