“It could be the perfect excuse for those who find exercise something of a chore: ‘I’m not lazy, it’s my genes.’ Scientists have discovered why some of us have the energy to work out for hours while others can barely summon the get-up-and-go to reach for the TV remote. They believe they have pinpointed the genes that produce an enzyme in our muscles during exercise called AMP kinase, which controls the way we turn food into energy. Those who generate large quantities of AMPK have more energy, whereas those with lesser amounts are likely to tire almost immediately. Dr Gregory Steinberg, who led the research, said the discovery could lead to treatments for those who find it difficult to exercise, including the obese and those with asthma. His team found dramatic results in tests on two groups of mice, one bred without the two suspected genes behind AMPK production.” – from “Gene that makes you a couch potato: Scientists discover why some people have all the energy… and others don’t” by Tamara Cohen, Mail Online. Read more…

If you’re interested in this article, you might also be interested in the DNAction blog post, “The Genetic Connection: Athletic Performance” by contributing author and Pathway scientist Dan Zhu.

“A new national survey of 800 American voters conducted by the Biotechnology Industry Organization shows that a majority of people — 53 percent — want the federal government to financially support the biotechnology industry, a BIO press release says. Even in a time of economic hardship, the survey respondents said the government should financially support the industry — either through tax incentives or direct funding — in order to cure disease, produce alternative energy sources, and create abundant food sources, BIO says. ‘The survey found that the key biotechnology industry issues are ranked by voters as either extremely or very important — behind only the economy, education, reducing the deficit/government spending — and alongside of issues such as combating terrorism and reducing taxes,’ the press release adds.”

Click here to download the survey results (PDF).
Click here to read the BIO press release.