Brown adipocytes are a type of fat cell primarily found in newborns and hibernating mammals. Unlike white adipocytes, which store energy, brown adipocytes generate heat through a process called thermogenesis. This is especially important for maintaining body temperature in cold environments. These cells contain a high number of mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production. The presence of a protein called uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipocytes allows them to convert energy from fat into heat instead of storing it. This unique function makes brown adipocytes a focus of research for potential obesity treatments.