Tag Archives: daylight

Daylight Boosts Immune System’s Infection-Fighting Power: Study Findings

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In their recent study, scientist Christopher Hall and his team at the University of Auckland concentrated on neutrophils, a specific type of white blood cell significant for antibacterial defense.

yi du et al. We identified a photoresponsive endometrial timer that regulates time variations in antibacterial activity. Image credit: Summerstock.

The researchers employed zebrafish as a model organism due to its similar genetic composition to humans, and its capability of being raised with a transparent body, facilitating real-time observation of biological processes.

“Previous research has noted heightened immune responses in the morning during the initial stages of active fish,” Dr. Hall explained.

“I believe this reflects an evolutionary adaptation where the host is more vigilant during daylight, thus more prone to encounter bacterial infections.”

Nevertheless, the team aimed to determine how immune responses align with sunlight exposure.

The findings revealed that neutrophils have a circadian clock that activates during the day, boosting their bacterial-killing efficacy.

Most cells in our body maintain a circadian clock to synchronize with external time, thus regulating bodily functions.

Light plays a crucial role in resetting these circadian clocks.

“Given that neutrophils are the first immune cells to respond to inflammatory sites, our results carry significant implications for therapeutic advancements in many inflammatory diseases,” Dr. Hall remarked.

“This discovery opens avenues for developing drugs aimed at neutrophil circadian clocks to enhance our capability to fight infectious diseases.”

Study will be featured in the journal Scientific Immunology.

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Lucia Yi du et al. 2025. Light-regulated circadian timers optimize the bactericidal function of neutrophils and enhance daytime immunity. Scientific Immunology 10 (107); doi: 10.1126/Sciimmunol.Adn3080

Source: www.sci.news

Daylight Saving Time in the US in 2025: A Guide to Clock Changes

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As the sun returns and the winter blues float away, it’s almost time to adjust the American clock. Daylight Saving Time (DST), a practice of changing your clock twice a year, has a long history full of controversy, diplomacy, and some unique quirks depending on where you live.

Despite its routine nature, DST means longer evenings to enjoy the sun in the end. So, as the date approaches, we’ve gathered all the information you need to know, including when to change the clocks, why it happens, and why some want to do away with DST altogether.

When will the clocks change in March 2025?

For Americans, the time changes on Sunday, March 9th. It will happen at 2 am local time, moving forward by one hour.

This marks the start of DST, but the transition may vary depending on your location. Here’s how it looks in major cities:

  • Los Angeles: Along with other West Coast cities like Seattle and San Francisco, will shift from standard Pacific time to daylight Pacific time. The sunrise will move from 6:15 am to 7:15 am, and the sunset from 5:54 pm to 6:54 pm.
  • Chicago: Will transition from Central Standard Time to Central Daylight Time. The sunrise will change from 6:17 am to 7:17 am, and the sunset from 5:47 pm to 6:47 pm.
  • New York and Washington DC: Will switch from Eastern Standard Time to Eastern Daylight Time. This will shift the sunrise from 6:22 am to 7:22 am, and the sunset from 5:53 pm to 6:53 pm.

How does daylight saving time work?

The concept of Daylight Saving Time is fairly simple. Every year, we adjust our clocks by adding or subtracting an hour. This occurs twice a year and alternates between the two.

These time changes are known as Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time. DST begins in March, moving us forward an hour, ends in November, and then moves back an hour.

On the surface, this may seem strange, but it serves a purpose. DST aims to make better use of sunlight and save energy by providing more daylight in the evening, allowing for more time to enjoy the sun and reducing electricity demands at home.

What is the history of daylight saving time?

The history of Daylight Saving Time dates back quite a long time. While often attributed to Benjamin Franklin in 1784, the actual origins can be traced back before 1907.

William Willett, an advocate for more daylight hours, proposed changing how we view time. This proposal, involving moving the clock forward by 80 minutes in four increments of 20 minutes each Sunday at 2 am, eventually led to the establishment of Daylight Saving Time.

Since then, the system has been refined and simplified. Despite initial resistance, DST eventually became a standard practice in 1966.

Why do some people want to abolish daylight saving time?

Aside from the inconvenience of changing the clock annually, there are reasons why some advocate for the abolishment of DST.

Studies suggest that clock changes can have a negative impact on health, with an increased risk of heart attacks following the spring time change. Additionally, the economic cost of DST changes is estimated to be significant, affecting productivity.

Another important reason is the impact on pets. It’s recommended to gradually adjust your pet to the time change to avoid disruptions to their routines.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The negative impact of daylight saving time on health and how to mitigate it

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It feels harsh. Being forced to sacrifice valuable sleep is tough. In the United States, Daylight Saving Time (DST) will begin on March 9, 2025. At 2am local time, the clock will spring forward an hour, skipping straight to 3am.

Not only does this make the following day feel a bit groggy, but experts are growing concerned about the potential negative impacts of the DST switch on our health.

“When the clock changes, there is a slight increase in stroke, heart attack, car accidents, and sleep loss,” says Vanderbilt’s Director of Sleep, Dr. Beth Malow to BBC Science Focus.

The effects of this time shift are felt not only by the youth but also by older individuals. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in 2015 found that teenagers lose approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes of weekday sleep after the time change.

Mallow continues, “It has health repercussions for nearly eight months due to the shift in light exposure from the morning and evening times.”

“Morning light is essential for waking up, regulating our biological clock, and enhancing our mood. We use light therapy in the morning to treat seasonal affective disorders and improve sleep quality. Exposure to morning light supports nighttime sleep, while evening light disrupts it.”

However, all hope is not lost. Here are some simple strategies to alleviate the impact of losing that hour:

1. Back up your bedtime for a few days before the clock change

While it may be too late this time, keep this in mind for the future. Sleep experts recommend gradually shifting your bedtime 15-20 minutes earlier each night leading up to the time change.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sudden changes in sleep schedules, such as switching to daylight saving time, can lead to temporary insomnia symptoms affecting about 30-35% of adults.

By easing into it gradually, Malow suggests, “you can adjust to the new time and get a bit more sleep in the process.”

If you’re short on time and feeling drowsy, going to bed earlier on the night of the time change can also be helpful.

2. Expose yourself to bright light in the morning

Daylight Saving Time aims to provide an extra hour of sunlight in the evening. While this is ideal for post-work socializing, it may disrupt natural sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms.

To help you wake up in the morning and consequently sleep better at night, exposing yourself to bright light is crucial. Malow recommends natural light for this purpose, especially as the sun rises earlier during the summer months.

“Morning bright light exposure helps synchronize your biological clock,” she explains. “Aligning your clock will improve your nighttime sleep.”

3. Avoid lengthy naps and late-day caffeine. Opt for exercise instead

If you enjoy taking naps (who doesn’t?), this news may be disappointing. However, if you want to maintain good sleep, avoiding long naps is essential.

“Naps and caffeine impair our ‘sleep drive’,” Malow clarifies. Her solution? Engage in physical exercise instead.

“Physical activity in the afternoon energizes us during that afternoon slump, but comes bedtime, it promotes sleepiness. It enhances our sleep drive,” she adds.

But remember, avoid exercising just before bedtime, as it can stimulate endorphins and raise body temperature, both of which can interfere with sleep.

4. Put away your phone before bedtime

You’ve likely heard this advice before, but it remains just as relevant, particularly when the clock springs forward an hour. Bright light at night, especially from screens emitting blue light, can disrupt your sleep.

Blue light, found in LED screens, inhibits the natural release of melatonin in the brain, a hormone that regulates sleep. Additionally, content like news can trigger anxiety before bed.

Perhaps it’s time to eliminate daylight saving time

While the aforementioned strategies can minimize the impact of the time change, many experts are calling for the abolishment of this antiquated practice entirely.

So, should standard time become the new norm?

Alice Gregory, a psychology professor at Goldsmith’s, believes so. She argues that permanent standard time aligns better with our circadian rhythms compared to daylight saving time.

Mallow echoes this sentiment, stating, “Most individuals are quite fatigued by the interaction.”

About our experts:

Dr. Beth Malow is a neurology and pediatrics professor, Director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Division, Chair of Barry Donations for Cognitive Childhood Development, and Vice-Chair of Clinical Research at Vanderbilt University, USA. She is board-certified in Neurology and Sleep Medicine, conducting research on sleep and its medical and genetic implications.

Alice Gregory is a psychology professor at Goldsmith’s. She conducts research on the link between sleep and mental health, behavioral genetics, sleep paralysis, and nightmare disorder. She is also a prolific science communicator, publishing articles in various outlets like Guardian, GQ UK, and Slate fr.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Daylight Saving Time in 2024 in the United States: Understanding the Reasons for Changing Clocks

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Daylight Saving Time in the United States will soon end, with clocks turning back an hour. As we bid farewell to long summer nights, we welcome cozy winter evenings and the upcoming holiday season.

When will the clocks change in November 2024?

In the United States, the time change will occur at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2024, marking the transition from daylight saving time (DST) to standard time.

Here’s how the time change will affect some major cities:

  • Los Angeles: Transition from Pacific Daylight Time to Pacific Standard Time. Sunrise will be delayed by an hour to 6:15 a.m. and sunset will shift to 4:57 p.m.
  • Chicago: Transition from Central Daylight Time to Central Standard Time. Sunset will move back to 4:41 p.m. and sunrise will be at 6:26 a.m.
  • New York and Washington DC: Transition from Eastern Daylight Saving Time to Eastern Standard Time. Sunrise will change to 6:29 a.m. and sunset to 4:49 p.m.

America follows six major time zones, which increase to nine when including regional variations. This is a significant improvement from the 144 local time zones that existed before time zones were consolidated in 1883.

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What is the history of daylight saving time?

The concept of daylight saving time was first proposed by New Zealand scientist George Hudson in 1895, with the aim of utilizing extra daylight for activities. The idea was later championed by British builder William Willett, who saw it as a way to maximize daylight hours. Daylight saving time was eventually adopted in various countries, including the United States during World War I.

The U.S. had a tumultuous relationship with daylight saving time, trialing and abandoning it multiple times before standardizing it in 1966.

Why do people want to abolish daylight saving time?

Critics of daylight saving time cite negative effects on health, economy, and pet behavior as reasons to abolish it. The time change can disrupt sleep patterns, decrease productivity, and confuse pets. Some states, like most of Arizona and Hawaii, have chosen not to observe daylight saving time due to various reasons.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Here’s How Daylight Saving Time Can Negatively Affect Our Health – And How to Take Action

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It feels harsh. Losing one precious hour of sleep tonight.

As Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins in the UK during the summer months, clocks are scheduled as follows: Move forward one hour tonight to 1 a.m. local time. As a result, the new local daylight saving time will be 2:00 AM.

Scientists are concerned that switching to daylight saving time could have negative effects on health, including an increase in strokes, heart attacks, car accidents, and sleep deprivation, according to neurology professor and director of Vanderbilt’s sleep division, Dr. Beth Murrow in an interview with BBC Science Focus.

The impact of “springing forward” is experienced not only by the elderly but also by young people. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that teens lost an average of 2 hours and 42 minutes of sleep on weeknights after the time change in 2015.

“We need morning light to wake up, set our body clocks, improve our mood, use light boxes in the morning to treat seasonal affective disorder, and sleep better at night.” Light promotes sleep at night, but light at night disturbs sleep,” Murrow explains.

Don’t worry, there are ways to combat the lost time. Here are some simple strategies:

1. Adjust your bedtime earlier for a few days before changing your clock.

If it’s too late this time, keep this in mind for the future. Sleep experts recommend going to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night during the week leading up to daylight saving time.

Temporary insomnia symptoms affect about 30 to 35 percent of adults and can be caused by sudden changes in sleep schedules, such as the transition to daylight saving time, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Gradually adapting to the time change will help you adjust and even get extra sleep during the transition, says Murrow.

If you’re feeling drowsy, it may be helpful to go to bed a bit earlier tonight.

2. Get exposure to bright light in the morning

DST aims to provide an extra hour of sunlight in the evening for socializing after work, but it can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.

To wake up in the morning and improve your sleep at night, exposing yourself to bright light is key. Natural light is preferred, especially in the summer when the sun rises earlier, according to Murrow.

“Exposure to bright morning light helps regulate your body clock, making it easier to sleep at night,” she explains.

3. Skip long naps and late-day caffeine, opt for exercise instead

If you enjoy naps, this may be disappointing news. But if you want to improve your sleep, avoid napping and caffeine.

Naps and caffeine can diminish your sleep drive, says Murrow. She suggests exercising instead.

Just remember, don’t exercise right before bed. Exercise can disrupt sleep as it raises your core body temperature and releases endorphins.

Research recommends waiting at least 90 minutes between exercising and going to bed to improve sleep quality, according to the European Journal of Sports Science.

4. Avoid using your phone before bedtime

It’s a well-known fact that using your phone before bed isn’t ideal, particularly when the clock shifts forward an hour.

Bright light in the morning helps wake you up, whereas bright light at night can hinder sleep. LED screens emit blue light, making them especially problematic at night.

Blue light disrupts the natural release of melatonin in the brain, says Murrow. Melatonin acts as a sleep switch by signaling the brain to rest when levels rise.

It may be time to eliminate daylight saving time

Despite strategies to mitigate the impact of clock changes, many experts advocate for eliminating this outdated system altogether.

Is it time for standard time to become the new norm?

alice gregory a professor of psychology and director of the Goldsmiths Sleep Institute, believes that living on a permanent standard time schedule offers health benefits. “Most people are tired of literally going back and forth,” Murrow agrees.

About our experts:

Dr. Beth Murrow is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist, an associate professor of clinical research, and the director of Vanderbilt’s Sleep Division. She conducts research on the relationship between medical diseases and sleep, as well as genetics and circadian biology.

alice gregory is a psychology professor at Goldsmiths University and has contributed to various research areas including the link between sleep and psychopathology, behavioral genetics, and sleep disorders. She is also known for her public engagement in science and has published popular science books.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Here’s why daylight saving time can harm your health and how to mitigate its effects

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It feels unfair. I will be sacrificing an hour of sleep tonight.

With Daylight Saving Time (DST) starting in the United States in the summer, the clocks are set to move forward by an hour tonight at 2 a.m. local time. This means the new local daylight saving time will be 3:00 AM.

Scientists are expressing concerns that apart from causing sleepiness, the transition to daylight saving time could have adverse effects on our health. According to Dr. Beth Murrow, a neurology professor and director of Vanderbilt’s sleep division, the clock change leads to a slight increase in strokes, heart attacks, car accidents, and sleep deprivation.

The impact of “springing forward” is not limited to the elderly but also affects young people. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine revealed that teenagers lost an average of 2 hours and 42 minutes of sleep on weeknights after the time change in a 2015 study.

Dr. Murrow emphasizes the importance of morning light for setting our body clocks, improving mood, and aiding sleep. She suggests that the shift in light from morning to evening due to changing clocks for almost eight months could have health effects.

Despite the challenges posed by losing an hour of sleep, there are practical tips to counteract the effects:

1. Adjust your bedtime earlier for a few days before the clock change.

Experts recommend gradually going to bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier each night in the week leading up to daylight saving time.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine mentions that around 30 to 35 percent of adults experience temporary insomnia symptoms due to sudden changes in sleep schedules, such as the clock change.

Adapting slowly to the new time can help ease the transition and provide some extra rest,” says Dr. Murrow.

2. Get exposure to bright light in the morning

Daylight Saving Time aims to extend daylight in the evening, but this may disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle. Exposing yourself to natural light in the morning can help set your body clock, making it easier to sleep at night.

3. Avoid long naps and late-day caffeine, opt for exercise instead

Avoiding long naps and caffeine late in the day can help regulate your sleep. Instead, engage in physical activity which can promote better sleep at night.

Exercise should be done at least 90 minutes before bedtime to avoid disruptions in sleep caused by increased endorphins and core body temperature.

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4. Limit screen time before bed

Exposure to blue light from screens like cell phones can interfere with melatonin production, affecting sleep. Try to avoid using electronic devices before bedtime to promote better sleep.

Watching content with blue light before bed, like news, can hinder relaxation and sleep after the clock change.

Consider abolishing Daylight Saving Time

Many experts suggest abandoning Daylight Saving Time due to its negative impacts on health. Living on Standard Time year-round could have health benefits compared to Daylight Saving Time’s schedule changes.

Dr. Murrow and Professor Alice Gregory advocate for a permanent Standard Time to align better with our natural circadian rhythms and improve overall well-being.

About our experts:

Dr. Beth Murrow is a neurology and sleep medicine professor, director of Vanderbilt’s Sleep Division, and advocate for sleep research related to medical conditions and genetics.

Alice Gregory, a psychology professor at Goldsmiths University, has contributed to various areas of sleep research and promotes public engagement with science through her work and publications.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com