The combination of mathematical modeling and experiments identifies the difference in the molecular clockwork of master and slave clock neurons in Drosophila. This solves the long-standing mystery of the molecular mechanisms responsible for the circadian (~24-hour) clock’s paradoxical properties of robustness (strong rhythms) and plasticity (flexible adaptation). How Our Daily Rhythm is Regulated From tiny […]
Timing and Consistency of Activities Lead to Better Fitness
Some people jump out of bed in the early hours of the morning, while others prefer a slower start to the day. Whether you get up with a smile or a groan, scientists say that your internal clock—known as your circadian rhythm—could influence this behavior and much more. Timing of Activities can Play a Role […]
How Does Caffeine Affect the Sleeping Brain?
Caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and many soft drinks, making it one of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances in the world. In a study published in Nature Communications Biology, a team of researchers from the Université de Montréal has gained new insights into how caffeine […]
Pressing the Snooze Button After Waking Up: Recommended or Not?
Sleep experts advise against using the snooze button after the alarm clock rings. However, a study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham shows that this practice is widespread: more than 50% of recorded sleep phases end with a snooze alarm, and people spend an average of 11 minutes snoozing. Using data from the sleep […]
Too Much Sleep Can Impair Cognitive Performance, Especially in People With Depression
It is actually possible to sleep too much. A study led by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center (UT Health San Antonio) shows that nine or more hours of sleep per night are associated with poorer cognitive performance. This is even more true for people with depression. The findings were derived from […]
