An incredible discovery by researchers



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British researchers have identified 14 genetic areas, including seven unknowns so far, that partly determine the predisposition to physical activity, according to a study published in Nature magazine and cited by EFE.

The study, developed by the Big Data Institute at Oxford University, correlates, for example, the time spent sitting, sleeping or moving with our genes. The experts programmed an "automatic learning machine" to differentiate sedentary lives from the active (and intermediate) lives of 200 volunteers carrying a camera and a bracelet for two days and monitoring their activity every 20 days. seconds.

They then compared this information to 91,105 people registered in the British Biobank database who wore the same type of bracelet for a week in earlier periods. "How and why we move, it does not only depend on genes, but understanding their role will help us better understand the causes and consequences of physical activity," Aiden Doherty, project director, said in a statement. .

In addition to detecting 14 related genetic areas, including 7 new ones, researchers first observed, through macrodata, that increased physical activity spontaneously reduced blood pressure.

The genetic analysis also revealed an overlap between neurodegenerative diseases, mental health and brain structure, demonstrating the important role that the central nervous system plays in physical activity and sleep.

According to experts, the lack of physical activity poses a threat to global public health, with a wide range of sedentary diseases such as obesity, diabetes or cardiovascular problems. And impaired sleep is associated with heart and metabolic disorders as well as mental disorders.

The experts who conducted the study pointed out that the use of an automated learning machine to analyze large amounts of health data was progressing rapidly. "We have developed automated learning models to teach machines to analyze complex functions such as physical activity," said Karl Smith-Byrne, a participant in the study.

"This could help us, for example, to determine if lack of activity is a cause or consequence of obesity," said Michael Holmes, of the Oxford British Heart Foundation.

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