Both food timing and the integrity of the internal clock in the liver altered rhythms of metabolism in mice. Almost half of the rhythmic genes are regulated by both the internal clock and when food is ingested. Read More
Normally bushy networks of neural fibers within fat tissue shrink in the absence of leptin, but grow back when the hormone is administered in drug form. The alterations influence the ability to burn energy stored in fat in mouse models. Read More
Chandelier cells have an unusual direct method of communication. Unlike other neurons, chandelier cells connect directly to the part of a target neuron that initiates a spike. Read More
Glial cells known as tanycytes deliver signals to neurons in the brain to activate appetite. Optogenetic stimulation of tanycytes increases appetite. Read More
Researchers discover an important function of gamma-secretase in cells that is critical for lipid homeostasis in the brain. Read More
Study shows how circadian clock mechanisms boost our ability to maintain our bodies when we are most active. Read More
Study reveals the function of specific immune cells, well documented as playing a significant role in gut health, is directly controlled by our circadian clock. Read More
A new study shows how the microbiome communicates with cells producing serotonin to influence blood sugar levels. The microbiome can worsen metabolism by signaling to cells in the gut that produce serotonin. This drives up serotonin levels. The rise in blood serotonin levels causes metabolic problems. Read More
Galanin expressing neurons are selectively active during rebound sleep. The expression of galanin increases after neuronal activity and sleep deprivation. The neuropeptide plays a critical role in sleep homeostasis. Read More
High-fat diets are not only bad for your waistline, they are also bad for your brain health. A new study reveals high-fat diets contribute to hypothalamic inflammation which occurs long before symptoms of obesity arise. Read More
A gene regulated called Id4 appears to be a key component in controlling stem cell proliferation. Read More
Hippocampal neurons become longer and stronger following a period of sleep deprivation. The study supports the hypothesis that sleep may weaken synapses, which are strengthened from learning, allowing for learning to occur after waking. Read More
