With a series of new grants, Saint Louis University researchers are tackling the twin epidemics of diabetes and obesity by tapping into the potential of two nuclear receptors that control muscle metabolism. The scientists will optimize two promising drug compounds, moving a step closer toward capturing the benefits of exercise in pill form. Besides helping people suffering from obesity and diabetes, the research could help other groups of people including the aging, disabled and astronauts! The researchers have received $2.4 million from the U.S. Department of Defense and $1.74 million from the National Institutes of Health in a series of grants that will fund the study of two receptors linked to muscle metabolism: REV-ERB and ERR.