Snack Attack Gene Link

A gene that plays a role in inflammation and fever has been found to regulate body weight too, by curbing our urge to snack at night.

When the gene is turned off, activity during the hours of sleep goes up, along with the drive to eat, a discovery that suggests a new way to tackle obesity.

The gene is the code for a protein switch that could, at the very least, help scientists to better understand obesity and its link with inflammation. However, if it can be flicked on by a drug, it could lead to new treatments to prevent the western world's ever expanding waistlines.