PsychologyJuly 4, 2026

metabolism

/məˈtæb.ə.lɪ.zəm/

Definition

The complex of physical and chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for the maintenance of life and, in this context, are often studied in relation to health conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'metabolē', meaning 'change' or 'transformation.' It entered English in the 19th century to describe the continuous chemical processes of life.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the biological systems being studied by Dr. Townsend, specifically how metabolic functions influence mental health. It highlights the focus of his new laboratory on understanding the link between bodily chemical processes and conditions like anxiety and depression.

Dr. Logan Townsend appointed Assistant Professor at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center

Read the full article ↗

EurekAlert!

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