Biological rhythms affect the psyche
Biological rhythms affect the psyche

Video: Biological rhythms affect the psyche

Video: Biological rhythms affect the psyche
Video: The Sleep Wake Cycle: Circadian rhythm - Biological Psychology [AQA ALevel] 2024, November
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Owls, larks … Do you know your biological rhythms? This is really important. Since American scientists have come to the conclusion that the incorrect work of the body's biological clock can cause the development of manic-depressive psychosis and other mental illnesses.

Scientists have observed laboratory mice with a defect in the gene that regulates the daily change in biological rhythms.

The biological clock gene, which was damaged in experimental animals, is normally responsible for the daily activation and suppression of a number of intracellular processes, and also takes part in the control of the sleep-wake cycle. This gene is believed to have a similar role in the human body.

Observing mice with a defective gene, scientists came to the conclusion that these animals differ from their normal counterparts in hyperactivity and pronounced manic tendencies in behavior. In particular, mutant mice performed significantly more movements per unit of time, were distinguished by an increased tendency to master unfamiliar rooms and labyrinths, and were much less fearful. In addition, the genetic mutation increased the animals' propensity for drug addiction: having access to cocaine, mice with the defective gene tried the drug much more often than ordinary rodents.

The mechanism of influence of the biological clock gene defect on the development of mental disorders is not fully understood. Researchers hypothesize that mutations in this gene lead to a disruption in the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. In turn, genetic manipulation of biological models can help find new targets for drug treatment of mental disorders and treatment methods for people.

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