News Neuroscience

Eating shuts down nerve cells that counter obesity

Mouse study offers hints of orexin’s role in weight gain and narcolepsy

orexin in nerve cells

DIET AID  Nerve cells that produce a molecule called orexin (also known as hypocretin, pink) may counter obesity, a study of mice suggests. 

C.J. Guerin, PhD, MRC Toxicology Unit/Science Source

By Laura Sanders

- More than 2 years ago

Fractions of a second after food hits the mouth, a specialized group of energizing nerve cells in mice shuts down.