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Could daytime light exposure help protect against dementia?

A study of 87,577 adults found that average daytime light exposure above 1,000 lux reduced dementia risk by 16%. Longer exposure to bright light was associated with an even greater reduction in risk. Daytime light exposure was stronger predictor of dementia than established risk factors.

SourceWiley·JournalGeneral Psychiatry

The truth of timekeeping lies within: key developments in understanding circadian rhythms

Researchers at The University of Osaka discovered that the cyanobacterial circadian clock is controlled by factors intrinsic to one protein, which remains stable under different conditions. This finding offers significant insight into how living organisms measure time.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers show how circadian rhythms help boost infection recovery

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in boosting infection recovery in critically ill patients with respiratory viral infections. Maintaining a rhythmic meal schedule can mitigate the effects of disrupted light cycles and improve outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study

Groundbreaking review reveals how gut microbiota influences sleep disorders through the brain-gut axis

A comprehensive review synthesizes current insights into the intricate connections between gut microbiota and sleep regulation, highlighting the crucial role of peripheral organs in modulating brain function and behavior. Disruptions in gut microbiota composition are closely linked to sleep disturbances across multiple disorders.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeLiterature review

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.

Study links shift work to higher risk of kidney stones, influenced by lifestyle factors

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that shift workers have a 15% higher risk of developing kidney stones, especially younger workers and those with low levels of manual labor. Lifestyle factors such as BMI, fluid intake, and smoking habits significantly contribute to the occurrence of kidney stones.

SourceElsevier·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeData/statistical analysis

How artificial light at night damages brain health and metabolism

Dr. Randy J. Nelson's research reveals that artificial light exposure disrupts immune function, causes neuroinflammation, and influences mood regulation. His work has significant implications for understanding depression and anxiety disorders, as well as the obesity epidemic.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeNews article

Circadian preference is associated with impulsivity in adolescents

A study found that adolescents with self-reported evening preference, or 'night owl' tendencies, reported greater negative urgency and lack of perseverance, which are two aspects of impulsivity. The study suggests that unmeasured psychological or behavioral factors may be influencing both impulsivity and circadian preference.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study

New compound targets circadian clock machinery in cells to fight glioblastoma

Researchers have developed a new compound, SHP1705, that selectively attacks glioblastoma stem cells by hijacked circadian clock proteins. The compound was found to be safe and well-tolerated in humans during a phase 1 clinical trial.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeExperimental study

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers uncover role of fungal circadian clock in pathogenicity

A team of scientists has discovered that the circadian clock plays a crucial role in regulating F. oxysporum's response to zinc starvation and controlling secondary metabolism, enhancing its virulence. The study provides new insight into host-pathogen interactions and could lead to innovative approaches for crop protection.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study

Brain tumors hijack circadian clock to grow

Glioblastoma brain tumors synchronize their growth with the daily release of steroid hormones like cortisol, according to new research. Blocking these signals slows tumor growth and disease progression in animal models.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCancer Cell

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scientists identify immune molecule that keeps metabolism in tune and on time

Researchers identify interleukin-17A as a key regulator of fat storage, carrying implications for addressing obesity and preventing wasting. The discovery highlights the interaction between the immune system and circadian rhythms, which may hold therapeutic potential for metabolic disorders.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study

One in three Americans has a dysfunctional metabolism, but intermittent fasting could help

A clinical trial found time-restricted eating improved blood sugar regulation and reduced markers of metabolic dysfunction in adults with metabolic syndrome. Participants who followed a customized eight-to-ten-hour eating window saw significant improvements compared to standard treatments.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial

Innovative field experiments shed light on biological clocks in nature

A recent study published in PNAS explores how plants combine clock signals with environmental cues under naturally fluctuating conditions. The research team developed statistical models that accurately predict gene expression activity under control of circadian clock responses to environmental signals.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study

Daily rhythms depend on receptor density in biological clock

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have found that altering GABA receptor density affects circadian rhythm amplitude and synchrony among SCN cells. Reducing or mutating these receptors decreased the mice's daytime wheel-running and reduced nocturnal activity.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Melanopsin DNA aptamers can regulate input signals of mammalian circadian rhythms by altering the phase of the molecular clock

Researchers developed DNA aptamers of melanopsin to regulate mammalian circadian rhythms. Four Melapts induced a phase advance and seven caused a delay in the biological clocks of cells and mice. The aptamers may have potential therapeutic applications by manipulating melanopsin's input signals to the central clock.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study

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.

Sleep Research Society announces 2024 award recipients

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine

Synchronization between the central circadian clock and the circadian clocks of tissues preserves their functioning and prevents ageing

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...

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalScience

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Retinal photoreceptors use dual pathways to tell brain ‘I’ve seen the light!’

Researchers found that intrinsically-photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) use both microvillous and ciliary signaling mechanisms simultaneously. This discovery reveals a new pathway for transmitting light signals to the brain, which may have ancient origins on the evolutionary scale.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Where your bed is in a hospital ward can determine how well you sleep

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...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms

One of the keys to healthy sleep and blood sugar has been found

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalKidney360·TypeExperimental study

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

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.

UTHealth Houston researchers awarded $2.6 million NIH grant to study molecular pathways and potential strategies for treatment of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

BMAL1 modulates senescence programming via AP-1

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study

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

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Aging alters pancreatic circadian rhythm

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study

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

In sync? Malaria parasite and human time clocks do align

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.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Biological clocks of people and malaria parasites tick in tune

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study

Keeping time: Understanding the master clock in the brain

A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found a key molecule involved in sleep homeostasis also plays a critical role in circadian behavior. The SIK3-HDAC4 pathway modulates the length of the circadian period through NMS-producing neurons, contributing to the sleep/wake rhythm.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Tick tock – the liver controls the circadian clock

Research reveals liver cells play a crucial role in regulating the body's internal circadian clock, influencing sleep patterns, hormone secretion, and metabolism. Studies on mice with humanized livers show that altered liver function can disrupt circadian rhythms, highlighting potential new treatments for metabolic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Gene linking circadian and circatidal rhythms is discovered in tiny crustacean

Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School identified the Bmal1 gene as a crucial regulator of circatidal behavior in P. hawaiensis, establishing a molecular link between circadian and circatidal clocks. The study provides new insights into the genetics underlying circatidal rhythms.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study

How plants cope with the cold light of day - and why it matters for future crops

Researchers discovered a plant biological clock-regulated mechanism that helps plants tolerate cold temperatures and damage from bright light. The mechanism, controlled by the SIG5 gene, signals proteins in chloroplasts to protect against environmental stress, potentially improving crop resilience for colder climates.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study

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

Time of day matters when it comes to cancer diagnosis and treatment

The circadian rhythm governs most cellular functions implicated in cancer progression, making it an opportunity to intervene in the most timely and effective way. Leveraging this information, chronotherapy holds promise as a valuable alternative treatment option.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cell Biology·TypeLiterature review

Human body proven to predict mealtimes

A recent study published in Current Biology found that the human body can predict regular mealtimes based on physiological changes. The research team discovered that daily blood glucose rhythms may be driven by both meal size and timing, suggesting a physiological drive for some people to eat at certain times.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Study shows how liver cancer hijacks circadian clock machinery inside cells

Researchers at USC Keck School of Medicine found that liver cancer cells hijack circadian clock proteins to replicate and spread. Inhibiting these proteins can prevent cancer cell multiplication and potentially improve outcomes for patients with liver cancer.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study

Time-restricted eating reshapes gene expression throughout the body

Researchers found that time-restricted eating synchronizes circadian rhythms across multiple systems in mice, activating genes involved in specific diseases like cancer. Nearly 40% of genes in the adrenal gland and pancreas were affected by time-restricted eating, offering guidance for managing diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Trouble falling asleep at night? Chase that daytime light, study shows

Researchers found that students fell asleep later and woke up later in winter due to limited daytime light exposure. Daytime light exposure had a greater impact on circadian rhythms than evening light exposure.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·TypeObservational study

Scientists ID pathway that triggers mice to scratch when they see others do the same

Researchers at WashU Medicine identified a visual pathway in mice brains that is activated when animals see others scratching, triggering a reflex response. This discovery advances understanding of itching triggers and may point to solutions for itch-related conditions in humans.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study

Hickory dickory dock, the bean bug brain’s biological clock

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that glutamate signaling regulates the seasonal response of bean bugs' reproduction, controlled by circadian rhythm genes. The researchers found that extracellular glutamate levels were higher under short-day conditions and disrupted when reduced or increased.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study

The circadian clock makes sure plant cells have the time of their lives

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology found that the circadian clock regulates cell cycle progression and differentiation in Arabidopsis. The study used single-cell analysis to show that clock genes directly trigger cell differentiation, revealing a guiding role for the plant circadian clock in cell fate determination.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalCell Reports

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Healthy human brains are hotter than previously thought, exceeding 40 degrees

Research reveals that healthy brain temperature varies significantly by brain region, age, sex, and time of day. Daily brain temperature cycles strongly correlate with survival in traumatic brain injury patients, suggesting potential improvements in understanding and treatment of brain injuries.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalBrain·TypeImaging analysis

Buck researchers uncover intriguing connection between diet, eye health and lifespan

Buck Institute researchers found that dietary restriction can extend lifespan in fruit flies due to changes in their circadian rhythms, particularly in the eye. The study suggests that the eye plays a role in regulating lifespan, which may have implications for human health and aging.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

The secret to a longer lifespan? Gene regulation holds a clue

Biologists at the University of Rochester have identified two key systems controlling gene expression related to longevity: circadian networks regulating negative lifespan genes and the pluripotency network controlling positive lifespan genes. This research provides new insights into understanding how longevity evolves and may lead to ...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell Metabolism

Fruit flies adapt activity to “white nights”

Research team at University of Münster finds that a specific gene variant allows fruit flies to synchronize their circadian rhythm with temperature cycles under constant light. This adaptation enables better mating opportunities and increases the allele's evolutionary success.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

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 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

Scientists discover how our circadian rhythm can be both strong and flexible

Researchers found that the master clock and slave clock operate via distinct molecular mechanisms, allowing for robustness and flexibility in regulating bodily rhythms. The master clock's ability to adapt to environmental changes enables quick adjustment to new time zones after international flights.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study

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

Researchers model circadian clock neurons in a day-active animal for the first time

Researchers recorded and modeled electrical activity of circadian clock neurons in the four-striped grass mouse, revealing a unique day/night rhythm in firing rate. The study highlights notable differences from nocturnal animals and may help adapt clock neuron function to diurnal species' biological demands.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournaleLife

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

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