Articles tagged with Biological Rhythms
Researchers at WashU Medicine used whole brain scans to discover that different groups of neurons become active at different times of day, despite being on the same molecular clock. This reveals a new mechanism for encoding daily rhythms in neural signaling.
Researchers discovered a 'circadian circuit' in which clock neurons send signals to the central brain areas that regulate activity and sleep. This mechanism allows time information to be transmitted through the brain.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified genetic variants linked to a preference for mornings or nights, revealing the biological basis of morningness. The research found that individuals with a 'morning' genotype tend to have lower BMI and are less likely to suffer from depression.
A study found that disrupted circadian rhythms can lead to nondipping blood pressure, a risk factor for hypertension and vascular disease. A low-salt diet can exacerbate this effect, increasing the risk of disease.
Researchers discovered that blood plasma metabolites and RNA from pigs oscillate on a five-day rhythm, mirroring a corresponding rhythm in tooth enamel. This finding provides insight into biological processes regulating growth and body size, and may be key to understanding species' life history evolution.
A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that the circadian rhythm of gene activity changes with aging, leading to altered sleep and cognitive patterns. The team identified core genes that make up the molecular clock in the prefrontal cortex, which may explain some age-related alterations in brain function.
Researchers designed synthetic microbes to learn what drives the bacterial circadian clock and how it might be manipulated. The findings indicate that the cyanobacteria's clock can synchronize to metabolism outside of photosynthesis, suggesting potential applications in engineered microbes.
A new study finds that bacterial circadian clocks are set by metabolic rhythms, rather than light exposure. Genetically engineered cyanobacteria showed that the clock responds to sugar availability and can maintain a regular rhythm in complete darkness.
Scientists have discovered that the length of a living organism's 24-hour internal clock remains constant despite temperature fluctuations. The study found that external pathways sensitive to temperature cue the clock to skip ahead or backward, while the core mechanisms within the clock itself remain insensitive to temperature.
Research reveals that dietary restriction enhances the expression of circadian clock genes in fruit flies, improving fat metabolism and extending lifespan. The study suggests a potential target for drug development to promote healthy aging.
Researchers discovered that IR25a plays a key role in entraining fruit fly brains to small changes in temperature. The study found that when temperature fluctuations were large, flies lacking IR25a could adapt, but when they were small, the flies struggled to synchronize their circadian clocks.
A new Northwestern Medicine study has identified thousands of genetic pathways that regulate insulin production and blood sugar control in the pancreas, which could lead to new therapies for children and adults with diabetes. The researchers created a detailed map of genes controlled by the circadian clock's transcription factors.
Researchers at Virginia Tech will investigate the effects of circadian rhythms on fundamental cellular processes using a $750,000 NSF award. The study aims to understand how disruptions in circadian rhythms contribute to disease development and progression.
Researchers found that polyamines, which decline with age, regulate the functioning of circadian clocks. Administering polyamine supplements restored clock function in older mice, suggesting potential clinical applications.
Researchers found that polyamine supplementation reverses slowed circadian clocks in aging mice, opening new possibilities for nutritional interventions. The discovery has potential implications for age-related diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that the retina employs a separate light-sensitive pigment called neuropsin to regulate its internal rhythms. Neuropsin is distinct from melanopsin, which controls the body's circadian rhythms and synchronizes with the suprachiasmatic nuclei.
A CU-Boulder study shows that evening caffeine consumption can delay the internal circadian clock by approximately 40 minutes. The researchers also found that bright light exposure induces even greater phase delays, suggesting a possible ceiling effect on human circadian clocks.
Jae Kyoung Kim's research uses mathematical modeling and synthetic biology to understand how biological circuits generate and sustain stable rhythms. The study found that a novel bacterial circuit generates robust rhythms under various conditions, providing insights into the fundamental mechanism of rhythm generation in biological syst...
Daily changes in nuclear positioning of circadian genes regulate their activity with a 24-hour period. Researchers identified two proteins PARP1 and CTCF that bring genes to the periphery, promoting silent state.
A new statistical approach, called Oscope, identifies oscillating genes in single-cell RNA-sequencing experiments by examining cells from an unsynchronized population. The technique captures one base cycle of each group of cyclic genes, offering a practical way to profile distinct groups of genes that play a cyclical role.
Researchers found that manipulating the circadian clock's timing signal can restore reproductive function in older female mice. This approach may have implications for human fertility and suggest the importance of 'circadian hygiene' to prevent reproductive difficulties.
Researchers at Scripps Florida will study RORs, molecules that regulate circadian rhythm and carbohydrate metabolism, to better understand their role in neurological disorders. The new grant aims to expand the understanding of these receptors and develop experimental compounds for treating conditions like depression and bipolar disease.
A study by the University of Leicester reveals that a thermosensory gene called TrpA1 is linked to changes in behavior in flies during warmer climates. The research suggests that this gene plays a crucial role in regulating the biological clock, which is essential for controlling circadian rhythms.
A team of University of Washington biologists has identified a key mechanism plants use to decide when to release their floral scents. They found that the petunia's LHY gene controls when the plant releases its fragrance, connecting it to the innate circadian rhythms that pulse through all life on Earth.
Researchers found that the KaiC protein encodes the Earth's 24-hour rotation period at an atomic level. The protein's structure and reactivity regulate molecular rhythms, which could lead to new therapies for circadian rhythm disorders.
A new study led by Dr. Jinbo Bi at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering aims to find the genetic causes of specific symptoms of substance addiction. The study will use a database of over 11,000 subjects and develop new statistical tools to classify substance dependence more effectively.
The study reveals that Rev-erbα has two distinct roles in regulating the body clock and metabolism, one in cells across the body and another in the liver. This dual function may enable the development of targeted therapies for metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
A team of researchers discovered that the main clock of flies is controlled by mechanisms similar to those regulating human internal clocks. This study demonstrates how distant organisms can share similar biological clock gears despite displaying different circadian activities.
Researchers discovered that bioluminescent fungi produce light to attract insects that disperse their spores. The circadian control of bioluminescence makes the process more efficient and helps the mushrooms save energy. Studying these organisms is crucial for understanding forest ecosystems and the carbon cycle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.