A recent study suggests that a specific group of brain cells in mice may be responsible for triggering hunger based on the animals’ typical meal times. Interestingly, the activity of these neurons can be reset by altering the animals’ feeding schedules. If these findings are applicable to humans, they might provide insight into why individuals often feel hungry at their regular breakfast, lunch, or dinner times, regardless of the size of their previous meal.
The article was amended on 22 November 2023 to ensure the headline accurately represents the research findings.
Insights:
– The study conducted on mice indicates that hunger may be influenced by specific brain cells and their activity.
– The ability to reset the activity of these neurons by changing feeding patterns suggests the potential for regulating hunger cues.
– Translating these findings to humans may shed light on the mechanisms behind mealtime hunger and its relation to regular eating habits.