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Brown bear study offers clues on metabolism
brown bear
Variations in the bears' feeding habits go hand-in-hand with major changes in their gut microbiota.
Scientists observe seasonal changes in gut microbiota

A study of free-roaming brown bears in Sweden could offer new insights into how gut microbiota affects metabolism in humans.

Brown bears range from extreme energy consumption in the summer months, to zero intake for up to six months during winter hibernation.

But despite the large fat accumulation, they remain metabolically healthy – unlike humans where we see a strong association between obesity and insulin resistance.

According to new research published in the journal Cell Reports, variations in the bears' feeding habits go hand-in-hand with major changes in their gut microbiota.

Scientists from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden transferred the bears' gut microbiota to germ-free mice and found that the mice who received summer microbiota had an increased capacity to store fat.

"Especially interesting was the notion that the mice became fatter without developing insulin resistance, similar to the bears from where the microbiota was obtained..." said lead author Fredrik Bäckhed.

"The bear study provides new knowledge on how gut microbiota affects our metabolism, a finding that may help us to develop bacteria based treatments in the future."

Studying 16 wild brown bears, the team found that in winter, the concentration of several molecules in the blood increased, which is believed to be a reflection of changes in their gut microbiota. Scientists also observed an increase in microbial diversity in summer.

Previous research has shown that metabolism-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and coronary heart disease are linked to bacterial changes in the gut.

Prof Bäckhed said more work is needed to identify any practical applications for the latest findings.

Read the full study here: http://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247%2816%2900047-4

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.