"Twins Shed Light on Obesity's Molecular Mysteries"
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered an epigenetic signature in the cheek cells of obese twins that differs from their non-obese siblings, suggesting a molecular predisposition to obesity. The study focused on twins to eliminate the role of genetics and instead focus on epigenetics, finding that the epigenetic changes were present in cheek cells rather than fat cells, indicating a systemic nature of the obesity signature. The findings could potentially lead to a simple cheek swab test for an obesity biomarker, enabling earlier prevention methods for a condition that affects 50% of U.S. adults.