Washington State University researchers find that cannabis vapor activates brain cells to trigger appetite

  • Cannabis activates cells in the hypothalamus, triggering hunger
  • Study used calcium imaging to observe brain cell reactions to cannabis smoke
  • Increased activity in the hypothalamus when mice were given cannabis
  • Mechanisms behind cannabis-induced appetite stimulation remain a mystery
  • Research funded by multiple organizations including the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that cannabis activates cells in the hypothalamus, leading to increased hunger. Using calcium imaging, the study observed the reactions of brain cells in mice to cannabis smoke. The researchers found that the hypothalamus showed heightened activity when the mice were given cannabis. Despite the well-known appetite-stimulating effects of cannabis, the mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unknown. The study was funded by various organizations, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Key People: Jon Davis (Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Washington State University)

Factuality Level: 8
Justification: The article provides information about a study conducted by researchers at Washington State University that found cannabis activates cells in the hypothalamus, stimulating appetite in mice. The study used calcium imaging to observe how brain cells in mice reacted to cannabis smoke. The article also mentions that cannabis is known to stimulate appetite in people undergoing chemotherapy, but the mechanisms behind this effect have remained a mystery. The study was funded by various organizations. Overall, the article provides factual information about the study and its findings.

Noise Level: 3
Justification: The article provides relevant information about a study conducted by researchers at Washington State University on the effects of cannabis on appetite. It includes quotes from the researchers and mentions the funding sources. However, the article contains some filler content, such as information about the use of vaporized cannabis in animal studies and unrelated information about cannabis stocks.

Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The news article does not pertain to financial topics and does not describe an extreme event.

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