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Scientists Figured Out Why We Feel Colder As We Age
Gizmodo • • health
Key Points:
- Researchers at City of Hope Medical Center discovered that brown fat cells in older mice are less capable of activating their heat-generating state, contributing to increased cold sensitivity with age.
- The study found immune cell-produced proteins keep brown fat cells in a less active state in older mice, but this effect was partially reversed using the drug mifepristone.
- While mifepristone itself is not practical for treating cold sensitivity due to its broad effects, the findings open the possibility of developing safer interventions to boost brown fat activity in humans.
- Enhancing brown fat function may not only help reduce cold sensitivity in older adults but could also improve metabolic health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Further research is needed to confirm these mechanisms in humans and to identify targeted treatments that safely restore brown fat’s heat-producing capabilities.
