Chinese researchers identify gene that may increase resistance to obesity

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Chinese researchers have discovered a specific gene that may enhance resilience to obesity, potentially illuminating the complex mechanisms behind the major global health issue.

While diet and levels of development are important factors in the study of obesity, Professor Jin Li and Associate Professor Zheng Hongxiang from Fudan University said that genetics might also play a role in the health issue, daily South China Morning Post reported on Monday, citing their study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Genetics and Genomics.

The team assessed 2,877 samples from three distinct populations in eastern province of Jiangsu, southwestern province of Guangxi, and Henan province in central China to conduct the study.

Meanwhile, Chinese geo-spatial information expert Li Deren and Physicist Xue Qikun were on Monday awarded the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, China's highest science honor.

They gained the reward for their contributions to technological and scientific innovation during the National Science and Technology Award Conference in Beijing.