Sleepiness After Lunch Not Just Too Many Carbs

Taking a siesta after lunch might just be in the natural order of the universe, according to researchers at the University of Manchester. The scientists have recently discovered how brain cells or “neurons” that keep us alert are switched off after a meal.

“We have pinpointed how glucose, the sugar in food, can stop brain cells from producing signals that keep us awake,” said Denis Burdakov, of the Faculty of Life Sciences and lead researcher.

Burdakov’s research reveals how glucose blocks or “inhibits” neurons that make orexins, tiny proteins that are vital for normal regulation of the state of human consciousness.

“These cells are critical for responding to the everchanging body energy state with finely orchestrated changes in arousal, food seeking, hormone release and metabolic rate to ensure that the brain always has adequate glucose,” Burdakov said.

When orexin malfunctions, narcolepsy and obesity can develop. Researchers also think orexin could be involved in learning, reward seeking and addiction.

Burdkov said this previously unknown mechanism is so sensitive it can pick up on minute changes in glucose levels like the ones that take place after eating a meal, hence one of the reasons they believe the siesta tradition persists around the world.

 

New System Improves Human Vision 

A European research project has developed an infrared camera system that boosted drivers’ vision up to 400 percent during tests that simulated poor visibility. Researchers also conducted the tests in real-life fog conditions and still found that human visual perception was improved fourfold. The device, which is a set of dual cameras with sensors for short and long wave infrared, was mounted on a car roof, said Piere-Albert Breton of Thales Avionics. The company is a partner in the SEE project, an attempt to use cutting edge technologies to produce enhanced visual systems to improve safety in automobiles and airplanes. An electronic system for piloting and recording was placed in the trunk.

“It was really effective at detecting a person or animal on the side of the road,” Breton said. BMW is looking into a low-cost way to develop the system. Now the cost is at about 5,000 euros per car and more for an aviation system.