Your Cart is Empty
It has been suspected that our body’s various circadian clocks are able to operate independently from our central clock located in the hypothalamus of the brain. At the University of California, Irvine, scientists have found a way to test the theory.
The study included specially bred mice for the purpose of analyzing the body’s network of internal clocks which regulate metabolism. The team figured out how to disable the entire circadian system of the lab mice then jump start their individual clocks. For the experiment, the team activated clocks located in the inside of the skin or liver.
Their results were quite surprising as no one realized the skin or liver could be directly affected by light. Even though all other body clocks were shutdown including the central brain clock, the skin and liver knew what time it was. The organs responded to changes of light as day turned into night. The organs also maintained critical functions. In the case of the liver, this organ prepared to digest food prior to mealtime and convert glucose to energy.
The liver’s circadian clock was still able to detect light presumably through signals from other organs. When the mice were then subjected to constant darkness, the liver’s clock stopped functioning.
Through this study, the team can begin deciphering metabolic pathways which control circadian rhythms, the aging process, and overall well being. In previous studies, scientists examined how circadian clocks could be rewired through factors such as diet, sleep deprivation, and exercise.
Through further studies, the scientists plan to phase in other internal clocks so they can see how different organs communicate with each other. Further experiments could reveal ways to make human internal clocks less misaligned due to modern lifestyles. Exposure to television, computers and cellphone light before bed can scramble internal clocks.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Circadian clocks: Body parts respond to day and night independently from brain, studies show
Feeling well-rested is one simple way to gauge sleep quality. Physical activity can influence sleep, but researchers are still learning how beginning, maintaining, or giving up regular activity may change how restful sleep feels.
For many of us, darkness at night is becoming harder to find. Streetlights, buildings, electronic devices, and even small lights in the bedroom can keep us exposed to artificial light long after the sun goes down. New research suggests that repeated nighttime light exposure may have effects on the heart, including changes to its structure and how it functions, which could increase the risk of cardiovascular problems over time.
If you're trying to improve your health by walking more, you may not need to focus only on reaching a certain number of steps. A new study suggests that how quickly you walk may matter just as much. Researchers found that both walking more and picking up the pace were linked to a lower risk of death, including death from cardiovascular disease.