- Rats in the study were 24 months old.
- They ate 35% less food each day.
- The calorie change lasted for eight weeks.
- Scientists measured protein phosphorylation and metabolites in muscle.
- The study found proteins Lmod1 and Ehbp1l1 linked to blood sugar.
- Calorie restriction changed many muscle proteins a lot.
- Insulin helped muscles take up more sugar.
- Females had greater glucose uptake than males.
- The team measured about 1,000 metabolites in total.
- Around 40% of those metabolites changed with diet.
Difficult words
- research — Study to find new information or facts.
- muscle — Tissue in the body that helps with movement.muscles
- sugar — A sweet substance often used in food.
- protein — Substance in food important for the body.proteins
- diabetes — A disease that affects how the body uses sugar.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think eating less food affects you?
- Why is it important to understand how muscles change?
- Have you heard about diabetes before?
Related articles
Savar declared a degraded airshed over severe air pollution
The Department of Environment declared Savar a degraded airshed after monitoring found annual air pollution nearly three times the national standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The decision responds to pollution from brick kilns, factories, transport and construction and new rules start September 2025.
Action still needed to end hunger and change food systems
Experts say stronger action is needed after the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit. They note progress in research and national plans, but rising conflicts, climate extremes and funding limits put progress at risk. A stocktake will take place in Ethiopia this month.
Western Pacific priorities as WHO adapts after US withdrawal
WHO regional director Saia Maʻu Piukala outlines challenges and priorities for the Western Pacific as the organisation adapts after the US withdrawal. Key events include the World Health Summit in Berlin (12–14 October) and the Fiji Regional Committee (20–24 October 2025).