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circadian rhythm

·August 28, 2024·5 min read

How Moths Evolve Through Time-Based Speciation

Researchers have uncovered how two closely related moth species in the southeastern U.S. evolved into separate species by shifting their active periods. Instead of a physical barrier, the key difference lies in their circadian rhythms, regulated by clock genes. This discovery provides a rare glimpse into speciation at the molecular level and highlights the importance of studying diverse species to understand broader biological patterns.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 15, 2024·5 min read

Night Owls Have Higher Cognitive Aptitude

A recent study links sleep preferences to brain performance, finding that "night owls" often score higher on cognitive tests than "morning larks." Researchers analyzed data from over 26,000 people, highlighting that sleeping 7-9 hours a night optimizes brain function.

This shows a young woman working on a computer.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·April 6, 2024·5 min read

Early Career Work Schedules Tied to Midlife Health Risks

Nonstandard work schedules early in life correlate with poorer health outcomes at middle age. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth-1979, the research examines over 30 years of employment patterns and their impacts on sleep quality, physical, and mental health by age 50.

Featured Neuroscience

·April 2, 2024·5 min read

Infant Microbiomes Dance to a Circadian Rhythm

Infant gut microbiomes develop circadian rhythms from as early as two weeks after birth, becoming more distinct as they age. The research found that dietary differences, such as breastfeeding versus formula feeding, have minimal impact on these microbiome patterns compared to the effect of aging.

This shows a woman looking at the morning light.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 13, 2024·5 min read

Dawn of Discontent: Unpacking Morning Mood Dips

Medical interns experience their lowest moods near 5 a.m., with an uplift by 5 p.m., based on the analysis of Fitbit data from over 2,500 participants. The research underscores the natural mood cycle's nadir in the early hours, independent of sleep deprivation, which exacerbates mood downturns and amplifies daily emotional fluctuations.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 19, 2024·5 min read

Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, and Mental Health

A new study highlights the critical link between sleep, circadian rhythms, and psychiatric disorders, suggesting that disturbances in sleep and internal body clocks can trigger or exacerbate mental health issues. The research underscores the prevalence of sleep-circadian disturbances across all psychiatric disorders, pointing to the need for holistic treatments that address these factors.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 4, 2024·3 min read

Early Riser? Anorexia Nervosa Linked to Morning Chronotype

Individuals with anorexia nervosa tend to be early risers, in contrast to many other mental disorders often associated with evening chronotypes. The study also finds a connection between anorexia nervosa and increased risk of insomnia.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·December 27, 2023·6 min read

Protein Discovery Sheds Light on Circadian Rhythms

Researchers identify a crucial protein, Tenm3, in mice's visual system that stabilizes circadian rhythms by modulating the brain's response to light. This discovery has significant implications for treating sleep disorders and jet lag.

Featured Neuroscience

·December 7, 2023·4 min read

How Shift Work Disrupts Sleep

A new study reveals significant sleep disturbances among shift workers. The research, involving over 37,000 participants, indicates that regular night shifts lead to the highest prevalence of sleep disorders, with 51% of night shift workers reporting at least one sleep disorder.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 28, 2023·4 min read

Genes Guiding Mealtime Rhythms Revealed

Researchers utilized fruit flies to unravel the mystery of daily eating patterns in animals. They discovered that the quasimodo (qsm) gene aligns feeding with light and dark, while genes like clock (clk) and cycle (cyc) regulate eating/fasting cycles. Interestingly, nerve cells, not metabolic tissues, ensure these cycles match daily rhythms.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·September 29, 2023·4 min read