SLEEP PROBLEMS IN TEENAGERS REVERSED IN JUST ONE WEEK BY LIMITING SCREEN USE
Teens who are exposed to screen time for four or more hours a day have a 30-minute delay in sleep time and report more sleep disruptions than those who spend an hour a day using tech. However, reducing screen time for a week and using glasses to block out blue light help to resolve sleep problems.… READ MORE…
GENDER-BIASED PROTEIN MAY PLAY ROLE IN AUTISM: MOUSE STUDY
204 proteins discovered were more highly regulated in females than males, with 31% of the proteins being associated with the development of Autism, researchers report. Findings shed new light on why males are at higher risk of ASD than females.… READ MORE…
GENES LINKED TO PSYCHOACTIVE PROPERTIES OF BEVERAGES MAY EXPLAIN WHY WE LOVE COFFEE, BEER AND SODA
Genes related to the psychoactive properties of sweet and bitter beverages, and not variations in our taste genes, may explain why some people prefer sodas over coffee, and vice-versa. … READ MORE…
NEW BRAIN MECHANISMS REGULATING BODY WEIGHT IDENTIFIED: RODENT STUDY
Interleukin-6 interacts with leptin in the lateral parabrachial nucleus to reduce food intake. Reducing IL-6 in the IPBL increases weight gain and could help explain why some are more prone to overeating and obesity.… READ MORE…
COMFORT FOOD LEADS TO MORE WEIGHT GAIN DURING STRESS
A combination of chronic stress and high-calorie diets raised insulin levels tenfold in the amygdala of mice. Prolonged high levels of insulin in the central amygdala resulted in neurons becoming desensitized to insulin. The desensitized neurons boosted NPY levels, which promoted eating and reduced the normal homeostasis response to burn calories. The findings may shed light on why some indulge in high-calorie foods when stressed, and why this may lead to obesity.… READ MORE…
THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF NOSHING: WHY IS IT SO EASY TO OVEREAT CALORIE-RICH TASTY FOODS?
Prepronociceptin expressing neurons in the central amygdala become activated by consuming palatable foods. Reducing nociceptin making neurons in mice reduced binge eating when the animals had access to calorie-rich foods, without affecting the intake of ordinary dietary needs. The finding could help in the development of new therapies to combat obesity and binge eating. … READ MORE…
SMELLING WITH YOUR TONGUE: FUNCTIONAL OLFACTORY RECEPTORS IN HUMAN TASTE CENTER IDENTIFIED
Functional olfactory receptors have been identified in human taste cells. The findings suggest olfactory receptors play a role in the taste system by interacting with taste receptors on the tongue. The brain, researchers say, combines input from taste, smell and other senses to create a multi-modal sensation of flavor.… READ MORE…
MARIJUANA USERS WEIGH LESS, DEFYING THE MUNCHIES
On average, cannabis users weight 2 pounds less, and have a lower BMI, than those who do not consume marijuana. The findings contradict the popular belief that those who get the munchies after using the substance gain more weight.… READ MORE…
COMMON SLEEP MYTHS COMPROMISE GOOD SLEEP AND HEALTH
Many myths associated with sleep may be detrimental to health, a new study reveals. Contrary to popular belief, drinking alcohol is unhealthy for sleep as it reduces the ability for deep sleep states, and sleeping five hours a night can result in a serious health risk.… READ MORE…
BODY MASS INDEX MAY PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE PROGRESSION OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Obesity and a higher body mass index negatively impacts the progression of Multiple Sclerosis. Ceramides are more abundant in the blood of those who are overweight. The ceramides enter inside the nucleus of monocytes, causing proliferation. The increased number of monocytes travel back to the brain, causing more damage for those with RRMS.… READ MORE…
‘MINDREADING’ NEURONS SIMULATE DECISIONS OF SOCIAL PARTNERS
Neurons in the amygdala derive object values based on observations and use the values to simulate a social partner’s decision making.… READ MORE…
WHY DRINKING ALCOHOL CAUSES THE MUNCHIES
A shared brain network may explain why high alcohol consumption and junk food cravings go hand in hand.… READ MORE…
