Scientists Discover Nerve Cells that Control Hunger

Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. appetite / ˈæp ɪˌtaɪt / (n) – the feeling that someone gets when he or she wants food
    Example:

    She doesn’t have an appetite because she ate too much earlier.


  2. suppress / səˈprɛs / (v) – to stop something
    Example:

    I tried to suppress my hunger by drinking a lot of water.


  3. be tucked away / bi tʌkd əˈweɪ / (idiom) – located in a place that is a bit difficult to see
    Example:

    Chris’ money is tucked away so that it is safe from pickpockets.


  4. at the bottom of (something) / ət ðə ˈbɒt əm əv / (idiom) – being the main cause of something
    Example:

    She already had several checkups, but nobody could determine what was at the bottom of her condition.


  5. delectable / dɪˈlɛk tə bəl / (adj) – tasty
    Example:

    They like eating at home because their mother always cooks delectable meals.


Article

Read the text below.

Scientists at the University of Arizona (UA) have found a series of neurons, or nerve cells, that can turn appetite on and off.


The UA Department of Neuroscience scientists explained that these neurons work with several brain regions to activate or suppress appetite. According to the scientists, these regions are tucked away in the amygdala, the brain’s center of emotions.


The scientists made these discoveries while determining what is at the bottom of extreme appetite loss in patients with serious illnesses. This appetite loss is caused by inflammation inside the body and can affect the success of treatments.


To determine whether or not the neurons affect eating behavior, the scientists conducted several experiments using mouse models with extreme appetite loss. First, they suppressed the neurons in the amygdala, and this made the mice hungry. Afterward, they activated the same neurons, which resulted in a decreased appetite.


Although these neurons were found in mice, the scientists want to prove that the same neurons exist in the human brain. They believe that medical professionals could suppress neurons in the brains of patients with appetite loss to help these people eat more. Similarly, lead scientist Haijiang Cai explained that the activation of these neurons could also work for patients suffering from obesity and make them eat less.


Cai pointed out that eating is a complex process. Humans usually feel hungry when their bodies need food or they see a delectable meal. When humans are fed, they chew and swallow the food until they feel a sense of satisfaction. The scientists are fascinated by this process as it suggests communication among different brain regions. Because of this, the scientists plan to further look into how the process of eating works.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• If the scientists prove that the neurons are present in humans, do you think this finding would be helpful for people with eating disorders? Why or why not?
• Aside from people with eating disorders, who else do you think can possibly benefit from the findings? Discuss.

Discussion B

• Do you think controlling a person’s appetite is always a good idea? Why or why not?
• If you could control a natural sensation other than hunger (e.g. thirst, sleepiness), what would it be? Why?