A new study led by an international team of biologists from
the University of Toronto and UCLA has identified some of the brain chemicals
that allow seals to sleep with half of their brain at a time.
The study, published this month in the Journal of Neuroscience,
identified the chemical cues that allow the seal brain to remain half awake and
asleep.
Scientists said their findings may explain the biological
mechanisms that enable the brain to remain alert during waking hours and go
off-line during sleep.