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melatonin

This shows a model of the melotonin receptors

·April 24, 2019·7 min read

A good night’s sleep may be in sight: New 3D models of melatonin receptors shed light on sleep disorders

Researchers have created new 3D maps of two melatonin receptors. The models can be used to help develop new treatments that not only improve sleep, but may also treat a variety of other conditions from diabetes to cancer.

This shows a teenage girl and a teddybear

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 6, 2020·4 min read

Asthma and allergies more common in teens who stay up late

The chances of having asthma are three times higher in teenagers who go to bed late at night compared to those who sleep earlier. The risk of allergic rhinitis is two times higher for late sleepers. Researchers say they can not be certain that staying up late is a cause for asthma, however, they note melatonin is often out of sync in late sleepers, and that could be an influential factor in the allergic response.

This shows two clocks set one hour apart

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 21, 2020·2 min read

Chronobiologists warn of health risks linked to daylight saving

Chronobiologists warn changing to daylight savings can have serious effects on both brain and general health. The change in time during spring was linked to a 24% increase in severe cardiovascular events in women. Researchers also noted the sudden change in time alters circadian rhythms, reduces the production of natural melatonin, impacts cognitive function, and may also foster tumor growth.

Featured Genetics Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 6, 2018·4 min read

Gene Linked to Job Related Exhaustion in Shift Workers Increases Alzheimer’s Risk

Researchers report a variation of the MTNR1A gene is linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older people. The same gene has previously been implicated in reduced tolerance to shift work in the aging population.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·August 8, 2016·3 min read

Gut Bacteria Have Own Circadian Clock

Researchers report our gut bacteria is sensitive to melatonin and expresses its own circadian rhythm.

Featured Neuroscience

·November 27, 2020·4 min read

Gut Microbes: A Key to Normal Sleep

Normal sleep in mice is reliant upon bacteria that help produce neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, in the gut.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 15, 2018·4 min read

How Melatonin Promotes Sleep

According to a new study, melatonin works by suppressing neurons that keep you awake and alert. The findings could pave the way for new treatments for insomnia.

This shows a mom breastfeeding her newborn at night

Featured Neuroscience

·August 6, 2019·5 min read

Human breast milk may help babies tell time via circadian signals from mom

Breast milk may help train the circadian clock in young babies. The hormonal composition of breast milk changes throughout the day, with cortisol levels being higher in the morning and melatonin levels being higher at night.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 19, 2017·5 min read

Insecticides Mimic Melatonin, Creating Higher Risk of Diabetes

According to a new study, synthetic chemicals found in some insecticides can bind to melatonin receptors, creating a higher risk for people to develop diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Images shows a cell phone emitting blue light.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 18, 2015·3 min read

Is Overexposure to Artificial Light Affecting Our Health?

Overexposure to artificial light, especially from devices which emit blue light, can suppress melatonin and disrupt the circadian cycle, a new study reports.

Image shows scales, an apple and tape measure.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 8, 2017·5 min read

Later Circadian Timing of Food Intake Is Associated with Increased Body Mass Index

According to researchers, those who eat in close proximity to their natural melatonin onset are more likely to have a higher percentage of body fat and BMI than those who eat earlier.