For centuries, it has been suspected that the full moon has a mysterious impact on human behavior. Now, recent research conducted by psychiatrists at the Indiana University School of Medicine has discovered that there is a correlation between the full moon and an increase in suicide deaths. “We w
. Using blood samples previously taken by the coroner from some of the people, the team was able to see which biomarkers were present.
Niculescu said the increased light from the full moon could be what leads to the increase in suicides during that period. Ambient light plays a major role on the body’s circadian rhythm, which is the natural 24-hour cycle our bodies follow to regulate when we are asleep and when we are awake. Moonlight could be impacting people at a time when it should be darker.
As for the other two peak periods for suicides, Niculescu said the peak of suicides from 3 to 4 p.m. could be related to stressors throughout the day as well as a decrease in light beginning to occur that day, causing a lower expression of circadian clock genes and cortisol. And in September, many people are experiencing the end of summer vacations, which could cause stress, as well as seasonal affective disorder effects, as daylight decreases during that time of year.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mysterious 'cryptic' molecules made by zombie cells may drive aging, scientists sayNicoletta Lanese is the health channel editor at Live Science and was previously a news editor and staff writer at the site. She holds a graduate certificate in science communication from UC Santa Cruz and degrees in neuroscience and dance from the University of Florida. Her work has appeared in The Scientist, Science News, the Mercury News, Mongabay and Stanford Medicine Magazine, among other outlets. Based in NYC, she also remains heavily involved in dance and performs in local choreographers' work.
Read more »
HIV Genomes: Johns Hopkins Scientists Discover New Target To Eliminate InfectionsIn their quest to create treatments that could potentially eliminate HIV infection completely, scientists have been searching for all the locations where the virus can conceal its genetic material. In a recent study, a team of scientists from Johns Hopkins Medicine used blood samples from individual
Read more »
Unraveling the Mystery of Alkaline Taste: Scientists Discover a Molecular BasisResearch using fruit flies sheds light on how other species might identify and steer clear of foods with high alkalinity or pH levels. The sense of taste plays a vital role in our food experiences as it serves as an initial protective barrier before we ingest it. Despite this, the ability of animal
Read more »
Mysterious, jelly-like creatures are invading some California beachesHundreds of “by-the-wind sailors,” jelly-like creatures known for their beautiful blue hues, have surfaced in Huntington Beach and elsewhere.
Read more »
How a Mysterious Illness Transformed a Writer’s Approach to His ArtThis week on the Working podcast, writer John Cotter explains how the process of writing his new memoir, Losing Music, helped him adjust to a new reality.
Read more »
Researchers Discover How Too Much Oxygen Can Cause Lasting Health Problems in HumansScientists have discovered why elevated levels of oxygen can result in enduring health issues in humans. When it comes to oxygen, you can have too much of a good thing. Breathing air with oxygen levels higher than the standard 21 percent found in Earth's atmosphere can lead to organ damage, seizure
Read more »