Articles tagged with Biological Rhythms
Researchers summarize growing knowledge on light therapy's mechanism, effectiveness, and applications in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Light stimulation has been shown to restore memory and cognition, improve sleep quality, and reduce symptoms in patients with these conditions.
Adults born prematurely may be more susceptible to severe influenza infections due to disruptions in their lung biological clock, research in mice suggests. The study found that premature infants who received life-saving oxygen were more likely to develop long-term lung problems and increased flu risk.
Researchers have discovered how plants use their metabolism to sense time and conserve energy, shedding light on the 'plant clock'. This understanding could help optimize crop growth in various conditions, such as different seasons and latitudes. The study's findings may lead to more reliable food production and improved yields.
Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that insect neurons promoting egg-laying require a circadian clock gene for day length-dependent responses. This study provides new insights into the importance of biological clocks in regulating seasonal physiological functions like reproduction and temperature tolerance in insects.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the circadian rhythms of Japanese red flour beetles vary geographically, with weaker rhythmic amplitudes at higher latitudes. The researchers collected beetles from 37 rice mills across Japan and found no variation in rhythm period with latitude or longitude.
Researchers discovered that cells within a single organ can synchronize their circadian rhythms without receiving timing cues from the brain or other external signals. This finding suggests a novel mechanism of coordination, where cells exchange molecules to stay in phase.
Scientists investigate rhythmic changes in yeast cells' hydrogen peroxide levels and find that inactivating peroxiredoxin decouples cell division from metabolism. This discovery could provide insights into uncontrolled cell division in tumor cells.
A new study reveals that nearly every cell has its own clock, which controls various aspects of homeostasis and organ function. Disruption of the clock can lead to diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of tuning our internal time with the environment.
A study on mice reveals that GABA release from vasopressin-producing neurons regulates the suprachiasmatic nucleus clock and constrains behavioral rhythms to specific time-windows. Gene-based molecular clocks are necessary but insufficient for generating circadian behavior, highlighting the importance of intercellular communication.
Scientists studied gene expression patterns in Drosophila to understand the circadian rhythm, finding that individual flies have unique rhythms and genetic variations can affect behavior. The study also reveals genes that regulate circadian rhythms in humans, potentially impacting metabolic patterns and disease
A study from Lehigh University finds that light pollution may increase the likelihood of preterm birth, with a possible increase of up to 12.9%. The researchers suggest that circadian rhythm disruption could be a biological mechanism underlying this link.
Researchers at Nagoya University and Groningen University develop a method to control the daily rhythm of human cells using light. They discovered two compounds, TH303 and TH129, that can lengthen the circadian clock period and found a way to reverse this effect by changing the compound's structure with light.
Research reveals that macrophages, key immune cells, respond to pathogens and stress through circadian-controlled metabolism. The study showed an incredible amount of circadian timing in macrophage behavior, but the clock regulated immunity in unexpected ways.
Researchers at EPFL and Weizmann Institute of Science study spatial shifts of gene expression within liver lobules in relation to the circadian clock. The study reveals that many liver genes are both zonated and rhythmic, regulating key metabolic functions.
A study found that a single DNA base-pair change in a specific gene can influence whether a plant is a lark or night owl, affecting its flowering time and ability to withstand climate change. The research could help farmers select plants with clocks best suited to their location.
Researchers found that YKL-40 is regulated by clock genes and involved in clearing away Alzheimer's proteins in the brain. People with lower levels of YKL-40 fare better in terms of cognitive decline, suggesting it may be a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers from KAIST and Florida State University developed a model describing PER molecule motion in cells, showing how aging and diseases disrupt circadian rhythms by hindering condensation around the cell nucleus. This leads to irregular sleep-wake cycles and unstable rhythms.
Researchers found a molecular basis for the connection between disrupted circadian rhythms and substance abuse in mice with an NPAS2 gene mutation. The study revealed sex-based differences in behavioral changes related to cocaine administration and striatum activation.
Researchers have identified a neural pathway that links the circadian clock, stress, and wakefulness in mammals. The study found that excessively active corticotropin-releasing factor neurons triggered insomnia and other sleep disorders when the circadian rhythm was disturbed.
Researchers found that solitary red mason bee females emerge with a mature circadian clock, allowing them to forage and care for offspring daily. In contrast, social honeybees have a delayed maturation of their internal clock, explaining their age-related behavioral shifts.
Scientists from UNIGE and HUG identified the essential role of circadian clocks in beta cell regeneration. The study found that regeneration is significantly greater at night, when mice are active, and that the BMAL1 gene plays a crucial role in this process.
Researchers developed a wearable device to monitor stress levels using sweat biomarkers, measuring cortisol, glucose, and vitamin C. The device tracks circadian rhythms and can be controlled via a smartphone, offering noninvasive monitoring of stress levels.
Research at Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that wearing blue-light-filtering glasses can lead to better night's sleep and improved work engagement. Daily task performance and organizational citizenship behavior also increased with blue light reduction.
A study by chronobiologists from the University of Groningen found that Olympic swimmers performed best in the finals due to their biological clock. The researchers analyzed times from four Olympic Games and found a significant sinusoid performance pattern over the course of a day, with peak performance occurring late afternoon.
Research from the University of Kent found that TRESK plays a crucial role in regulating the brain's central circadian clock. Lowering TRESK levels disrupted the biological rhythm, causing the clock to lose its day-night association.
Researchers investigated the impact of sleep deprivation on glymphatic system function, which regulates waste removal in the brain. The study found that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating this process, and disruptions to circadian rhythms can lead to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Research reveals that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in guiding waste removal from the brain through the glymphatic system. The study found that individuals who rely on daytime sleep are at higher risk for developing neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and dementia.
Researchers developed a genetically engineered mouse to visualize fluctuations in circadian clocks of cell types. They found that removing clock genes from AVP neurons disrupted the entire SCN network, while VIP neurons were less affected.
Researchers at Nagoya University have found the mechanism of the night-to-day transition of the circadian rhythm in green algae. By controlling the activity of ROC75, they can wake up green algae and enhance their photosynthetic activities to produce larger amounts of lipids.
Researchers found distinct responses to ultraviolet and other colors of light between day- and night-biting mosquito species. The study's findings have important implications for using light to control harmful insects.
A study by McGill researchers found that sodium concentrations can influence circadian rhythms in mice, activating neurons associated with the master clock. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating negative health effects of long distance travel or shift work.
Two genes, ELF3 and GI, control a plant's internal clock, regulating the timing of flowering in response to daylight. The study provides insights into how plants anticipate environmental changes and breed better-adapted varieties.
A study of 3,000 independently living older men found that weak or irregular circadian rhythms are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease years later. The researchers suggest that these disruptions may reflect neurodegenerative processes already affecting the brain's internal clock.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that weaker or irregular circadian rhythms in daily rest and activity cycles are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease later on. Disruptions in the brain's internal clock may be an early warning sign of neurodegenerative disease processes.
A team of Kyoto University researchers has discovered an intimate connection between methylation and the body's circadian rhythms, linking ancient mechanisms in bacteria to humans. Disruption of methylation can cause various pathologies, including cancer, and inhibiting it in mice and human cells disrupted their body clocks.
Researchers from Waseda University found damped, low-amplitude circadian oscillations in cyanobacteria lacking KaiA, challenging previous studies. The findings suggest the circadian clock may have evolved gradually from these oscillations.
Scientists have discovered that malaria parasites have an intrinsic clock controlling their invasion of human cells. This finding opens up new avenues for treating the disease by disrupting its biological rhythms.
Research found that malaria parasites have an inherent clock that drives their activity, resulting in cyclical fevers in humans. The parasite's gene expression patterns remained consistent despite changes in lighting conditions and host circadian rhythms.
New research reveals that certain internal clock neurons in fruit flies, previously thought to send time-keeping cues to the brain, actually receive cues from the external environment. This finding has significant implications for understanding circadian rhythm disruptions and their associated health problems.
Researchers at Nagoya University's ITbM discovered two new compounds that target specific components of the circadian clock. KL101 and TH301 lengthen the period of the circadian clock and are expected to provide a promising foundation for treating obesity.
Researchers discovered that plant circadian clocks play a critical role in water consumption, allowing plants to use resources more efficiently. The study found that altering circadian rhythms can improve water use efficiency without compromising plant growth.
A randomized clinical trial found that cataract surgery increased melatonin secretion in patients aged 60 and above. The study suggests that changes in light perception due to cataract surgery may affect the body's natural circadian rhythm.
Researchers discovered a pigment called melanopsin sensitive to blue light affects circadian rhythms but cone photoreceptors respond strongly to long wavelength oranges and yellows at sunrise and sunset. The study identifies a cell in the retina regulating brain centers that impact sleep, mood and learning.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that later school start times significantly reduce vehicle accidents involving teen drivers. Teenagers who get more sleep are less likely to make poor decisions such as not wearing a seat belt or engaging in distracted driving.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that global brain fluctuations decrease as the day progresses, affecting cognitive function and connectivity. The researchers analyzed fMRI data from over 900 subjects and observed a cumulative decrease in global signal fluctuation and functional connectivity with time of day.
Shift workers are at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, heart disease and type 2 diabetes due to disrupted circadian rhythms. Employers and workers can take steps to mitigate these risks, including establishing consistent sleep schedules, controlling light exposure and promoting healthy nutrition and exercise.
Disturbances in the internal clocks of pancreatic cells are linked to type-2 diabetes. Researchers successfully restored clock function using a natural compound, improving insulin secretion and providing new hope for diabetes care. The study shows that synchronizing the internal clocks can help regulate blood sugar levels.
A study led by McGill University found that anti-inflammatory medications are most effective when taken during the active periods of our biological clocks, promoting post-operative healing and recovery. This discovery suggests a new approach to treating pain and inflammation following surgery.
A German high school's flexible scheduling system, which allows students to start school later, has been shown to improve their sleep patterns and ability to concentrate. The study found that students who started school later slept more soundly and were better equipped to handle coursework.
Researchers found that mice's visual capability changes between day and night due to their internal clock, not eye changes. They used a maze experiment to study how the circadian rhythm influences behavior and nerve signals in the retina.
Researchers found that time-restricted eating can lead to weight loss, reduced abdominal fat, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and more stable blood sugar and insulin levels. The study included 19 participants with metabolic syndrome who experienced improved sleep and a 3-4% reduction in body weight.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in humans, which respond to blue light and help establish healthy day-night cycles. The study's findings may lead to 'smart' lights that prevent depression, foster sleep, and maintain circadian rhythms.
A pilot study found that limiting food consumption to a 10-hour window per day improved health outcomes in participants with metabolic syndrome. Participants experienced significant weight loss, reduced abdominal fat, and stable blood sugar and insulin levels.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that stress hormones, such as corticosterone, play a crucial role in controlling the circadian rhythm of brain cells. By using test rats and a new method involving medical micropumps, they were able to restore the rhythmic activity of clock genes in the cerebellum even after t...
Researchers studied Drosophila and Chymomyza flies, revealing two possible explanations for arrhythmic behavior in high-latitude species. The study suggests that strong behavioral rhythms may be a disadvantage in polar regions, but certain characteristics could aid survival.
Daylight Saving Time transitions can have lasting impacts on health, causing biologic clocks to become desynchronized and increasing the risk of heart attacks and ischemic strokes. Average sleep duration shrinks by 15-20 minutes during DST, potentially leading to fatal accidents.
Researchers found that skin in mice expresses its own photoreceptors using neuroposin, synchronizing circadian clocks to light-dark cycles independently of eyes or brain. This discovery has implications for understanding skin physiology and potentially enhancing medical practice.
Research by LMU Munich chronobiologists reveals that sleep-wake cycles drive cycles of protein abundance and phosphorylation in synaptic proteins. Synaptic phosphorylation plays a key role in regulating synaptic function, particularly during sleep-wake transitions.
The study reveals that the compound eyes of fruit flies play a crucial role in synchronizing their circadian clocks with light exposure. As daylight periods increase, the evening activity peak is delayed and the 'siesta' period is extended, highlighting the flexibility of the circadian clock mechanism.
Researchers found a key driver of nutrient absorption synchronization with Earth's day-night light cycle, linking it to weight gain. The commensal bacteria program the metabolic rhythms by activating protein histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), which enhances fat absorption.