Most people are familiar with the idea that the seasons influence our mood. Many feel more energetic in the spring, enjoy the long days in the summer, and find winter to be a quieter or more contemplative time. What is less well known, however, is that our moral beliefs may also change over the course […]
Researchers have found that the length of daylight hours influences the level of opioid receptors in brown adipose tissue. As daylight hours shorten, receptor activity increases. A similar phenomenon also occurs in the brain. Both phenomena help humans and animals adapt to seasonal changes. The Importance of Brown Fat As the season grows darker and […]
For decades, the matter seemed clear: light regulates the body’s internal clock. In the morning, sunlight hits the retina, the brain stops producing melatonin, and the body switches to a state of wakefulness. In the evening, light intensity decreases, drowsiness sets in, and the body’s internal clock prepares the body for sleep and recovery. This […]
Millions of people worldwide suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a common condition in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. New research in mice suggests that gut microbes and the metabolites they produce may play a surprising role in protecting against some of the most serious consequences of this condition, including heart disease. The findings […]
Whether you’re acing a job interview, meeting someone for the first time, or responding to an unexpected challenge—success often depends on how well you can adapt your behavior. In some situations, adapting quickly can even be a matter of survival. But how does the brain know when it’s time to abandon an old strategy and […]
The switch from daylight saving time to standard time—and vice versa—affects not only ... [Read More][weiterlesen]
People who repeatedly lose weight only to gain it back again may find it easier to stick w... [Read More][weiterlesen]
Getting a little less sleep each night can have a greater impact on your health than you r... [Read More][weiterlesen]
