This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"The physiological effects of melatonin are far reaching, from acting as an neuroprotective agent to regulating circadian rhythms and sleep cycles. An imbalance of this hormone has even been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s. The precise molecular mechanism by which melatonin exerts these effects, however, remains a mystery. To shed light on this process, a team of researchers has developed a melatonin-like compound that is unable to penetrate the cell membrane and binds only to cell-surface receptors. Melatonin’s physiological effects on the brain are controlled by the lock-and-key-like properties of this hormone and its receptors. When melatonin binds to its corresponding receptor, a biochemical signal is sent into the cell. But recent data suggests that this interaction may also occur inside the cell, itself. Specifically, on mitochondria within brain cells..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"Changes in day length, or photoperiod, help regulate seasonal breeding in some mammals by altering hormone levels and aggression. Photoperiod changes can also affect the gut microbiota, and gut microbes can influence hormone secretion and sperm production. However, it’s unclear if the gut microbiota participates in photoperiod-mediated regulation of seasonal breeding. To find out, researchers recently examined the reproductive parameters and microbiomes of male Brandt’s voles exposed to short- or long-day conditions. They found that changing the photoperiod altered the voles’ reproductive hormone and gene expression levels. as well as their gut microbiome compositions. In addition, specific microbes were associated with the reproductive changes that occurred during acclimation to a new photoperiod. Transplantation of gut microbes from short- or long-day-exposed voles into recipient voles induced hormonal and genetic changes (dashed arrows)..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.

In this activity about sleep rhythms (on page 25 of the PDF), learners will investigate how changing the time they go to bed impacts their own sleep patterns. For one night, learners will go to bed one hour earlier than usual. They will observe and record any impacts that this change has on their abilities to fall asleep, and on their usual wake times the next morning. This lesson guide includes background information, setup and management tips, extensions and a handout.

Melatonin is a hormone which is an indolamine derivative of serotonin secreted from the pineal gland into the blood and CSF in response to darkness. In the presence of light it's secretion is inhibited. Melatonin also has effects on the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary gland. In long day breeders the increasing daylight hours cause a decrease in melatonin. In response, production of LH and FSH is uninhibited and so libido rises. In short day breeders an increase in melatonin causes a rise in production of LH and FSH and so leads to an increase in libido. The purpose of melatonin in many mammals appears to be the control of physiologic rhythms by altering the timing of circadian rhythm data relayed from the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus. Melatonin may inhibit dopamine, reduce free radical production and central nervous system excitability as well as augmenting GABA.

Psychology is designed to meet scope and sequence requirements for the single-semester introduction to psychology course. The book offers a comprehensive treatment of core concepts, grounded in both classic studies and current and emerging research. The text also includes coverage of the DSM-5 in examinations of psychological disorders. Psychology incorporates discussions that reflect the diversity within the discipline, as well as the diversity of cultures and communities across the globe.Senior Contributing AuthorsRose M. Spielman, Formerly of Quinnipiac UniversityContributing AuthorsKathryn Dumper, Bainbridge State CollegeWilliam Jenkins, Mercer UniversityArlene Lacombe, Saint Joseph's UniversityMarilyn Lovett, Livingstone CollegeMarion Perlmutter, University of Michigan

By the end of this section, you will be able to:Understand what is meant by consciousnessExplain how circadian rhythms are involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, and how circadian cycles can be disruptedDiscuss the concept of sleep debt

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"In 2020, approximately 191,930 people were diagnosed with prostate cancer, and an estimated 33,330 people died from the disease. The most common therapies for prostate cancer involve androgen depletion via castration and/or drug treatment. However, the relapse and mortality rates of prostate cancer remain high, prompting a need for less invasive treatments. Now, a growing number of studies suggest that prostate cancer can be inhibited by the hormone melatonin. Melatonin, which is normally associated with the regulation of sleep, can inhibit prostate cancer partly by keeping androgen receptors out of cell nuclei, thus preventing excess androgen signaling and by activating MT1 signaling, ultimately reducing levels of the prostate cancer marker prostate-specific antigen. Melatonin also reduces tumor blood vessel growth and it regulates metabolism, affects differentiation, and induces death in prostate cancer cells..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.