RESEARCH IDENTIFIES GENETIC CAUSES OF POOR SLEEP
An uncommon variant of the PDE11A gene impacts both quality and duration of sleep. Genetic regions linked to sleep quality are also associated with serotonin production. The study also reveals those with the same hip circumference and a higher waist circumference sleep less, although the effect is small. … READ MORE…
NO SUCH THING AS ‘SUGAR RUSH’! SUGAR WORSENS MOOD RATHER THAN IMPROVING IT
Carbohydrate consumption from sugary drinks and snacks does not help to improve mood. The findings may help increase public awareness that the ‘sugar rush’ is a myth and help inform health policies to promote healthier alternatives.… READ MORE…
HOW LIGHT AT NIGHT MAY HARM OUTCOMES IN CARDIAC PATIENTS
Night time white lighting in hospital rooms has been linked to higher rates of inflammation, apoptosis and mortality risk for those who have recently experienced a cardiac event.… READ MORE…
HAD ENOUGH WATER? BRAIN’S THIRST CENTERS MAKE A GUT CHECK
Hydration signals from the gut travel via the vagus nerve to activate thirst neurons in the SFO. These neurons signal to cells in the median preoptic nucleus, driving animals to drink and the kidneys to conserve water in the bloodstream.… READ MORE…
MORE VITAMIN D MAY IMPROVE MEMORY BUT TOO MUCH MAY SLOW REACTION TIME
Taking higher doses of vitamin D supplements can help improve memory and learning, but negatively impacts reaction time in postmenopausal women with a higher BMI. Researchers suggest the slowed reaction times may contribute to an increased risk of falls in older people.… READ MORE…
INSULIN SIGNALING FAILURES IN THE BRAIN LINKED TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Insulin signaling plays a role in regulating synaptic function, glucose homeostasis, and cognition, a new study reports. Impairments in insulin signaling result in metabolic defects, in addition to memory and learning deficits, mirroring the cognitive impairments associated with Alzheimer’s disease.… READ MORE…
NEUROSCIENTISTS FIND BRAIN PATHWAY SUPPORTING AN INTERSECTION OF TASTE AND PAIN
Researchers have identified a pathway near the midbrain where neural messages for taste and pain converge, a new study reports.…READ MORE…
SLEEPING IN ON THE WEEKEND WON’T REPAY YOUR SLEEP DEBT
A new study reveals that, on some health measures, yo-yo sleep schedules may be worse for you. Researchers report sleeping in on weekends can shift circadian rhythm, making it more difficult to fall asleep on Sunday nights, and whole body insulin sensitivity worsened by up to 27%.… READ MORE…
A GENTLE METHOD FOR UNLOCKING THE MYSTERIES OF THE DEEP BRAIN
Researchers report EEG technology has the ability to study activity of areas deep inside the brain, such as the thalamus and nucleus accumbens. The findings will help shed new light on disorders that affect these brain regions, such as Parkinson’s disease and OCD.… READ MORE…
FAT CELLS WORK DIFFERENT ‘SHIFTS’ THROUGHOUT THE DAY
A new study reports human fat cells have their own internal clocks and circadian rhythms which affect metabolic functions.… READ MORE…
HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP CONSUMPTION LINKED TO BIPOLAR LIKE BEHAVIORS: ADOLESCENT RAT STUDY
Researchers report adolescent rats exposed to high fructose corn syrup in their diets were more prone to experience symptoms associated with bipolar disorder.… READ MORE…
BRAIN CELLS INVOLVED IN INSOMNIA IDENTIFIED
A new study identifies 956 genetic variants that contribute to an increased risk of insomnia. Researchers also identified the brain areas, biological processes and cell types that mediate the genetic risk of insomnia. … READ MORE…