A new global study finds that physical inactivity is a major, preventable driver of serious diabetes complications worldwide. Analyzing data from more than 2.3 million adults with diabetes, researchers estimate that up to 10% of strokes, diabetic retinopathy, and heart failure cases could be avoided if recommended physical activity levels were met. The burden was disproportionately higher among women, people with lower educational attainment, and in several high- and middle-income regions.

A new study found that overweight and obese dogs have significantly higher eye pressure than lean dogs, with pressure increasing by 1.9 mmHg for every one-unit rise in body condition score. The research suggests that excess body fat and related metabolic changes may interfere with fluid drainage in the eye, potentially serving as a modifiable risk factor for dogs predisposed to glaucoma. These findings emphasize that maintaining a healthy weight is a vital part of protecting a dog's long-term vision and ocular health.

A new orally taken, gut-based compound developed by scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, reduces the amount of dietary fat absorbed in the intestines. This differs from most existing weight-loss drugs, which act mainly by suppressing appetite or altering glucose regulation, as well as supplements that claim to boost metabolism to burn more calories. The research is being advanced in collaboration with longevity biomedical biotech firm Aria Bioscience Pte Ltd, to support further development and translation into consumer healthcare products and future therapeutic applications. Obesity has become one of the most pressing global health challenges, affecting more than one billion people worldwide and driving a rise in chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver disorders. Despite public health efforts, many people continue to struggle with maintaining a healthy weight while consuming a modern diet that is high in fat and sugar. The medical-grade nutraceutical supplement is targeted to reach the market later this year, with upcoming clinical trials to be held. It has also been tested by TUV SUD to be free of microbes and heavy metals.

The 4^th Annual Symposium of Project CHANGE, which is the Kawasaki activity of the national project “COI-NEXT” by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology/Japan Science and Technology Agency, will be held at 1:30 pm – 5:10 pm on March 5 (Japan Standard Time) at the Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion Hall. This event will also be streamed online, so please be sure to watch it.