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alertness

·May 18, 2025·3 min read

Vitamin B1 Derivative Sparks Dopamine, Boosts Wakefulness

Thiamine derivatives, once developed to treat nutrient deficiencies, are now being explored for their potential effects on brain function and energy. A new study shows that TTFD, a thiamine derivative, increases dopamine in the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex, leading to enhanced arousal and physical activity in rats.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 15, 2025·2 min read

Natural Light Before Waking Boosts Morning Alertness

A new study highlights how controlled exposure to natural light before waking can improve morning alertness and reduce sleepiness. Researchers tested three lighting conditions using light-shielding curtains and sensors to determine the effects of early morning light on 19 participants.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 14, 2024·4 min read

From Daydreams to Reality: Brain’s Alertness Mechanism Unlocked

Researchers discovered how the brain transitions from daydreaming to alertness through activity in the dentate gyrus, also contributing to memory formation. This mechanism serves as the brain's method for realigning our cognitive focus to immediate realities and processing new information.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 18, 2023·2 min read

Hit Snooze: More Sleep Could Boost Morning Alertness

There may be perks to hitting the snooze button. Among 1,732 adults, 69% reported snoozing, with an average snooze time of 22 minutes. Younger participants and evening types were more prone to snoozing. A smaller study found that 30 minutes of snoozing could enhance or not affect cognitive performance upon waking.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 28, 2023·5 min read

Beyond Caffeine: How the Coffee Experience Enhances Brain Readiness

Drinking coffee increases alertness and prepares people to switch from rest to task mode more so than just consuming caffeine. Researchers found coffee drinking decreased the connectivity of the brain's default mode network - involved in introspection - indicating readiness to move on to tasks.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 20, 2020·6 min read

Paying Attention to the Neurons Behind Our Alertness

Researchers identify three populations of neurons in layer 6 of the cortex that contribute to alertness.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 14, 2019·5 min read

The Circuits That Help You Keep Your Cool

Researchers reveal how connections from around the mammalian brain stimulate two key cell types in the locus coeruleus to moderate arousal in two different ways.