#Hunger

In an intriguing development, scientists are uncovering the intricate workings of the brain that signal when we need to eat or drink. A recent study conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, in collaboration with the University of Regensburg and Stanford University, has found critical insights into how specific neurons within the brain’s amygdala may drive our basic urges to eat and drink. This discovery not only adds depth to our understanding of these essential functions but also opens new avenues for tackling conditions like obesity, anorexia, and even addiction.

A recent scientific discovery sheds light on how our brains signal when to eat or drink. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence,Working with the University of Regensburg and Stanford University, have identified specific neurons in the amygdala that influence these basic urges. The findings could deepen our understanding of eating disorders, obesity, and addiction, while guiding better health strategies for Thailand’s growing health challenges.

In a study conducted with mice, researchers found distinct neuron groups within the amygdala that play separate roles in hunger and thirst. The amygdala is known for processing emotions and motivations, but this research highlights its involvement in core survival drives. According to senior researchers, manipulating particular neurons altered drinking behavior and pinpointed a neuron group linked to thirst regulation. Some neurons showed overlapping functions, affecting both thirst and hunger.

Recent research has uncovered potential risks associated with the ubiquitous artificial sweetener sucralose, marketed widely as Splenda. Conducted by experts at the University of Southern California, the study presents intriguing insights into how sucralose might intensify hunger by influencing brain activity, particularly in the hypothalamus—a crucial area for regulating appetite. A randomized crossover trial involving 75 adults demonstrated that consuming sucralose led to a distinctive pattern of heightened blood flow in the hypothalamus, in contrast to sucrose (table sugar), which showed a hunger-reducing effect.

A recent study by researchers at a leading U.S. university suggests that sucralose, a common artificial sweetener, may increase hunger by altering brain signals in the hypothalamus, the region that controls appetite. In a randomized crossover trial with 75 adults, participants who drank sucralose showed higher hypothalamic blood flow than those who consumed sugar, which tended to reduce hunger. The results point to a potential mismatch between sweetness and calories, influencing how the brain responds to sweet taste.