Being sick in the morning can be different from being sick at night
Our circadian rhythm may explain why we are more prone to different health conditions at different points throughout the day.... Read More...
circadian rhythm
Pregnancy shifts the daily schedule forward
In pregnant women and mice, the daily schedule shifts a few hours forward during the first trimester. Activity levels also dip during this time. The advance of the daily schedule stabilizes, before gradually returning to normal during later stages of pregnancy.... Read More...
Study links gene to sleep problems in autism
Deficiencies in the SHANK3 gene have been linked to sleep disruptions in both mouse models and people with ASD. Researchers found patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with autism, report trouble falling, and staying asleep. In mouse models, animals lacking the SHANK3 gene had a reduction in deep sleep quality and spent more time awake when other mice were sleeping.... Read More...
Two studies explore whether time of day can affect the body’s response to exercise
Two new studies report the time of day is a major modifier of exercise capacity, amplifying the impact exercise has on metabolic pathways and energy homeostasis. Evening exercise, researchers report, has the most productive effect.... Read More...
Gene-edited disease monkeys cloned in China
Researchers in China successfully used CRISPR gene editing to produce five monkey clones from the fibroblasts of a donor monkey with disease phenotypes. ... Read More...
Circadian clock plays unexpected role in neurodegenerative diseases
Disrupted sleep patterns may help to protect neurons in the brain in Huntington's disease. ... Read More...
Fat Cells Work Different ‘Shifts’ Throughout the Day
A new study reports human fat cells have their own internal clocks and circadian rhythms which affect metabolic functions.... Read More...
Exercise in Morning or Afternoon to Shift Your Body Clock Forward
A new study reports the time of day at which you exercise can shift your body clock. The findings suggest exercise could counter the negative health effects associated with shift work and jet lag.... Read More...
Brain Connections That Disadvantage Night Owls Revealed
A new MRI study reveals those who get to sleep and wake up late have lower resting brain connectivity in regions associated with the maintenance of consciousness. Researchers report the reduced brain connectivity is linked to poorer attention, slower reactions and increased daytime sleepiness.... Read More...
Shedding Light on the Body Clock’s Link to Mental Health and Disease
According to a new study, those who are genetically predisposed to be early risers have a lower risk of developing psychiatric conditions, such as depression and schizophrenia, as well as having better over all health. In contrast to other studies, researchers did not find a strong link between circadian rhythm and diseases such as obesity or diabetes.... Read More...
Sleep Deprivation Accelerates Alzheimer’s Brain Damage
A new study reports sleep deprivation increases the levels of tau, and accelerates the spread of the protein, in the brain. The findings reveal a lack of sleep alone may help drive the development of Alzheimer's disease.... Read More...
How Fasting Can Improve Overall Health
Researchers report fasting affects the circadian rhythm of the liver and skeletal muscles, allowing them to rewire their metabolism. The study suggests fasting can help improve health and protect against aging related diseases.... Read More...