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When does the body clock begin to synchronize with local time?

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that a mother's circadian rhythms cross the placenta to the baby before birth, setting the biological clock for daily patterns called circadian rhythms. The study suggests that stable circadian rhythms during pregnancy are crucial for healthy fetal development.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateApr 10, 2026

The body’s internal clock can be determined from a hair sample

Researchers at Charité develop test to determine circadian rhythm using hair roots, revealing genetic and lifestyle factors influencing internal clock. The new method shows promise for tailoring therapies to individual rhythms, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2026

Spring fatigue cannot be empirically proven

A study by researchers at the University of Basel and University of Bern found that spring fatigue is not a real biological phenomenon, but rather a culturally influenced concept. Participants in an online survey reported feeling more exhausted in spring, but the data showed no correlation with seasonal changes.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Night shifts aren’t just tiring, they can be deadly

A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalOncogene·DateDec 23, 2025

Mapping the dance of circadian synchrony

A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a computational tool to reveal connections in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the body's central circadian pacemaker. The study identified five functional cell types and found that a small subset of 'hub' cells are critical to SCN timekeeping.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2025

How does chemotherapy disrupt circadian rhythms?

Research reveals that chemotherapy impairs molecular and behavioral measures of the primary biological clock found in the brain. In a study on female mice, paclitaxel treatment disrupted circadian rhythm-related gene expression and behavioral adaptations to light challenges.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 8, 2025

Electronic Screen Use and Sleep Duration and Timing in Adults

Daily electronic screen use is associated with approximately 50 minutes less sleep per week and later bedtimes in adults. The findings suggest that these disruptions are not limited to children and adolescents, particularly among those with evening chronotypes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 27, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Time zones and tiredness strongly influence NBA results, study of 25,000 matches shows

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.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalChronobiology International·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2024

Study identifies 'visual system' protein for circadian rhythm stability

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified teneurin-3 as a key protein for stabilizing the body's circadian rhythms. The protein helps wire the brain during neural development to allow for stable responses to light changes, reducing the impact of disruptions on sleep and other cycles.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 27, 2023

Leaving on a jet plane in genes

A team of researchers from Kyoto University found that the pituitary vasopressin system is crucial for building a robust circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. This discovery has led to the development of potential treatments for jet lag, which currently target only the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023
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Synchronizing your internal clocks may help mitigate jet lag, effects of aging

A new study suggests that synchronizing internal clocks can help alleviate jet lag and age-related problems. Researchers found that eating a larger meal in the morning can help overcome jet lag, while constant nighttime eating can lead to misalignment between internal clocks.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateSep 5, 2023

Are you breaking your body clock?

Researchers developed a new mathematical model to study circadian rhythm resilience and develop ways to improve it in individuals with weak internal clocks. Sustained disruptions can lead to disorders like diabetes and memory loss.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems·DateAug 17, 2023

Irregular sleep patterns associated with harmful gut bacteria

Researchers at King's College London found irregular sleep patterns are associated with lower overall diet quality, higher intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, and lower intakes of fruits and nuts. This is linked to differences in gut microbiome composition, with certain species having 'unfavourable' associations with health.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateAug 1, 2023
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New research sheds light on how circadian rhythms work

Researchers have identified the structure of the circadian rhythm photosensor and its target in fruit flies, revealing key components of the circadian clocks. The study also shed light on how DNA damage is repaired in a cell and found genetic variations that help flies adapt to changing latitudes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateApr 26, 2023

Jet lag’s harmful health impacts found to be caused by biological clock misalignment

Research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that circadian disruption from jet lag can harm adult neurogenesis, which supports learning and memory. The study found that the Cryptochrome 1 gene regulates this process and that misalignment can lead to adverse health effects such as dementia and mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Dissecting the circadian clock in real time

Researchers at UC San Diego and UC Merced developed a high-throughput method to study the circadian clock in real time, shedding light on its internal functions. The study found that kinases play a crucial role in relaying the circadian rhythm from the core oscillator to gene expression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Chronic jet lag discovered in people living with HIV

Researchers found that people living with HIV have a significantly delayed internal body clock, consistent with the symptoms of jet lag. This disruption may contribute to increased health problems experienced by those with HIV. The study suggests a strong need for further research on younger people living with HIV in other countries.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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What happens if your circadian rhythms are out of whack?

Researchers discovered a molecular link between disrupted circadian rhythms and lung tumor growth, implicating a cancer-signature gene known as HSF1. Disrupted clocks may trigger lung tumors in individuals with irregular sleep patterns or night shifts.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022

Brain cells identified for regulation of sleep-wake rhythm

A research team has identified a specific cell group in the brain that regulates shifts in the sleep-wake rhythm caused by psychostimulants. The hypothalamic dopamine locus is responsible for modulating circadian rhythms and gates the effect of psychostimulants, leading to increased alertness and activity.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 11, 2022

New study reveals Boston Celtics may be unfairly impacted by NBA finals scheduling

A landmark study published in Frontiers in Physiology suggests that eastward travel can significantly impact home teams' performance in the NBA Finals. The research found that teams playing with 1 hour of eastward jet lag experienced a 0.72-point drop in point differential compared to teams without jet lag.

SourceMonash University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 16, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Body clock off-schedule? Prebiotics may help

A new study suggests that prebiotics can help realign sleep-wake cycles and core body temperature after chronic disruption of rhythms, hosting health-promoting microbes and a different metabolome. Researchers hope to develop customized prebiotic mixtures for individuals with frequent circadian disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

University of Barcelona study links weekend eating jet lag to obesity

A University of Barcelona study found that irregular eating schedules during weekends, known as eating jet lag, may contribute to increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity. Researchers suggest that maintaining regular eating and sleeping schedules can help prevent weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNutrients·DateJan 21, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

NIH-funded study suggests teen girl 'night owls' may be more likely to gain weight

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that teenage girls who go to bed later are more likely to gain weight compared to those who sleep earlier. The research also showed a significant association between late bedtime and increased waist size and body fat in young females.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 16, 2019

Circadian clock plays unexpected role in neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that inducing jet lag in fruit fly models of Huntington disease protected the flies' neurons. The team identified a circadian clock-controlled gene that also protected the brain when knocked down. This study suggests that targeting this gene could potentially slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 2, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

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Exercise in morning or afternoon to shift your body clock forward

A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that exercising at 7 am or between 1 and 4 pm advances the body clock to an earlier time, while exercising between 7 and 10 pm delays it. This research has implications for counteracting jet lag and shift work.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 19, 2019

To monitor 'social jet lag,' scientists look to Twitter

Researchers found that sustained periods of low Twitter activity were correlated with sleep patterns, while the nightly lull shifted to later times on weekends. The magnitude of 'Twitter social jet lag' varied seasonally and geographically, with the West Coast experiencing less lag.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 15, 2018

The VIPs of the nervous system

Scientists at Washington University discovered that activating only 10% of VIP neurons can rapidly shift a mouse's daily schedule. The study suggests that VIP neurons produce vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, an essential compound for synchronizing daily rhythms.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNeuron·DateJul 12, 2018

Revisiting existing drugs finds molecules that control body clocks

A team of researchers has discovered compounds that can regulate the circadian rhythm in human cells, including a well-known anti-aging supplement. The supplement was found to reduce jet lag symptoms in mice, providing hope for the treatment of circadian clock disorders arising from jet lag and shift work.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 18, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Poor grades tied to class times that don't match our biological clocks

A new study found that students whose circadian rhythms were out of sync with their class schedules received lower grades due to social jet lag. The research analyzed online activity data from nearly 15,000 college students and suggested individualizing education to match students' natural rhythms for better academic success.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 29, 2018

Delaying meals impacts the sugar levels of the body

Researchers at the University of Surrey discovered that delaying meal times by five hours can delay blood sugar rhythms, suggesting a potential solution for alleviating symptoms of shift work and jet lag. This finding indicates that separate circadian clocks govern glucose metabolism and fat levels in the blood.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2017

Cells in the retina light the way to treating jet lag

New cells in retina found to directly affect biological clock by sending signals to brain region regulating daily rhythms. Disruption of circadian rhythms linked to health issues like gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders, depression, and cancer.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 17, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Jet lag impairs performance of Major League Baseball players

Researchers found that eastward travel had significant negative effects on MLB players' performance, particularly in base running and home runs allowed. The study's findings suggest that jet lag can have a substantial impact on team performance, even erasing the traditional home field advantage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

VIP treatment for jet lag

A study at Washington University in St. Louis found that a small molecule called VIP can temporarily desynchronize brain cells, but also enables them to re-synchronize more quickly to abrupt shifts in daily light-dark schedules. This effect may be useful for travelers and shift workers who struggle with jet lag.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

Jet-lagged and forgetful? It's no coincidence

Research by University of California, Berkeley psychologists found that chronic jet lag causes persistent changes in the brain's hippocampus, leading to memory and learning problems. The study, which used female Syrian hamsters as subjects, showed that even after recovery from jet lag, the brain continued to experience deficits.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 24, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Down with jet lag

Researchers found that individual organs' internal clocks synchronize with the external time at varying speeds, leading to discoordination of physiological processes. The adrenal gland plays a key role in this adaptation, and manipulating corticosterone production can help rodents recover from jet lag faster.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 25, 2010

Jetting off without the jet lag

A new study has identified a key role for adrenal glucocorticoids in resetting the internal body clock, a finding that could lead to new treatments for jet lag. The research also highlights the importance of timing and location in regulating circadian rhythms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 23, 2010

Using math to take the lag out of jet lag

A new software program uses mathematical modeling to prescribe optimal light exposure for avoiding jet lag, resulting in quicker re-synchronization and improved performance. The method considers background light levels and time zones traveled, providing personalized recommendations for bright light intervention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 18, 2009

Jet lag disturbs sleep by upsetting internal clocks in 2 neural centers

Scientists have identified the two neural centers responsible for regulating sleep patterns, revealing that disruptions to these centers can cause jet lag. The study found that deep sleep is more closely tied to light-dark cycles, while REM sleep follows a separate internal clock, leading to a delay in adaptation to new schedules.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 16, 2009

Paper sheds new 'light' on fascinating rhythms of the circadian clock

A study by University of Notre Dame biologist Giles Duffield and his team sheds new light on the circadian clock's response to light signals, focusing on the Inhibitor of DNA-binding 2 (Id2) gene. The research has important implications for understanding the development and functioning of the circadian clock in the brain and peripheral...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCell Biology·DateFeb 16, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New medication brings hope of jet lag cure

Researchers at Monash University found a new drug, tasimelteon, that can effectively shift melatonin levels to alleviate jet lag and sleep disorders. The drug has the potential to improve sleep quality for patients with transient insomnia caused by time zone changes.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 1, 2008

Repeated long haul flights cause problems for air crew

Air crew who work repeated long haul routes are at risk of menstrual cycle problems, transient psychotic disorders, and major affective disorders due to the effects of jet lag. The symptoms can last for several days and include disrupted sleep patterns, mood changes, and gastrointestinal difficulties.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 29, 2007

Travelers can avoid jet lag by resetting their body clocks

A new study found that combining bright light and melatonin can help advance the circadian clock and reduce jet lag. The combination produces a larger phase advance than bright light alone, making it a practical solution for travelers.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 1, 2005

New findings bring mixed blessings to those looking to combat jet lag

Researchers investigated the effects of caffeine (SRC) and melatonin (Mlt) on jet lag symptoms. The study found that Mlt decreased subjective sleepiness but not objective sleep quality, while SRC reduced sleepiness for a few days with negative effects on recovery sleep. Additional studies are needed to evaluate their full effects.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateFeb 4, 2004

Biological clock more influenced by temperature than light

Scientists found that the biological clock in mice and rats responds to temperature changes rather than light signals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding jet lag and could lead to new treatments for related conditions.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateJul 14, 2003
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

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