STUDY: BLUE LIGHT FROM PHONES CAUSES EARLY PUBERTY IN RATS

Researchers in Turkey claim that blue light exposure from electronic devices can speed up the onset of puberty in female male rats, demonstrating a potential link between smart device screens and early childhood development. A joint team from Gazi University and Bilkent City Hospital in Ankara studied blue light exposure in male rats, where early puberty was also observed. Researchers saw the first signs of puberty “significantly earlier” in male rats exposed to blue light, compared to the control group that was not exposed to electronic device blue light. Blue light is already well-known to disrupt the circadian rhythm by suppressing the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, thus delaying sleep onset and encouraging groggier days. For teenagers in particular a lack of sleep can manifest as academic struggles and more emotional troubles. The results suggest that young people need more routine and intervention strategies surrounding the use of smart devices.
* Or … wear cool blue-light blocking sunglasses. Snazzy!
* How does a rat enter puberty? Do they start smoking and growing little wispy mustaches? Do their grades start dropping? Do they stop sharing with scientists what’s going on in their lives?
* There’s nothing more annoying than a puberty rat with a mood swing.
* The worst thing about puberty rats is the zits.
* Oh, for Pete’s sake, folks! 240 melatonin tablets from Nature’s Bounty on Amazon, 6 bucks. End of story.