In this episode, Dr. Aaron Cypess discusses the future of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) research at the NIDDK, focusing on three pillars: integrative physiology, noninvasive imaging, and clinical trials. First, there's integrative physiology, where scientists use cell lines to dig into how fat cells work, how they burn energy, and how they respond to obesity treatments. Then there's noninvasive imaging—think PET-CT and MRI—which helps researchers actually see where fat is in the body and how active it is. And finally, clinical trials are testing treatments like mirabegron to see if they can activate brown fat and boost metabolic health. Dr. Cypess highlights the importance how taking this combined approach to studying BAT and WAT physiology can open doors to real, meaningful benefits to patients.

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