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Dental biorhythms track weight gain in adolescents

Researchers found that adolescents with faster dental biorhythms (5-6 day cycle) weighed less and gained less weight over 14 months. Those with slower biorhythms (7-8 day cycle) produced the greatest weight gain, suggesting a link between tooth growth patterns and metabolic rate.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeCase study·DateAug 29, 2022

New UCI-led research reveals the circadian clock influences cell growth, metabolism and tumor progression

A new UCI-led study reveals that the circadian clock's disruption can drive colorectal cancer progression through genetic mutations and increased tumor growth. The study found that both environmental and genetic disruptions of the circadian clock contribute to APC loss of heterozygosity, a critical factor in CRC development.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 10, 2022

Shift work increases the severity of strokes later in life

A new study published in Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms found that shift work can lead to long-lasting health effects, including increased severity of strokes. The research, led by Texas A&M University, suggests that disrupted internal body clocks can alter gut and brain interactions, leading to worse stroke outcomes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNeurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms·TypeNews article·DateJul 12, 2022

A new light in rice flowering

The study clarifies the role of photoperiodism in regulating rice flowering time. Phytochrome B makes connection between light and Evening Complex, while active ELF3-1 protein triggers late flowering. Evening Complex plays essential role in inducing flowering, with inactive proteins leading to no flowering.

While the fetal clock develops, mom’s behavior tells the time

Researchers discovered that genes in the fetal suprachiasmatic nuclei respond to rhythmic behavior in the mother before the biological clock starts ticking on its own. This finding may have implications for premature babies and highlights the importance of a healthy maternal circadian system during pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

Fitness needs the right timing

The study found that cryptochromes are conserved across various green organisms, influencing cell structures responsible for photosynthesis. The researchers discovered that a specific cryptochrome can actually lead to increased growth despite appearing darker green due to denser packed cell membranes.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateApr 5, 2022

Working shifts may delay the onset of menopause

A new study suggests that working non-traditional shifts may delay the onset of natural menopause in women. The researchers found a significant association between rotating shifts and later age at menopause, possibly due to disruptions in circadian rhythms. Further investigation is necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

New findings on the internal clock of the fruit fly

A team of researchers from the University of Münster has made new findings on the internal clock of the fruit fly, demonstrating the role of transport proteins in regulating circadian rhythms. The study found that ions transported by KCC play a crucial role in synchronising the internal clock with external day-night rhythms.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

Lighting the way to healthier daily rhythms

A new report has provided the first scientific consensus on healthy daily light exposure to support sleep, alertness, and well-being. The recommendations aim to optimize lighting in workplaces, public buildings, and homes to promote healthier body rhythms and improve overall health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 17, 2022

Shift work linked to poorer working memory and slower mental processing speed

A pooled data analysis of 18 studies found that shift workers performed significantly worse than non-shift workers in five cognitive outcomes. The results suggest that shift work may increase the risk of workplace injuries and errors due to impaired brain function, particularly in impulse control and situational response.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 8, 2022

Mutant mice shed no tears

A study led by Kyoto University researchers found that modulating hormone levels can improve meibomian gland disorder, a common cause of dry eyes. Topical administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) boosted NAD levels and rebooted 3-HSD activity in mutant mice, alleviating dryness.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Diseased male livers undergo sex-change

Research by the University of Queensland found that male livers with hepatic diseases undergo a sex change as part of a self-protective mechanism. The study suggests that this transformation may be driven by the female hormone oestrogen, which helps to slow down disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Optimizing indoor light conditions to mimic the natural light-dark cycle could help mitigate adverse metabolic effects of extended periods of exposure to indoor lighting

A study found that bright light during daylight hours and dim light in the evening improves glucose metabolism, thermoregulation, and energy expenditure. In contrast, a dim day with bright evening led to reduced postprandial glucose levels despite unchanged insulin levels.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateFeb 2, 2022

The circadian clock in heart failure

A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that Rev-erbα/β in cardiomyocytes mediates a normal metabolic rhythm, enabling the cells to use lipids as energy during resting time. Removing Rev-erbα/β disrupts this rhythm, leading to progressive dilated cardiomyopathy and lethal heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Scientists dive deep into the different effects of morning and evening exercise

A comprehensive study of exercise performed at different times of the day has identified distinct health-promoting signaling molecules produced by the body in an organ-specific manner. The findings suggest that exercising at the right time can optimize health benefits, particularly for individuals at risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2022

Scientists dive deep into the different effects of morning and evening exercise

Researchers discovered how different tissues respond to exercise at various times of day, influencing sleep, memory, and metabolic homeostasis. The 'Atlas of Exercise Metabolism' provides a comprehensive map of exercise-induced signaling molecules present in different tissues following exercise.

Gravitational action of sun and moon influences behavior of animals and plants, study shows

Researchers found that local gravitational tides modulate the cyclical behavior of organisms, even in the absence of other rhythmic influences. The study questions the validity of free-run experiments and highlights the importance of considering gravitational oscillations in biological research.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJan 4, 2022

Rhythms of the krill

Researchers found that Arctic krill respond to visual changes during the Arctic polar night by swimming up or down in search of food and avoiding predators. The study revealed that even small changes in light intensity can entrain the biological rhythms of krill, helping them navigate their environment.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 29, 2021

Neurobiologists identify a new gene important for healthy daily rhythms

A new gene called Tango10 has been identified as critical for daily behavioral rhythms, modulating the activity of neurons to drive the animal's sleep-wake cycle. The study suggests that targeting this molecular pathway could lead to therapeutics to address sleep problems and related human diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

A breakdown in communication -- mitochondria of diabetic patients can’t keep time

A team of international scientists has shown that skeletal muscle cells from people with type 2 diabetes have a different circadian rhythm, leading to altered mitochondrial metabolism. The study suggests that considering cellular rhythms when prescribing treatments for type 2 diabetes could optimize their effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

‘Fight or flight’ – unless internal clocks are disrupted, study in mice shows

Research in mice reveals that coordinated clock-gene and neuronal activity rhythms are necessary for daily hormone release, with the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) working together to generate circadian rhythms. Disruption of these clocks can lead to various pathologies.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2021

More sleep boosts teens’ ability to cope with pandemic

A new study from McGill University reveals that delaying school start times can help reduce stress and improve coping skills in teenagers during times of crisis. The research found that allowing teens to follow their natural sleep-wake cycle led to improved mental health outcomes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2021

A blood test for your body clock? It's on the horizon

Researchers at University of Colorado Boulder have developed a blood test that can assess the timing of an individual's internal circadian clock, potentially leading to personalized medicine breakthroughs. The study found that analyzing a combination of molecules in a single blood draw can determine the timing of a person's biological ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

How plants become good neighbors in times of stress

Scientists from the John Innes Centre and University of Bristol found that deep shade triggers changes in plant circadian clocks, suppressing stem elongation. This adaptation allows plants to coexist in dense forests and crop canopies without wasting energy.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2021

How behavioral rhythms are fine-tuned in the brain

A team at Kanazawa University found that vasopressin neurons play a critical role in regulating the timing of output from the molecular clock, which governs circadian behaviors. The study used mice with altered GABA signaling to demonstrate the importance of these neurons in maintaining behavioral rhythms.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2021

Circadian clock in the mouse placenta

A study reveals that the mouse placenta's circadian clock regulates the expression and activity of ABCB1, a drug efflux transporter, in a 24h rhythm. This finding suggests that the timing of maternal treatment could be crucial to avoid non-desirable effects on foetal development during pregnancy.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateApr 27, 2021