Melatonin hype hard to swallow

Article Abstract:

Melatonin is a natural hormone that is widely touted to be a cure for a variety of conditions, including cancer, schizophrenia, AIDS, depression, jetlag, obesity and even aging. The exaggeration of the possible health benefits of this hormone began when scientists started to publicly discuss the favorable results of their research. The resulting 'melatonin craze' serves as a reminder to the members of the scientific community that they should be very careful in what information they release to prevent the public from gaining unbalanced and potentially dangerous knowledge.

Hormone therapy, Media coverage, Melatonin

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Serotonin in the spotlight

Article Abstract:

Artificial light treats patients with seasonal affective disorder by altering the serotonergic signal processing of the brain. Aside from the role of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors in treating depression, serotonergic stimuli can advance the circadian clock during the day and hinder the phase-shifting effects of light on circadian clock during the night. These findings show the effect of artificial light in circadian rhythm and mood disorders.

Care and treatment, Research, Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), Letter to the Editor, Serotonin, Phototherapy

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Selection on swallow tail streamers

Article Abstract:

An example of an exaggerated trait produced by sexual selection is the tail streamers of Hirundo rustica, swallows. An experiment using tail-manipulation, shows however that the tail streamers of swallows are mainly the product of natural selection. It is also possible that sexual selection was involved in lengthening the tail by less than the 20 mm manipulation used, so sexual selection may be responsible for the sexual dimorphism in the species.

Observations, Sexual selection in animals, Sexual selection (Natural selection), Swallows, Tail

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