Ras protein regulates circadian rhythm
Researchers found that Ras activity determines circadian clock phase and induces phase-shifts in response to light. Artificially increased Ras activity alters the circadian rhythm.
Biological Rhythms
Articles tagged with Biological Rhythms
Dartmouth-led team identifies circadian clock gene that strengthens crop plant
A Dartmouth-led team has identified the GIGANTEA gene as a key factor in enhancing crop plant resilience to harsh conditions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of hardier crops with improved yield, addressing global food security challenges.
Circadian rhythms regulate skin stem cell metabolism and expansion, UCI study finds
Researchers found that circadian rhythms play a key role in coordinating daily metabolic cycles and cell division in skin stem cells. This regulation helps avoid DNA damage caused by metabolism-generated oxygen radicals.
SLU researcher discovers a way to control internal clocks
A Saint Louis University researcher has discovered a way to control internal clocks using a small molecule that targets key clock proteins. The compound alters the circadian rhythm, increasing wakefulness and reducing anxiety in mice, suggesting potential treatments for sleep disorders and addiction.
Light-emitting e-readers before bedtime can adversely impact sleep
Researchers found that reading an e-book before bed can lead to reduced melatonin secretion, delayed circadian rhythms, and decreased morning alertness. The use of light-emitting electronic devices can suppress melatonin levels, impacting sleep quality and duration.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014
NIH-funded study is decoding blue light's mysterious ability to alter body's natural clock
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health are unraveling the mystery of how blue light from artificial lighting and electronic devices disrupts the human body's natural circadian rhythms. The study aims to understand the chemical basis for this disruption, which can lead to health problems such as sleep disorders, cancer ...
Penn researchers unwind the mysteries of the cellular clock
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have uncovered a molecular clock that regulates multiple phases of circadian cycles, allowing genes with related functions to oscillate in synchrony. This discovery has implications for developing more efficient pharmaceutical regimens and minimizing side effects.
Working the night shift burns less energy and increases risk of weight gain
A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that working night shifts decreases total daily energy expenditure, leading to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity. Researchers discovered that participants burned more fat when sleeping during the day compared to nighttime sleep.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014
Stanford biologists explore link between memory deficit and misfiring circadian clock
Researchers at Stanford University have identified a brain structure that plays a crucial role in learning and memory, which becomes disrupted when the circadian clock is out of sync. The study found that surgically removing the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) from Siberian hamsters restored their memory abilities.
So, you think you can clap to the beat?
Researchers discovered that beat-deafness is a problem of synchronizing with sounds, not just motor skills. Beat-deaf individuals can perceive rhythms but struggle when moving to the beat, indicating deficits in biological rhythms.
SourceMcGill University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateNov 9, 2014
Clock gene dysregulation may explain overactive bladder
Scientists discovered a link between the body's circadian clock and bladder function, finding that disruptions to the daily cycle can cause overactive bladder. The study suggests that altering peripheral clock genes through receptor activators can regulate bladder contractions.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 30, 2014
Peripheral clocks don't need the brain's master clock to function correctly
Researchers found that peripheral tissue clocks can synchronize with the environment independently of the brain's master clock, leading to a revised model of circadian entrainment. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding and addressing circadian-related disorders.
SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateOct 30, 2014
Resetting the circadian clock: Shift workers might want to skip high-iron foods
Researchers found that dietary iron plays a crucial role in regulating the liver's circadian clock, which can disrupt blood glucose levels. Eating high-iron foods at night may exacerbate this issue for shift workers, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders. More research is needed to determine optimal iron intake for shift workers.
Biological clock disruptions increase breast cancer risk, UGA study finds
A University of Georgia study found that disruption of the circadian rhythm, triggered by artificial light exposure, significantly increases breast cancer risk. The researchers analyzed studies on flight attendants who work night shifts and found a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health·DateOct 17, 2014
At dusk and dawn: Scientists pinpoint biological clock's synchronicity
Researchers have uncovered how pacemaker neurons are synchronized at dusk and dawn to maintain proper functioning of biological clocks. This understanding enhances knowledge of sleep-wake cycle regulation and offers promise for addressing related afflictions.
Eyeless Mexican cavefish eliminate circadian rhythm to save energy
Eyeless Mexican cavefish show no metabolic circadian rhythm under varying lighting conditions, saving up to 30% less energy compared to surface-dwelling fish. This adaptation enables the fish to thrive in food-limited environments without unnecessary energy expenditure.
UNC researchers find final pieces to the circadian clock puzzle
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered how Period and Cryptochrome genes interact to control the circadian clock. The findings have implications for developing drugs for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Breakthrough study identifies genetic link between the circadian clock and seasonal timing
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a genetic connection between day-length measurement and seasonal adaptation in flies. The study found that flies exposed to short days become more cold-resistant, reflecting the importance of photoperiodic timing for survival.
Strict genomic partitioning by biological clock separates key metabolic functions
Researchers at UCI found that two circadian-linked proteins, SIRT1 and SIRT6, manage separate and distinct metabolic processes in the liver. This discovery sheds new light on how the body's internal clock influences metabolic functions and could lead to more targeted treatments for liver disease and related disorders.
Dimly lit working environments: Correcting your body clock is possible!
Researchers at Inserm found that artificial light with blue wavelengths can synchronize the body clock and activate non-visual functions in extreme lighting conditions. This breakthrough has practical applications for dimly lit workplaces, enabling design of lighting strategies to maintain staff health, productivity, and safety.
SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 30, 2014
Lipoic acid helps restore, synchronize the 'biological clock'
Researchers found that lipoic acid improved liver function and synchronized circadian rhythms in older animals, suggesting a potential breakthrough in understanding its benefits for human health. The study sheds light on the role of circadian rhythms in various biological processes and their dysfunction with age.
SourceOregon State University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJul 17, 2014
In development, it's all about the timing
A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has identified a gene called LIN-42 that controls the timing of events during development, governing a broad range of events throughout growth and behavior. The study provides insight into how species evolve without creating new genes.
Contradictory findings about the effect of the full moon on sleep
A Swedish study found that the full moon affects sleep patterns, with subjects averaging 20 minutes less sleep and more trouble falling asleep during this phase. However, other research has yielded mixed results, with some studies showing no correlation between lunar phases and human sleep.
Scripps Florida scientists uncover new compounds that could affect circadian rhythm
Researchers from Scripps Research Institute have identified two compounds, CoPP and ZnPP, which bind to REV-ERBs and inhibit their activation by heme. These findings suggest that altering the metal ion chemistry of these compounds could be a way to target REV-ERB for treating metabolic disorders.
A study warns of the risk entailed when night owls -- 'evening-type' people -- drive early in the morning
Researchers from the University of Granada found that evening-types are worse drivers early in the morning, while morning-types performed relatively well. The study suggests adapting work schedules to suit chronotypes for high-risk professions like pilots, surgeons, or lorry drivers.
American Aging Association Meeting presents latest developments in aging research
The American Aging Association Meeting presented new findings on the role of mTor in aging, as well as insights into the impact of circadian rhythms on lifespan. Researchers also explored the potential of the FAT10 gene and its role in aging research.
Atomic structure of essential circadian clock protein complex determined
The researchers identified the molecular structure of a protein complex that plays an important role in regulating the circadian rhythm. The complex contains a zinc ion, which stabilizes it and may play a key role in regulating metabolic processes.
The interruption of biological rhythms during chemotherapy worsen its side effects
Circadian rhythm disruption during chemotherapy worsens its side effects, including fatigue and body weight loss. Researchers suggest personalising chronotherapy delivery to improve clinical tolerability and potentially boost treatment effectiveness.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateMay 21, 2014
Texas A&M-led study shows how 'body clock' dysregulation underlies obesity, more
A Texas A&M-led study has found that body clock dysregulation plays a key role in the development of metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. The researchers discovered that overnutrition causes circadian clock dysregulation, leading to pro-inflammatory activity in adipose tissue and worsening insulin resistance.
For resetting circadian rhythms, neural cooperation is key
Researchers found that morning and evening oscillators in fruit flies rely on neural cooperation to follow the sun. Without this cooperation, circadian clocks are useless or even harmful. The study's findings suggest a more complex role for light detection in regulating circadian behavior.
Chrono, the last piece of the circadian clock puzzle?
A new circadian gene named Chrono has been discovered to function as a transcriptional repressor of the negative feedback loop in the mammalian clock. Mice lacking this gene exhibit longer circadian cycles, highlighting its importance in regulating daily rhythms.
Simple changes in ICU can help heart attack patients: Study
Research suggests that interrupting diurnal rhythms impairs healing immediately after a heart attack, while normal cycles promote better outcomes. Maintaining circadian rhythms during the first few days after an attack can improve scar formation and healing.
New research links body clocks to chronic lung diseases
Scientists at The University of Manchester discovered a rhythmic defence pathway in the lung controlled by our body clocks, essential for combating toxins and pollutants. The research found that timed administration of antioxidant compounds according to the lung clock time can increase their effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Researchers identify gene that helps fruit flies go to sleep
Scientists have identified a mutant gene in fruit flies that disrupts their ability to sleep, leading them to discover a protein that regulates sleep patterns and cycles. The discovery could lead to new treatments for insomnia and sleep disorders in humans.
New discovery paves the way for medicine for people with hearing disabilities
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a biological circadian clock in the cochlea that controls how well hearing damage heals. The discovery may lead to new treatment methods for hearing loss affecting up to 15% of the population.
Time is of the essence
A Weizmann Institute of Science study reveals that daily fluctuations in triglycerides in the liver are driven by internal 'body clocks' and timing of meals. Researchers found that restricting nighttime feeding led to a 50% decrease in liver TAG levels, suggesting that meal times can affect lipid accumulation.
New fruitfly sleep gene promotes the need to sleep
Researchers have discovered a new protein, redeye, that promotes sleep in fruitflies by regulating the amount of time they spend sleeping. The study found that the redeye protein levels oscillate with daily cycles and peak at times of increasing sleep need.
Vibrations influence the circadian clock of a fruit fly
A recent study published in Science has discovered that vibrations can influence the circadian clock of a fruit fly, with exposure to 12-hour cycles of vibration and silence synchronising the fly's internal clock and corresponding daily locomotor activity.
Resetting the metabolic clock
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara gained insight into factors affecting mammalian circadian oscillations, which could lend themselves to circadian regulation and pharmacological control. Their work suggests that high-amplitude circadian rhythms are associated with a lower risk of diseases like diabetes and obesity.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2014
Academics discover variation in circadian clock protein in fruit flies
Researchers at the University of Leicester have found two versions of a protein called Cryptochrome in wild populations of fruit flies, both with different amino acids that affect the circadian clock. The study suggests that this variation is functionally important and actively maintained by natural selection.
New study reveals links between alcoholic liver disease and the circadian clock
Researchers from University of Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Medicine have revealed a link between the circadian clock and alcohol-induced liver disease. The study found that disturbances in the liver's daily rhythms can lead to fatty liver disease, suggesting a potential target for treatment.
The internal clock and feeding rhythm set the pace of the liver
The liver's protein production and release are influenced by both the internal clock and feeding behaviors, according to a recent study published in PNAS. The researchers found that the circadian clock does not solely regulate protein production but also affects the storage and release of proteins into the body.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2014
Researchers identify key components linking circadian rhythms and cell division cycles
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati identified serine/threonine protein kinase-29 (STK-29) as a key component linking circadian rhythms and cell division cycles. The study, led by Christian Hong, provided insights that could lead to improved disease treatments and drug delivery.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2014
How fat might be controlled through the body clock
Researchers discovered that mice without the Y6 gene receptor were smaller and had less lean tissue, but grew fatter as they aged on high-fat diets. The study highlights the importance of the Y6 receptor system in regulating energy use at different times of the day.
Synthetic genetic clock checks the thermometer
Researchers created a robust synthetic genetic clock in E. coli bacteria to regulate protein production accurately across a wide temperature range. The breakthrough resolves a long-standing problem in synthetic biology and has potential applications in biotechnology and reprogramming cellular regulatory mechanisms.
Nutrition influences metabolism through circadian rhythms, UCI study finds
UC Irvine researchers found that a high-fat diet disrupts circadian rhythms, which can lead to metabolic disorders. A balanced diet normalized the rhythms, suggesting the circadian clock's adaptability.
Circadian clock proteins maintain neuronal cell function
A study published in JCI Journals found that circadian clock proteins regulate neuronal redox homeostasis and prevent neurodegeneration. BMAL1-deficient mice showed accumulated astrocytes, neuronal degeneration, and reduced blood flow, highlighting the importance of core clock proteins in maintaining healthy neurons.
Researchers discover that the body clock may influence morning peak in adverse cardiovascular events
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that the internal body clock contributes to a morning peak in heart attacks and ischemic strokes. The circadian system causes a morning increase in PAI-1 levels, which may help explain adverse cardiovascular events in vulnerable individuals.
Researchers show how plants tell the time
Plants have a 24-hour circadian rhythm that allows them to measure time and adjust their biology accordingly. Researchers found that sugar production plays a key role in regulating this internal clock.
Coastal animals have their own tidal timer -- separate from the 24-hour body clock
Researchers found that coastal animals, like the speckled sea louse Eurydice pulchra, have a 12.4 hour swimming cycle matching incoming tides and a 24 hour circadian rhythm in pigmented cells. This independent tidal clock is separate from the 24-hour body clock.
Tick tock: Marine animals with at least 2 clocks
Research reveals that marine animals have multiple independent clocks, including a 24-hour circadian clock and a tidal clock that regulates daily cycles. The findings suggest that these clocks may be standard operating equipment in animals, with the tidal clock playing a crucial role in coastal organisms.
Notre Dame paper sheds light on genetic and physiological basis for metabolic diseases
A new University of Notre Dame study reveals the molecular genetic and physiological basis for metabolic diseases related to circadian function. The research found that a specific gene, Id2, plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and circadian control of feeding and locomotor activity.
Circadian clock is key to firing up cell's furnace
The circadian clock enables cells to use stored fuel efficiently when we fast, with NAD+ and Sirtuin 3 playing a critical role. Disrupting the clock leads to metabolic disorders, but providing NAD+ supplements can restore mitochondrial function.
Blue-green algae a 5-tool player in converting waste to fuel
Researchers aim to engineer microbes like Synechocystis 6803 to produce useful chemicals, overcoming challenges such as low production speeds and inefficient processes. The goal is to develop microfactories that can produce fuels and chemicals using CO2 as a carbon source.
Drug blocks light sensors in eye that may trigger migraine attacks
A new molecule selectively blocks specialized light-sensitive receptors in the eyes, which could help treat migraines and potentially other disorders of the central nervous system. The drug also showed no interaction with rhodopsin or other opsins, making it a promising lead for research and potential clinical applications.
A week's worth of camping synchs internal clock to sunrise and sunset, CU-Boulder study finds
A CU-Boulder study found that spending just one week in natural light while camping synchronizes the circadian clocks of participants with the timing of sunrise and sunset. Exposure to electrical lighting has disrupted our internal clocks, but natural light helps restore synchronization.
Women working shifts are at greater risk of miscarriage, menstrual disruption and subfertility
A meta-analysis of studies found that women working shifts experience a higher rate of menstrual disruption (33% increase) and subfertility (80% increase), while night shift work only increases the risk of miscarriage. The study suggests that altering circadian rhythms can lead to short- and long-term biological disturbances.
Key protein is linked to circadian clocks, helps regulate metabolism
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered how one protein regulates fundamental circadian processes and maintains metabolic health, shedding light on the molecular basis for metabolic health and disease. The study found that p75NTR production oscillates in time with the body's natural circadian clock.
Investigational drug improves sleep disorder among the blind
A study found that patients taking tasimelteon had a significantly higher rate of re-synchronization of their body clock, leading to improved night-time sleep and reduced daytime drowsiness. The medication addresses the root cause of Non-24 Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder in blind individuals by synchronizing their circadian clock.
Circadian rhythms control body's response to intestinal infections, UCI-led study finds
Researchers at UC Irvine have discovered that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in the body's immune response to intestinal infections. The study suggests that targeting treatments that supplement the power of the body clock could be an effective approach to treating bacterial pathogens like salmonella.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 31, 2013