Circadian Rhythms

Study suggests molecules and pathways in mood regulation and circadian rhythms are intertwined
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered unexpected properties for a precursor to melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep cycles.

Sacrificing sleep could sacrifice grades
Mike Barry, a University of Pittsburgh engineering senior, was happy last fall to have a co-op job at a small manufacturing company in Leetsdale.

Melatonin precursor stimulates growth factor circuits in brain
N-acetylserotonin, the immediate precursor to melatonin, activates the same growth circuits in the brain as BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). The results have implications for how some antidepressants function and suggest that the molecules and pathways involved in mood regulation and circadian rhythms are intertwined.

Got the winter blues? Lighten up!
It's that time of year when some say cabin fever is about. In the midst of winter, as many as 40 million Americans get the blues because shorter days and less sunlight can throw off the body clock, affecting one's mood or sleep. But for others, the problem can go deeper than any snow covering the ground.

My latest scientific paper: Extended Laying Interval of Ultimate Eggs of the Eastern Bluebird [A Blog Around The Clock]
Yes, years after I left the lab, I published a scientific paper. How did that happen? Back in 2000, I published a paper on the way circadian clock controls the time of day when the eggs are laid in Japanese quail. Several years later, I wrote a blog post about that paper, trying to explain in lay terms what I did, why I did it, what I found, and how it fits into the broader context of this line ...

Melatonin Precursor Stimulates Growth Factor Circuits In Brain
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered unexpected properties for a precursor to melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep cycles. Melatonin is produced from the neurotransmitter serotonin in a daily rhythm that peaks at night. Melatonin's immediate precursor, N-acetylserotonin, was not previously thought to have effects separate from those of melatonin or serotonin ...

Energy management equals balance and better bottom line
So you want to manage your company better this year. To improve the bottom line in your business, you have to have a balanced foundation. Energy management — not to be confused with time management — is key to productivity, equilibrium and fulfillment, personally as well as professionally, said Sue Kiernan, president and founder of Centered on [...]

Melatonin Precursor Stimulates Growth Factor Circuits In Brain
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered unexpected properties for a precursor to melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep cycles.Melatonin is produced from the neurotransmitter serotonin in a daily rhythm that peaks at night.

Some ants wait for twilight to forage for food
Sydney, Feb 4 (IANS) Bull ants wait for twilight before they start foraging for food, instead of just relying on body clocks or temperature, probably to evade potential predators, a new study says.

Twilight triggers light-sensitive ants
New Australian research suggests some animals carefully measure the intensity of light during twilight to know when it's safe to come out and forage.