Dim night light changes behavior and harms fat metabolism in adult male zebra finches

Exposure to dim light at night (dLAN) resulted in weight gain and altered feeding patterns in adult male zebra finches.

• Birds exposed to dLAN displayed increased activity and feeding during nighttime hours.
• Weight gain and elevated nighttime glucose levels were observed in finches under dLAN conditions.
• dLAN exposure negatively affected the expression of fat metabolism-related genes in key tissues.
• The changes in behavior and physiology may indicate potential health risks associated with obesity.
• Findings suggest that dLAN exposure could have broader implications for urban-dwelling diurnal animals.

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