Articles tagged with Biological Rhythms
Researchers found that plants produce electric potential in sync with their daily cycles, which can be harnessed as a renewable energy source. The study discovered that the electric streaming potential increases with decreased ion concentration and increased pH.
Researchers found that snails from tidal areas developed stronger circatidal rhythms compared to those in nontidal regions. The study suggests that environmental adaptations can influence the expression of genes controlled by biological clocks, leading to potential changes in physiological processes.
A study of 23 elderly patients with hypertension found that evening aerobic exercise improved baroreflex sensitivity, a mechanism that regulates blood pressure. This improvement led to better blood pressure regulation and reduced muscle sympathetic nerve activity, making evening exercise more effective than morning exercise.
The Sleep Research Society has recognized four individuals with its 2024 awards, honoring their exceptional contributions to sleep and circadian science, education, and public health. The winners include Dr. Elizabeth Klerman, Dr. David Raizen, Michael Perlis, and Julie Flygare.
A new study from Washington State University found that just a few days on a night shift schedule can disrupt protein rhythms related to blood glucose regulation and energy metabolism. This dysregulation may lead to chronic metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Researchers have discovered that synchronization between the central circadian clock and peripheral clocks in muscle and skin is crucial for maintaining tissue function and preventing degenerative processes associated with aging. Time-restricted feeding can partially replace the central clock and enhance the autonomy of the muscle cloc...
A study of 25,000 NBA matches found that home teams from the Western Time Zone Area have a near 10% better win ratio when playing against Eastern Teams. The researchers suggest that elite basketball coaches and teams should consider the physical and mental effects of time zone travel on game planning.
A new study from MIT researchers has found that many genes involved in drug metabolism follow a circadian rhythm, affecting how much of a drug is available and how effectively the body breaks it down. The study's findings have implications for developing better dosing schedules for existing drugs.
Research found that higher light levels increase activity in the posterior hypothalamus, leading to improved cognitive performance during executive tasks. In contrast, lower light levels decreased activity in this region, negatively correlating with cognitive performance.
Researchers found that simulated microgravity significantly disrupted rhythmicity and sleep patterns in humans, leading to reduced sleep duration and increased daytime naps. The study's findings have important implications for future spaceflight and conditions involving prolonged bed rest.
A recent study found that even simple marine polychaete worms, such as Platynereis dumerilii, have unique daily rhythms and behavioral patterns. The researchers discovered that these individual differences can provide an evolutionary edge and increase the resiliency of the species.
The review found women report lower sleep quality, more fluctuations, and higher likelihoods of developing restless legs syndrome and sleep-related eating disorder. Women's brains respond differently to food images after sleep deprivation, with increased emotional processing and activation.
Researchers at INRAE discovered that female sex pheromones can remotely modulate the circadian rhythm of males in the African cotton moth, Spodoptera littoralis. This finding paves the way for exploring biocontrol methods targeting the pest.
A randomized controlled trial reveals that infant gut microbiomes oscillate with a circadian rhythm, detectable as early as 2 weeks after birth. Diet has less impact on the development and composition of the infant microbiome than previously thought.
A study by Hokkaido University and Aarhus University reveals a 'nocturnal' surge in vocalization activity among little auks in Arctic summer, contrary to expectations. The findings provide valuable insights into avian behavior under continuous daylight environments.
A recent study by CNRS scientists shows that zebrafish larvae without functional eyes still maintain synchronized circadian rhythms with light-dark cycles. This finding suggests alternative neural circuits may set the biological clock in some species.
A new study examined three decades of malpractice claims and found that medical incident severity and payment decisions were higher during daylight saving time compared to standard time. The results suggest that the spring transition to daylight saving time has a significant impact on healthcare outcomes and costs.
The ICNIRP panel states that research on SWL exposure is inconsistent, with some studies indicating possible effects on alertness or sleep and others not supporting such effects. The panel also notes that potential long-term adverse effects of SWL exposure are unclear, particularly regarding its impact on chronic diseases and conditions.
Researchers from Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf discovered a novel genetic regulator of flowering time in barley, enabling the plants to speed up development during short days. This mutation makes barley nearly immune to photoperiod limitations, allowing for cultivation in marginal environments with sub-optimal growing conditions.
Recent research suggests that problems with sleep and internal body clock can trigger or worsen psychiatric disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health, which could lead to new preventative measures and therapies.
Plants use their circadian clocks to regulate responses to changes in water and salinity levels, offering a new avenue for creating drought-resistant crops. The discovery of the ABF3 feedback loop reveals a delicate balance between boosting stress tolerance and maximizing growth and yield.
Researchers found that patients sleeping near windows slept better than those in other parts of the ward. Light exposure was also critical in regulating circadian rhythms, with short wavelength enriched morning light improving sleep quality. Fluctuations in noise levels negatively impacted sleep, emphasizing the need for noise mitigati...
Researchers discovered that male large black chafer beetles have a 48-hour circadian clock to detect female pheromones, synchronized with females' mating behavior. The study sheds light on the biological mechanism behind this unusual cycle, leaving experts wondering about the underlying cues that govern natural rhythms.
Researchers studied the effects of resveratrol on circadian clock gene expression in young and older human adipose-derived progenitor cells. They found increased levels of some components in older-APCs compared to young-APCs, but also observed gained rhythmicity of some components after resveratrol treatment.
A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that the colour of light has a limited impact on the human internal clock and sleep. The researchers exposed volunteers to different coloured lights, including blueish and yellowish lights, to determine their effect on the body.
Researchers found that reindeer spend more time ruminating and less time in non-REM sleep, suggesting a possible restorative function of rumination. The study suggests that reindeer may be able to save time by resting during rumination, allowing them to cope with limited sleep time during the arctic summer.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that night owls are more likely to develop artery calcification than early risers. The research, which examined data from over 771 middle-aged participants, suggests that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease.
Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a link between the rare D-form of the amino acid alanine and the circadian clock's influence on glucose metabolism in the kidney. The study found that D-alanine regulates gluconeogenesis, a process that creates new glucose to maintain energy levels, and is mediated by the protein Cry2.
Researchers found that primary cilia length affects wound-healing time, with shorter cilia associated with faster healing. The circadian rhythm influences primary cilia length, leading to enhanced daytime wound repair.
Researchers designed LEDs that emit different wavelengths of blue light to support natural circadian rhythms. Using these new bulbs increased nighttime melatonin levels by 12.2% and reduced daytime melatonin by 21.9% compared to conventional LED exposure.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found significant improvements in sleep efficiency and psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.
A genetic study found that grizzly bears' energy production follows a daily pattern even during hibernation, with a blunted amplitude and shifted peak. This suggests that the circadian rhythm helps bears conserve energy while still maintaining some metabolic function.
Researchers discovered that individuals with obesity expel more energy at night compared to those with a healthy weight. During the day, people with obesity have higher insulin levels, indicating their body is working harder to process glucose.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are studying the impact of circadian rhythm on heart attacks and cardiac surgery, with a focus on identifying novel therapies to protect the heart. They will investigate the role of key genes and signaling pathways in modulating daytime variations in cardiac injury.
A study tracked skin temperature in 600 participants for six months, finding that individual differences were more significant than sex-based variations. The team used wearable devices to monitor skin temperature and found patterns consistent with menstrual cycles in women.
Researchers found that quasimodo (qsm) gene helps sync feeding to light/dark cycles, while genes clock (clk) and cycle (cyc) govern eating/fasting cycles. This discovery sheds light on animal behavior and potential treatments for eating disorders.
Researchers discovered a malaria protein, PfAP2-P, that plays a key regulatory role in immune evasion and parasite development. This protein acts as an activator of proteins required for the parasite to exit infected red blood cells and invade new ones.
Lucas Bowman Sutton, a Rensselaer doctoral student, has been awarded the US Department of Energy's Office of Science Graduate Student Research award to conduct research on the circadian clock at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He will utilize the Spallation Neutron Source to differentiate proteins that regulate timekeeping in living cells.
Researchers discovered BMAL1 is significantly upregulated in senescent cells and modulates the senescence program through AP-1. The study highlights a previously unappreciated role of BMAL1 in regulating cellular senescence and circadian clock components.
A UNIGE team investigated the destruction of neurons at different times of the day using fruit fly models and found that cellular stress was more deleterious to neurons at night. This suggests that the circadian clock exerts a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons against oxidative stress.
Jennifer Hurley, Ph.D., is investigating how the 24-hour cycle affects human health and has been granted $2.1 million over five years from the National Institutes of Health. Disruptions to circadian rhythms have been linked to serious medical conditions such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Researchers found that two common songbirds have smaller eyes than their counterparts from less bright outskirts, adapting to urban light. This study suggests that sensory pollutants like human-caused light may play a role in the decline of bird populations.
A study found that captive giant pandas living in zoos outside their natural latitude exhibit reduced activity, potentially impacting their wellbeing. The researchers monitored the behavior of 11 pandas at six zoos, finding that daylight and temperature cues played a crucial role in regulating their circadian clocks.
Researchers found that a two-nap schedule of 90-minute and 30-minute naps can help counteract drowsiness and fatigue during long night shifts. This strategy may also be beneficial for new parents experiencing sleep deprivation.
A team of researchers has discovered that the worm C. elegans uses a unique system to regulate its development, with a quartet of molecules working in concert to control gene expression. This process shares similarities with human circadian clocks, and understanding how it operates could provide insights into developmental biology.
Researchers at UCSF Health found a way to help teens adjust to their natural sleep-cycle rhythms while fulfilling school responsibilities. The Transdiagnostic Sleep and Circadian Intervention showed significant improvements in depression symptoms, especially among night-owl adolescents.
Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.
Researchers discovered that aging alters the pancreas's circadian rhythm by reorganizing its transcriptome. The study found that fibroblasts play a crucial role in regulating this reorganization, which affects the organ's resilience to aging-related pathologies.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that exposure to night shift work and rotating shift work is associated with higher rates of cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults. Cognitive function tests revealed impairment in memory and executive function, suggesting a potential link between shift work and neurodegeneration.
Scientists successfully reconstructed recognizable versions of Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1' using nonlinear modeling to decode brain activity. The study identified a unique region in the Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG) responsible for rhythm perception, with electrodes from this region crucial for accurate reconstruct...
Researchers found that Period 1 gene becomes more active in memory-forming region of brain in daylight hours after learning, playing crucial role in consolidating memories. Mice exhibit improved daytime memory performance compared to nighttime.
Researchers create biotissue-like rhythmic agglomerates using water and liquid metals, exhibiting aqueous properties and biorhythms. The unique capacity of liquid matter to generate biorhythms is revealed, opening opportunities for advanced soft robotic systems.
A study of over 100,000 participants found that eating breakfast late may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that a first meal before 8 am and an early dinner may help reduce this risk.
A team of researchers from IBEC has discovered that mechanical forces can disrupt the circadian clock in cells, specifically through the YAP protein. This finding provides new insights into the regulation of circadian rhythms and their role in cancer and aging processes.
A study found that local clock function in each tissue is not enough for whole-body glucose metabolism but requires signals from feeding and fasting cycles. Combining clocks with feeding-fasting cycles improved glucose regulation and restored metabolic control.
A new wearable device can track adrenal steroid levels in real-time, providing insights into hormonal rhythms and revolutionizing endocrine disease diagnosis. The U-RHYTHM technology offers a more accurate picture of hormone balance than traditional tests taken at one point, enabling earlier treatment interventions.
The study found that multiple copies of two genes, cldnj and fthl27, enable the hadal snailfish to maintain auditory senses and withstand high pressure. The fish's genetic variations allowed it to adapt to the absence of light in the deep sea, with some genes related to circadian rhythms lost.
A 37-year study in Finland found that evening types have a slightly increased risk of dying compared to morning types, primarily linked to smoking and drinking habits. The study tracked nearly 23,000 twins and found that lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking status, play a significant role in mortality rates.
A study by Florida Atlantic University and Duke University reveals that the malaria parasite's biological clock is 'in sync' with its human host's circadian clock. The researchers discovered a 'coupling' mechanism between the parasite and its host, which could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease.
Researchers found that malaria parasites synchronize their gene expression with the host's internal clock, repeating every 24 hours. The study reveals a potential new target for anti-malarial drugs by 'jet-lagging' the parasites' clocks.