It sounds like an alternate version of Star Wars in which the dark side wins: brown fat defeats white fat. Specifically, the activation of brown adipose tissue is seen as a promising approach in the fight against obesity. Researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna have uncovered some important molecular causes for obesity, which could lead to a therapeutic solution that makes use of the positive properties of brown adipose tissue. In their study, the researchers describe the mechanistic and genetic relationships between STAT5 transcription factors and the metabolic processes in brown adipose tissue and their effect on the metabolism of mammals in general.