Neanderthal

Cell Metabolism reports that gut bacteria–produced D-lactate leaks into the bloodstream to drive hepatic overproduction of glucose and fat, and a safe polymer trap in the gut bound D-lactate to improve blood sugar, insulin resistance, and fatty liver in obese mice (senior author Professor Jonathan Schertzer). Baylor College of Medicine researchers show metformin’s brain action: suppression of Rap1 in the hypothalamus is required for glucose lowering, with Rap1-lacking mice unresponsive to low-dose metformin and brain infusion lowering blood sugar in diabetics (Science Advances; lead author Dr. Makoto Fukuda). A global study of over 100,000 youths links first smartphone ownership by