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sleep research

Featured Neuroscience

·October 3, 2013·2 min read

Drowsy Drosophila Shed Light on Sleep and Hunger

Researchers find a key function of the neuropeptide sNPF which regulates sleep, hunger and metabolism in Drosophila.

The image shows a light beam shining onto a neuron.

Featured Neuroscience

·October 2, 2013·2 min read

Researchers Identify Neural Circuits That Modulate REM Sleep

Researchers discover a link between neural activity in the lateral hypothalamus and the state of REM sleep.

This fMRI scan shows the location of the amygdala in the brain.

Featured Psychology

·September 22, 2013·3 min read

Calming Fear During Sleep

Researchers reduce fear by exposing people to the memory over and over while they slept. The finding could provide a new treatment option for those who suffer from phobias.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 17, 2013·3 min read

Quality of Waking Hours Determines Ease of Falling Asleep

Researchers identify two proteins linked to alertness and the sleep-wake balance. Additionally, the study showed that the quality of wakefulness affects how quickly a mammal falls asleep.

This illustration shows an open skull exposing the brain of a sleeping man.

Featured Psychology

·June 13, 2013·3 min read

Sleep Mechanism Identified That Plays Role in Emotional Memory

Researchers identify the sleep mechanism which enables the brain to consolidate emotional memory. Additionally, they discovered a popular sleep medication heightens the response to and recollection of negative memories.

The image is The Fruit Vendor by painter J W Godward. The image shows a woman sleeping next to a statue of a lion and a table of fruit.

Featured Neuroscience

·February 6, 2013·4 min read

Eat to Dream: Study Shows Dietary Nutrients Associated with Certain Sleep Patterns

A study shows for the first time that certain nutrients may play an underlying role in short and long sleep duration and that people who report eating a large variety of foods; an indicator of an overall healthy diet, had the healthiest sleep patterns.

Electrophysiology Featured Neuroscience

·January 23, 2013·3 min read

Astrocytes Identified as Target for New Depression Therapy

Neuroscientists found that astrocytes may be responsible for the rapid improvement in mood in depressed patients after acute sleep deprivation. This study identified how astrocytes can regulate a neurotransmitter involved in sleep.

Featured Neurology

·September 18, 2012·3 min read

Some Viruses Not to Blame for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome After All

Contrary to previous findings, new research finds no link between chronic fatigue syndrome and the viruses XMRV (xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus) and pMLV (polytropic murine leukemia virus). A study reveals that research that reported patients with chronic fatigue syndrome carried these two viruses was wrong and that there is still no evidence for an infectious cause behind chronic fatigue syndrome.