By separating the therapeutic benefits from the adverse effects of known obesity drugs, researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center found a population of neurons in the brain that controls food intake without causing nausea in animal models. The study, published in the journal Nature, describes two distinct neural circuits that control different effects of […]
Circadian Rhythm and Diabetes Risk: What’s the Connection?
Is there a link between the circadian rhythm and diabetes risk? New research on how an increase in exposure to artificial light over the past years may be contributing to higher rates of insulin resistance is helping to establish a connection between circadian rhythm function and Type 2 diabetes. Here is what you need to […]
How a High-Salt Diet Disrupts Circadian Rhythm and Sleep
A high-sodium diet has long been associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. A new study conducted by University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers has found that a high-salt diet disrupts circadian rhythm timing, impacting the sleep-wake cycle. Disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle can impact sleep quality. Insufficient and poor-quality sleep are associated with an increase […]
Sleep and Physical Activity: Exercise Counteracts Health Effects of Poor Sleep
Paying attention to the basics, such as sleep and physical activity, is essential to achieving and maintaining good health. Numerous studies demonstrate the importance of both sleep quality and physical activity to overall health and reduced disease risk. A new study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, looks at the interplay between those […]
How Time of Day Affects Immune System Function
Numerous studies have demonstrated that many of the essential tasks of the immune system are governed by a 24-hour cycle of activity. In practical terms, this means that the time of day affects immune system function in important ways, including immune system cell activity and overall systemic threat response. This 24-hour cycle, known as the […]