Effect Of Lunar Phase Research Articles

Effects of Lunar Phases on Foot Temperature, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects.

It has been observed that the lunar phases alter the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level in type-2 diabetic (T2DM) subjects. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was also reported to be associated with elevated foot temperature (FT), oxidative stress, and inflammation in T2DM subjects. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in FT, oxidative stress, and inflammation levels and assess the relationship of FT with oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activity, and inflammatory markers in T2DM subjects at different lunar phases. The plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and dorsal and plantar surface temperatures of the feet by infrared dermal thermometer were measured in 88 randomly selected T2DM subjects at different lunar phases. The levels of oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), and tumor necrosis factoralpha (TNF-α). The FTs, MDA, and TNF-α were significantly increased, and G6PDH activity was significantly decreased in the new moon (NM) and full moon (FM) than in the third quarter (TQ) and first quarter (FQ) for both sexes. The FTs, MDA, and TNF-α levels were significantly positively correlated, whereas G6PDH activity was significantly negatively correlated with FPG at NM and FM in both sexes. The MFT was significantly positively correlated with MDA and TNF-α and significantly negatively correlated with G6PDH at NM and FM in T2DM subjects. The lunar phases showed a prominent influence on the FT, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status in T2DM subjects, which might be due to the existence of biological rhythm interaction with lunar electromagnetic radiations.

Is there an association between the lunar phases and hospital admission for different episode types in bipolar disorder? A retrospective study in northern China

ABSTRACT The effects of the moon on mental activities remain contentious. Few studies have investigated associations between lunar phases and different types of bipolar disorder (BD) episodes. In the current study, 7,452 patients with BD from three hospitals were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of episode types, and the effects of lunar phase were examined for each type. The cosinor analysis revealed moon-related rhythmicity in admissions for BD in a period of 14.75 days. There were fewer admissions around the new moon and the full moon. There was no significant difference between different groups in acrophase. There was possibly a temporal lag between the onset of BD and hospitalization. Thus, it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the impact of lunar phases on BD. Sleep might be a middle way from moon effect to admissions of BD. These results have implications for future disease prevention strategies and research.

Effects of Lunar Phases and Weather Conditions on Small-scale and Trawl Fishery Landings in Southern Aegean Sea, Türkiye

Effects of Lunar Phases and Weather Conditions on Small-scale and Trawl Fishery Landings in Southern Aegean Sea, Türkiye

Effect of Varied Phases of Lunar on the Growth and Yield Parameters of Rice Varieties

Aim: To understand and reason out the effect of lunar phases on the rice crop growth and development.
 Study Design: Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Field trial was conducted in the wetland farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu during the Navarai season (Dec. 2021 – Apr. 2022).
 Methodology: Treatment consists of two factors viz., Sowing date (4 Nos.) weekly sowing with respect to lunar phases – New moon, first quarter, full moon and third quarter) and Varieties (4 Nos.) in which two organic (i.e. Kullakar, Karunkuruvai) and two conventional varieties (ADT 43, ASD 16). Normal cultivation practices were followed as per the Tamil Nadu Crop Production Guide 2021.
 Results: The pooled mean value revealed that the seeds sown at full moon gave significant positive influence on the growth parameters such as plant height, number of tillers, leaf area index and dry matter production compared to other sown dates. Whereas the treatments that had flowering stage synchronized with full moon phase were produced more yield and dry matter content.
 Conclusion: The rice varieties sown in full moon phase exhibited superior growth on compared to other lunar phases and the treatments had flowering synced with full moon phase resulted with more yield and dry matter production.

Effects of lunar phase and temperature on bat activity and species richness at varying altitudes in the Kunene Region, Namibia

AbstractBat activity and species richness patterns are often used to assess bat population trends. Understanding how environmental conditions affect bat activity is thus important for bat conservation, but understudied across much of Africa. To address this information gap, we examined the effects of environmental factors (i.e. lunar phase and ambient temperature) on bat activity and species richness in the northern Namib Desert, Namibia. From May 2016 to March 2017, we deployed long‐term acoustic detectors at three locations of varying altitudes to record bat activity and captured bats to confirm species identities once per month. In total, we recorded 5865 passes from six bat families, with Vespertilionidae and Molossidae occurring at all sites. Lunar phase did not significantly affect activity on full moon versus new moon nights. Bat activity generally peaked at all sites in the early evenings independent of lunar phase, suggesting that foraging just after sunset may be adaptive. Ambient temperature had a negative effect on bat activity at all sites and bats were not active when temperatures were >35°C or ≤11°C, but bat activity peaked during the summer months. Despite differences in temperatures across sites, community composition was not related to altitude. Long‐term monitoring of desert bat activity and species richness is important not only for addressing large knowledge gaps about the population trends and behaviours of these Namibian species and about bats in arid landscapes more generally, but also for informing local bat conservation efforts across a range of environmental conditions.

Effect of meteorological factors and lunar phases on occurrence of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

BackgroundPsychogenicnonepilepticseizures (PNES) lack the abnormal electrographical discharges in electroencephalogram seen in epileptic seizures. The notion of the effects of meteorological factors and lunar phases onoccurrence of seizures in patients with PNES has been the subject of very few research studies and the available evidence in the literature is equivocal. In this study, we aimed to study the influence oflunarphases and meteorological factors on the frequency of PNES and its semiological categories. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients discharged with a diagnosis of PNES from our epilepsy monitoring unit in a 3-year period. The 119 patients who met the inclusion criteria were categorized into hypermotor, hypomotor, or intact sensorium based on semiology of their seizures. The occurrence of PNES, in total and in each semiological category, was correlated with the daily average temperature, atmospheric pressure, and the 4 lunar phases. ResultsThere were 31.8% and 11.1% more-than-expected captured seizures when the average daily atmospheric pressure was lower or higher, respectively, of what is generally considered a comfortable atmospheric pressure. No consistent relation was found between the full moon phases and occurrence of PNES. ConclusionA significant association between atmospheric pressure and the occurrence of nonepileptic seizures was found, whereas no consistent increase in PNES was observed during the full moon phases. There is still an open debate about the effect of the lunar phases on human behavior and neurological disorders such as PNES.

Diel and lunar variation in diving behavior of rough‐toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) off Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi

AbstractObservational studies describe rough‐toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) actively foraging during the day on epipelagic species. Using data from depth‐transmitting satellite tags deployed on nine individuals off Kauaʻi, we investigated diving behavior and the effects of lunar phase and solar light levels on vertical movements. Overall, tagged rough‐toothed dolphins primarily used near‐surface waters, spending between 83.6% and 93.7% of their time in the top 30 m of the water column. When diving, grand mean, median, and maximum dive depths were 76.9 m, 67.5 m, and 399.5 m, although individuals were in water with depths from approximately 700–1,450 m. Dive rates varied by time of day, being lowest during the day and at dawn and highest at dusk and night. Dives were deepest (M = 133.7 m, SD = 52.6 m, median = 106.5 m) and longest (M = 4.0 min, SD = 0.4 min, median = 4.0 min) at dusk, suggesting dolphins were taking advantage of prey rising to the surface in response to reduced light levels. Lunar phase indirectly affected diving, with deeper and longer dives occurring with increasing illumination. The variations in dive behavior across solar and lunar cycles indicate diving patterns shift based on the distribution of prey.

Effects of Lunar Phases and Other Variables on CPUE of European Pilchard, Sardina pilchardus, Caught by Purse Seine in the Eastern Mediterranean

European pilchard Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) is one of the most dominant small pelagic landed by purse seine in Turkey as well as Mediterranean. In this study, we aimed to identify relationships between the seasonally adjusted CPUE and changes of the sea surface temperature (SST), fishing area, moon phase, and light used in the purse seine fishery to understand the impact of changes on the CPUE of pelagic fishes, especially S. pilchardus, by a total of 214 operations in Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea. The effect of the parameters on the Sardine CPUE, expressed in terms of kg (haul day)–1, was examined by means of the Generalized Additive Modelling (GAMs) techniques. The CPUE values for S. pilchardus were between 0 – 16 800 kg (haul day)–1 and the mean CPUE was 1 844.3±176.6 kg (haul day)–1 . The smallest median was 441 kg (haul day)–1 for full moon and the differences between the CPUE values of lunar phases were statistically significant (p<0.05). Furthermore, there is a linear relationship between CPUE and SST. In conclusion, the CPUE varied under hydrographic variables mostly SST for sardine purse seine fishery in the Aegean Sea.

Lunar Cycle Influences Reproductive Performance of Crossbred Brahman Cows Under Tropical Conditions.

Evidence has accumulated over the years indicating that the moon influences some aspects of the reproductive activity in animals and humans. However, little is known about the influence of the lunar cycle on the reproductive performance of cows under tropical conditions, where the environment strongly affects reproduction. This retrospective study was conducted with the aim of assessing the influence of the lunar cycle on some reproductive traits of tropical crossbred cows managed in a pasture-based system. Data from 5869 reproductive records from two commercial farms localized in the Maracaibo Lake Basin of Zulia State, Venezuela, were analyzed. Variables studied were first service conception rate, calving frequency, first postpartum estrous frequency, and pregnancy frequency. In addition to the lunar cycle, the effects of farm, season, and predominant breed were also considered. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and general linear model from SAS. First service conception was affected by lunar phases and predominant breed, but not by farm or season. For frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy, there was no main effect of farm, season, and predominant breed, whereas the effect of lunar phases was highly significant. First service conception was significantly greater in waning than in crescent phase of the lunar cycle. Frequencies of calving, first estrus, and pregnancy were highly correlated and showed greater figures around full moon and new moon. In conclusion, lunar cycle influenced first service conception, attaining greater values in the waning phase of the moon cycle. Frequencies of calving, first postpartum estrus, and pregnancy in crossbred cows showed a clear bimodal rhythm, whose greatest values coincided with new moon and full moon.

SUN-272 THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LUNAR PHASES ON FLUID BALANCE AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

The effect of lunar phases on barometric pressure have been known since 19th century. We aimed to explore the effects of different lunar phases on fluid balance and blood pressure in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A retrospective analysis of the medical data of 21 HD patients was performed. The following data were collected during three lunar cycles (December 7, 2018 to March 6, 2019): patient weight before and after HD, ultrafiltration volume, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) before, during and after the procedure. The means of the studied variables were compared in different moon phase groups using the Paired-Samples T-Test. Data analysis was performed with MS Excel and IBM SPSS 23 software. 798 HD procedures of 21 patients were analyzed. 57.1% of them were male and 42.9% were female. The mean age of the participants was 57.95 ± 16.84 years old. There was a statistically significant difference when comparing SBP in the 1st h of HD. There was a difference of 3.7 mmHg between the new moon and the full moon (p=0.038) and a difference of 3.6 mmHg between the first quarter and the full moon (p=0.036). However, there were no statistically significant differences between the means of other studied variables. The results are presented in Table 1. The results of the study reveal that there are no clinically relevant differences between various variables during different lunar phases. There are only minor differences in SBP during the 1st h of HD, which should be further investigated in a larger population.

Orienting to polarized light at night - matching lunar skylight to performance in a nocturnal beetle.

For polarized light to inform behaviour, the typical range of degrees of polarization observable in the animal's natural environment must be above the threshold for detection and interpretation. Here, we present the first investigation of the degree of linear polarization threshold for orientation behaviour in a nocturnal species, with specific reference to the range of degrees of polarization measured in the night sky. An effect of lunar phase on the degree of polarization of skylight was found, with smaller illuminated fractions of the moon's surface corresponding to lower degrees of polarization in the night sky. We found that the South African dung beetle Escarabaeus satyrus can orient to polarized light for a range of degrees of polarization similar to that observed in diurnal insects, reaching a lower threshold between 0.04 and 0.32, possibly as low as 0.11. For degrees of polarization lower than 0.23, as measured on a crescent moon night, orientation performance was considerably weaker than that observed for completely linearly polarized stimuli, but was nonetheless stronger than in the absence of polarized light.

Roosting patterns of the Edible-Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) of the Andaman Islands: effects of lunar phase and breeding chronology

ABSTRACTEnvironmental conditions and biological rhythms can affect the behavioural routines of animals. However, the effect of lunar phase on individual roosting behaviour remains uninvestigated in most species. Here, we monitored the effect of lunar phase, sunset time, temperature, humidity and the breeding chronology on the roosting patterns of the Edible-Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) of the Andaman Islands, across breeding stages. Counts revealed that more than 98% of the population returned to the roosting caves during peak roosting hours, i.e. 1700–2000h. The proportion of birds roosting in caves was highest during the ‘new moon’ phase and when birds were at the nest-building and fledging stage of their breeding cycle. We confirmed that the variation in the roosting behaviour of the Edible-Nest Swiftlet is linked both to the stages in the breeding cycle and to the lunar phase. We hypothesise that the cause for the lunarphilic roosting pattern is an anti-predator strategy. Feeding habits and food requirements during different breeding stages are presumed to influence the roosting pattern of the species. An improved understanding of the association of the behaviour, physiology and the environmental conditions which influence these traits can only help us improve conservation outcomes for this economically important species.

Effects of lunar phase on predator-prey interactions between white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus)

Predator-prey relationships can be influenced by environmental conditions, including changes in moon phase and associated lunar illumination. Two primary hypotheses have been proposed underlying the effects of moonlight on predator-prey interactions: the predation risk hypothesis and visual acuity hypothesis. However, few studies have tested these hypotheses during twilight hours or involved large mobile aquatic species. In the present study, we evaluated these hypotheses using data collected over 16 years on predator-prey interactions between white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) at sunrise. Data from 1476 natural predation events demonstrated shark attack frequency and seal capture success was significantly higher at sunrise during periods of low (0–10 %) versus high (90–100 %) lunar illumination, which is consistent with the visual acuity hypothesis. We propose that during full moon periods, white sharks at night are at a visual and tactical advantage over seals which are silhouetted at the surface in the moonlight and thus easier to isolate in darkness, while sharks remain camouflaged hunting from below through deep water. However, at sunrise, we hypothesize this advantage shifts to seals as the added lunar illumination, combined with emerging sunlight, may decrease shark stealth and increase the ability of seals to detect and avoid sharks. These finding suggest that lunar effects on predator-prey dynamics can be context specific, likely moderated by visual acuity of predators and prey which may change according to the photoperiod.

Effect of lunar phase on frequency of psychogenic nonepileptic events in the EMU.

Studies of the effect of a full moon on seizures have yielded mixed results, despite a continuing prevailing belief regarding the association of lunar phase with human behavior. The potential effect of a full moon on psychogenic nonepileptic events has not been as well studied, despite what anecdotal accounts from most epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) staff would suggest. We obtained the dates and times of all events from patients diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic events discharged from our EMU over a two-year period. The events were then plotted on a 29.5-day lunar calendar. Events were also broken down into lunar quarters for statistical analysis. We found a statistically significant increase in psychogenic nonepileptic events during the new moon quarter in our EMU during our studied timeframe. Our results are not concordant with the results of a similarly designed past study, raising the possibility that psychogenic nonepileptic events are not influenced by lunar phase.

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Does lunar cycle affect lamb production after artificial insemination in sheep?

The effect of lunar phase on 2724 artificial inseminations (AIs) performed either after natural detection of oestrus (n = 383) or by hormonal treatment (n = 2341) has been analysed. Moon exerted a significant effect on fertility rate (p < 0.001), with a significant interaction with type of oestrus (p < 0.05). The effect on fecundity was significant (p < 0.05), so that the number of lambs obtained per inseminated ewe was higher during the new and the decrescent moons (New moon: 0.80 ± 0.05; Crescent moon: 0.62 ± 0.04; Full moon: 0.65 ± 0.03; Decrescent moon: 0.80 ± 0.02 lambs/inseminated ewe). An interaction (p < 0.05) between lunar phase and type of oestrus was detected, so that the effect of moon on this parameter was different depending on how oestrus was obtained. In conclusion, moon can affect lamb production after AI in sheep through changes in fertility rates throughout its different phases. However, this influence varies depending on the nature of the oestrus presented by ewes before insemination.

Sleep: A Biological Stimulus from Our Nearest Celestial Neighbor?

Three studies have retrospectively analysed different data-sets to assess whether there is an effect of lunar phase upon human sleep. The results and conclusions differ. Until specifically designed experiments, controlling for key variables, are undertaken this issue will remain open.

Investigating Lunar Phases Impact on Natural Disasters over India

The effect of lunar phases on natural disasters has been discussed from time to time. In the present work we have made an attempt to investigate the impact of lunar phases on the natural disasters viz. cyclone, earthquake, slides and floods. We have observed the increasing trend in the number of disasters over the last 100 years. The seasonal analysis of the above mentioned four disasters have shown their maximum occurrence in the monsoon season. Among allthe four disasters, number of occurrences of the flood was highestin past years. It has been observedthat during the first and last quarter we had more natural disasters compared to the new moon and full moon. However the Studentttestconfirmed that statistically there is no difference between first quarter and last quarter and new moon and full moon phases at 0.05level of significance.

Effect of Lunar Phases, Tides, and Wind Speed on the Abundance of Diptera Calliphoridae in a Mangrove Swamp

Abiotic factors, such as lunar phases and tides, have a significant effect on insect development. Reproduction and immature development are usually interlinked to these abiotic factors. The tide is at its highest levels at full moon or new moon, hindering the feeding of the immature or causing their drowning. The oviposition by adult females is also compromised on these days because much of the available food is submerged. Another important abiotic factor is the wind, which displaces odoriferous particles in the air. Wind speed and direction are important elements to indicate potential sources of food for insects. I report on the effects of lunar phases, tides, and wind speed on the Calliphoridae fauna in mangrove swamps. The different species collected were identified, and the predominant species in the area were quantified. A total of 1,710 flies were collected over a 1-year period. Six Calliphoridae flies, Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann) were collected. Data indicated that lunar phases have a significant effect on the abundance of C. albiceps (r = 0.39, p < 0.01), and that the variation of the tides also affected the abundance of C. putoria (r = 0.40, p < 0.00), C. macellaria (r = 0.41, p < 0.00), and C. idioidea (r = 0.31, p < 0.04). The wind speed, however, did not affect these species.

The effect of lunar phases on the occurrence of acute cardiovascular diseases

This paper analyzes the possible impact of lunar phases on the dynamics of acute cardiovascular diseases: acute myocardial infarctions (MIs) and acute brain strokes (BSs) at different levels of heliogeomagnetic activity. The superposed epoch analysis (SEA) has been applied with dates of the new moon and full moon used as reference days. A statistical analysis of a 14-year-long (1992 to 2005) series of everyday medical data from the Central Clinical Hospital no. 1 of Russian Railways (Moscow) and the parameters of heliogeomagnetic activity was carried out. It was found that daily occurrences of MIs and BSs vary with the phase of the moon. These variations are significant; they continue at different levels of heliogeomagnetic activity and are not related to the variations in geomagnetic activity identified by the same method. The effect of lunar phases on MIs and BSs is quite different. New moons and full moons have qualitatively the same effect on MIs; however, there are significant differences in the incidence of BSs during new moons and full moons.