New Study Highlights Long-Term Behavioral and Cognitive Effects of Irregular Light Exposure on Neurodevelopment
A recent study highlights the significant impact of early-life circadian rhythm disruption on neurodevelopment, with implications for understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a modified mouse model subjected to an 8-hour light/dark cycle from embryonic to early postnatal stages, researchers observed long-term behavioral changes, including impaired sociability, repetitive behaviors, and cognitive deficits, similar to ASD traits. These changes were linked to hyperactivation of the mTORC1 pathway in the brain, suggesting a biological mechanism for these effects. The study also found heightened anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in affected mice, aligning with the elevated prevalence of these conditions in individuals with ASD. While the research highlights modern lifestyle risks, such as irregular light exposure, it underscores the need for further investigation into the specific brain regions and mechanisms involved. These findings emphasize the importance of protecting circadian rhythms during early development to mitigate potential lifelong mental health impacts.
