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Are you a morning person? There might be a scientific reason for why that is. New research from the University of California, San Francisco suggests that Neanderthal DNA may play a role in determining whether some individuals are early risers rather than night owls.
| Saturday ? December 16, 2023 |
| The Geminids meteor shower, which peaked Thursday, put stargazing top of mind for many this week. Unfortunately, high levels of light pollution in certain areas can make it difficult to peer into the cosmos, even on a clear night, so what’s a star-seeking city dweller to do? You might have to travel a bit, but there are plenty of places around the country where it’s possible to see not only meteor showers, but also distant planets and the Milky Way. To help you find them, Business Insider recently compiled , many of which are officially certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. |
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Check out of two double rainbows over England’s Lake District |
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| Science |
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| Our Prehistoric Cousins May Be to Thank for Some of Us Being Early Risers, Study Reveals |
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Are you a morning person? There might be a scientific reason for why that is. from the University of California, San Francisco suggests that Neanderthal DNA may play a role in determining whether some individuals are early risers rather than night owls. Scientists found that genes inherited from Neanderthals influence circadian rhythms, potentially prompting a tendency to wake up and go to bed early.
Humans today carry up to 4% Neanderthal DNA, which also includes genes related to skin pigmentation, hair, fat, and immunity, per The Guardian. The scientists speculate that the presence of the “morning person” Neanderthal genes may have helped early humans adapt to higher latitudes.
“We don’t think that being a morning person is actually what was beneficial. Rather, we think it is a signal of having a faster running clock that is better able to adapt to seasonal variation in light levels,” study co-author John Capra told the outlet. “At higher latitudes, it is beneficial to have a clock that is more flexible and better able to change to match the variable seasonal light levels.”
The paper notes that Neanderthal DNA isn’t the only genetic factor determining modern humans’ circadian rhythms, but any morning people out there now have something to point to that might explain their early bird tendencies (and night owls, you can use a potential lack of Neanderthal genes as your excuse for sleeping in). |
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| Animals |
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| Global Initiative Celebrates First Species Being Downgraded From Extinction List |
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| Edwin_Butter/ iStock |
In February, scientists with the Zoological Society of London evaluating 95 “extinct in the wild” species that have survived only through zoological and botanical institutions since 1950, thus beginning a global initiative to bring these species back.
And now, the scimitar-horned oryx has become the first animal in that group to be downgraded from extinct in the wild to endangered, per the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s . The ZSL announced the milestone earlier this week, citing a conservation partnership with the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi as a reason for the species’ rebound.
Once widespread across North Africa, the scimitar-horned oryx was declared extinct in the wild in 2000. Since reintroducing it to Chad, the Abu Dhabi agency has seen 510 calves born in the wild.
“The return of the scimitar-horned oryx is the result of a long-term conservation effort for the species — following in-depth, careful preparation, and championed and supported by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi,” said Tim Wacher, ZSL’s senior conservation biologist. “All Saharan antelope species are severely threatened, but this project is proof that with the right will and resources, we can secure a future for them all.” |
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| Culture |
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| Casting Database Is Making Hollywood More Inclusive for Disabled Actors |
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| Phynart Studio/ iStock |
IMDbPro has long been a go-to resource for casting directors when it comes to filling roles for films and TV shows. But there’s a new database in the mix, and it’s seeking to make the entertainment industry more authentic and inclusive, one role at a time.
Launched this year, is a free resource for actors and performers with disabilities to connect with casting agents. The site essentially makes it easier for people with disabilities to get seen, and ideally, land more jobs.
According to the nonprofit’s website, the idea for abilityE came about when Netflix was casting a part for the series The Healing Powers of Dude, and only had 10 actors in the desired age range who authentically used a wheelchair. After getting help from ABILITY Magazine, which sponsors abilityE, the team received hundreds of submissions for the role and eventually discovered teen .
More representation not only increases opportunities for people with disabilities, but it also makes art more reflective of the real world. Studies show that about 16% of the global population experiences a “significant disability.” Yet, less than 3% of characters on broadcast TV during the 2021-2022 season had a disability. “It’s our hope that this exciting new resource will help increase authentic representation of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry,” AbilityE tells Nice News in a statement. |
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| Inspiring Stories |
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| @LizMaupin |
| This story is an example of the positive power social media can have — and it prompted other people to share their own experiences of unconventional or unintentional online friendship. “I’m Instagram friends with a girl because she was tagged in a New York Times photo like 3 years ago and people thought it was me,” another person replied. | | |
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| Quote of the Day |
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| “Courtesy costs nothing.”
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