Two biologists from Brandeis University have identified the first protein in flies that uses natural light to reset the animal's circadian clock. What is really neat is the fact that this same light-sensitive protein is found in many other species including humans. Crossing even just a few time zones can affect how well an athlete performs. A number of researchers and writers are paying attention to the fact that jet lag can seriously change a player's competitive edge. The topic would also make a fantastic research topic for you to pursue for a school project.
Teens feel more pressure to excel and find less time to sleep.
The Detroit News October 1998. Author Lynn Waldsmith describes teens who overload their schedules with activities they enjoy or feel they must do. She also makes the point that everyone needs to remember how essential it is for all of us, and especially teens, to get enough sleep. Some of Glenn's fellow astronauts are participating in sleep studies to see what effect the hormone melatonin has on their ability to sleep. This is a beautiful article about two species of reef-building coral that exhibit massive spawnings according to a lunar calendar.