Articles tagged with Biological Rhythms
Researchers identify CD36 as a key regulator connecting circadian rhythm disturbances to abnormal bile acid metabolism and cholestatic liver injury. Elevated CD36 expression contributes to inflammatory activation and liver fibrosis, while CD36 deficiency restores bile acid metabolic rhythms and reduces liver damage.
A recent study published in Metabolism found that our internal clock independently affects the energy we burn after eating, peaking in the morning and decreasing at night. This discovery sheds light on why late eating may contribute to weight gain or struggles with weight loss.
Researchers from Kyushu University discovered that the circadian clock protein BMAL1 drives macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory M1 state by activating inflammatory signaling pathways. This mechanism links the body clock to intracellular metabolism and immune function, offering new insights into treating inflammatory diseases.
A study found that women with Hashimoto's thyroiditis are more likely to have an evening chronotype and increased daytime sleepiness, associated with higher levels of thyroglobulin antibodies. The research highlights the importance of investigating underlying mechanisms for this association.
Researchers investigate how environmental stressors like jet lag and high-fat diets affect Alzheimer's risk. They aim to determine if restoring metabolic rhythms can prevent the progression of the disease, taking a holistic view of health and natural rhythms.
A Salk Institute study identifies Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) as the molecular signal that tells the liver when to release fat into the bloodstream, following a precise rhythm timed to the body's internal clock.
Professors José María Martín-Olalla and Jorge Mira Pérez refute the 2025 study linking Daylight Saving Time to negative health outcomes, citing a critical error in methodology. The original study's conclusions were based on an incorrect calculation of daily readjustments, which resulted in a zero annual cumulative total.
Research suggests that exercising at a time that matches an individual's natural chronotype (morning or evening alertness) can lower cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that chronotype-aligned exercise improved blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol levels, and sleep quality more effectively than mismatched timing.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that a mother's circadian rhythms cross the placenta to the baby before birth, setting the biological clock for daily patterns called circadian rhythms. The study suggests that stable circadian rhythms during pregnancy are crucial for healthy fetal development.
Researchers at Charité develop test to determine circadian rhythm using hair roots, revealing genetic and lifestyle factors influencing internal clock. The new method shows promise for tailoring therapies to individual rhythms, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
A study by King's College London found that night shift workers with type 2 diabetes face challenges in maintaining a healthy diet and managing their condition. The research revealed limited access to nutritious food options during night shifts, leading to poorer quality nutrition and greater variability in glucose levels.
Researchers at The University of Osaka discovered that the cyanobacterial circadian clock is controlled by factors intrinsic to one protein, which remains stable under different conditions. This finding offers significant insight into how living organisms measure time.
A study by researchers at the University of Basel and University of Bern found that spring fatigue is not a real biological phenomenon, but rather a culturally influenced concept. Participants in an online survey reported feeling more exhausted in spring, but the data showed no correlation with seasonal changes.
Researchers discovered that a plant's internal daily timekeeper coordinates growth by controlling an electrochemical 'language' between different tissues. A key clock component, CCA1, boosts stem elongation while restricting root growth by controlling hormone signaling and proton pump activity.
Researchers found a smooth variation in sensitivity to diapause induction with air temperature and daylight length, suggesting genes regulating circadian rhythm play a key role. The timeless gene was associated with variations in female diapause sensitivity, providing insights into molecular mechanisms behind diapause.
University of California San Diego scientists have solved how the circadian clocks within microscopic bacteria precisely control gene expression during the 24-hour cycle. The researchers identified six proteins needed to rebuild this clock, generating a simplified cyanobacterial system with a clock that only needs.
A new analysis of 73 species reveals that most animals are changing their habits in response to warming, but surprisingly, many are thriving. The study found that most species shifted their timing in warmer years, yet maintained or even increased their numbers despite the climate crisis.
A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.
A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a computational tool to reveal connections in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the body's central circadian pacemaker. The study identified five functional cell types and found that a small subset of 'hub' cells are critical to SCN timekeeping.
Researchers found that patients who received immunochemotherapy before 3:00 pm experienced significantly longer progression-free survival and overall survival compared to those treated later. Earlier administration of immunotherapy was also associated with lower risks of cancer progression and death.
Researchers found that filamentous cyanobacteria regulate their metabolism during the day and genome repair at night, revealing a new circadian rhythm in these microorganisms. Their study also uncovered diversity-generating retroelements and mobile genetic elements active throughout the day-night cycle.
Neural signals respond differently depending on time of day, with reduced activity at sunrise and enhanced at sunset. Blocking adenosine reveals a key regulator of cortical excitability across the day.
A comprehensive review synthesizes current insights into the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation, highlighting the crucial role of peripheral organs in modulating brain function and behavior. Disruptions in gut microbiota composition are closely linked to sleep disturbances across multiple disorders.
A new study from UC San Francisco found that saturated fat affects the behavior of a protein called PER2, which orchestrates fat metabolism and circadian rhythms. Mice eating a diet high in hydrogenated fats struggled to adapt to winter, whereas those on unsaturated fat diets adjusted easily.
A team of researchers led by Stephen McCormick has uncovered how fish know when to migrate, revealing that their pituitary gland is studded with photoreceptors that can perceive daylight changes. This discovery sheds light on the enduring migration mystery and will help in planning for climate change's impact on migrating fish populati...
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that shift workers have a 15% higher risk of developing kidney stones, especially younger workers and those with low levels of manual labor. Lifestyle factors such as BMI, fluid intake, and smoking habits significantly contribute to the occurrence of kidney stones.
Research team led by Charlotte Förster found that synchronization with the moon has decreased significantly since LED introduction and widespread smartphone use. Menstrual cycles now mostly align only in January when gravitational forces are at their highest.
A new clinical trial found that feeding blueberries to infants as their first solid food can reduce allergy symptoms and support long-term health. The study suggests early introduction of blueberries may improve infants' immune systems and gut health.
A study published in the journal Sleep analysed data from over 26,000 days and nights to find that bedroom temperature and daytime light are associated with objectively measured sleep. People living with dementia have disrupted sleep patterns when bedrooms are hotter or lighting is dimmer.
Research reveals that chemotherapy impairs molecular and behavioral measures of the primary biological clock found in the brain. In a study on female mice, paclitaxel treatment disrupted circadian rhythm-related gene expression and behavioral adaptations to light challenges.
Researchers found that breast milk components like melatonin and cortisol vary over the course of the day. Labeling expressed milk as 'morning,' 'afternoon,' or 'evening' could help align feeding times with circadian signals, supporting infant sleep and immune development.
A study published in Annals of Translational Medicine found that intense light therapy can lower troponin levels and increase ANGPTL4 protein, protecting heart tissue. The treatment may reduce the risk of myocardial injuries after non-cardiac surgery, which affects 20% of patients and increases one-year mortality rates.
Professor Siegfried Kasper reveals biological bases of psychiatric disorders alongside psychosocial determinants, influencing treatment protocols globally. His pioneering research transformed approaches to treatment-resistant depression, improving millions of lives.
Research found passing rates peak at noon, lowest in early morning and late afternoon, with implications for high-stakes evaluations like job interviews. Strategies like quality sleep and mental breaks can help counteract time-of-day effects.
Researchers used AI to analyze bird songs and calls of 53 European forest bird species, revealing far more activity types than previously thought. The study showed that some species are active around dawn and twilight, and their song patterns need adjustment for breeding bird surveys.
A new study by the University of Southampton found that adults with ADHD traits report lower quality of life and more severe insomnia. Insomnia was identified as a potential link in this association, suggesting that targeting insomnia complaints may improve the quality of life for people with ADHD.
Dr. Randy J. Nelson's research reveals that artificial light exposure disrupts immune function, causes neuroinflammation, and influences mood regulation. His work has significant implications for understanding depression and anxiety disorders, as well as the obesity epidemic.
Researchers at Flinders University found that blue-enriched light can make people less sensitive to losses, leading to riskier gambling behaviors. The study suggests that reducing blue light exposure could be a potential strategy to mitigate impulsive gambling.
A global study by UniSA researchers found that 94% of people who use wearable activity trackers are open to sharing their health information with healthcare providers. This could lead to more personalized and responsive care. The demand for personalized healthcare is on the rise, and wearable activity tracker market is increasing.
A University of Florida Health study found that earlier and more consistent daily activity patterns are associated with better heart and lung fitness in older adults. The research suggests that understanding individual circadian rhythms could lead to personalized health strategies, including tailoring activity and treatment schedules.
A new study from the University of Michigan reveals that humans' circadian rhythms are still wild at heart, tracking seasonal changes in daylight. The research shows a genetic component to this seasonality, which could help explain individual differences in how strongly people are affected by changes in day length.
A new study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham found that more than half of sleep sessions end in a snooze alarm, with users spending an average of 11 minutes on the device. Snooze usage varied by day of the week and was lower among those sleeping five or fewer hours.
Five individuals have been recognized for their exceptional dedication to advancing the field of sleep medicine, with a focus on research, education, advocacy, and clinical care. The award recipients include Dr. Carol Rosen, Dr. Reena Mehra, Dr. Ilene Rosen, Dr. Nathaniel Watson, and Dr. Dennis Hwang.
Researchers have re-tested California sea lion Ronan's rhythm skills, finding she can bob her head to a beat with precision comparable to that of humans. The study suggests that biomusicality is not exclusive to humans and challenges existing theories on the subject.
Research found seasonal variations in genes responsible for drug metabolism, including CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, which affect a quarter of common medications. Alcohol tolerance also varies by season, with mice recovering more quickly from winter conditions.
A new study from Umeå University reveals that trees' circadian clocks regulate growth and seasonal events. Adjusting clock-associated genes could help trees synchronize with changing climates, improving forestry management. The study also has implications for global vegetation models predicting forest growth and carbon storage.
A two-week in-patient study found that eating during the day but not at night reduced cardiovascular risk factors in healthy young participants after simulated night work. This finding supports adjusting food timing to mitigate health risks associated with shift work.
A team of scientists has discovered that the circadian clock plays a crucial role in regulating F. oxysporum's response to zinc starvation and controlling secondary metabolism, enhancing its virulence. The study provides new insight into host-pathogen interactions and could lead to innovative approaches for crop protection.
Researchers found that whales and dolphins use a unique sleep strategy by turning off one half of their brain at a time. This phenomenon is enabled by specific genes and pathways that enable secondary aquatic adaptation.
Daily electronic screen use is associated with approximately 50 minutes less sleep per week and later bedtimes in adults. The findings suggest that these disruptions are not limited to children and adolescents, particularly among those with evening chronotypes.
Research highlights shared mechanisms among aging, circadian rhythms, and cancer, including genomic instability, cellular senescence, and chronic inflammation. Modulating circadian rhythms may delay age-related functional decline and serve as a novel strategy to intervene in cancer progression.
The Protein Society recognizes five award winners in 2025 for their groundbreaking research in protein science and technology. Professor Jan Steyaert receives the Christian B. Anfinsen Award for pioneering nanobody technology, while Dr. Brian Kuhlman wins the Emil Thomas Kaiser Award for novel protein design and structural modeling.
A study published in Chronobiology International found that people who start work earlier express more discomfort with seasonal time changes. The researchers analyzed data from the European Commission's 2018 public consultation and discovered a correlation between the start of work activity and responses against daylight saving time.
Researchers propose darkening cities to improve biodiversity, human health, and reduce energy waste by embracing nocturnal living. Professor Nick Dunn's 'Dark Futures: When the Lights Go Down' presents a vision for an alternative future that reconnects humans with nature's rhythms.
Recent research highlights the crucial role of circadian rhythms in tumor biology, demonstrating their contribution to tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. Disruptions in these rhythms also influence the tumor immune microenvironment and the efficacy of anticancer therapies.
Research highlights the interconnected relationship between aging, circadian rhythms, and cancer, with shared mechanisms including genomic instability, cellular senescence, and chronic inflammation. Modulating circadian rhythms may serve as a novel strategy to intervene in age-related functional decline and treat cancer.
A study by Cambridge researchers found that a routine lung function test used to diagnose asthma is more reliable in the morning. The reliability of the test decreases throughout the day and differs significantly between winter and autumn, with individuals being 33% less likely to receive a positive result during autumn.
A new Northwestern Medicine study suggests that muscle injuries heal faster when they occur during the body’s natural waking hours. The findings could have implications for shift workers and may also prove useful in understanding the effects of aging and obesity.