Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research and the University of Tokyo have identified a pair of essential genes known as Chrm 1 and Chrm 3. These newly identified genes have been found to regulate rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. According to Geek.com, now that Chrm 1 and Chrm 3 have been identified researchers are hopeful for more advances in REM studies. Hiroki Ueda, a professor at the University of Tokyo, said; "The discovery that Chrm 1 and Chrm 3 play a key role in REM sleep opens the way to studying its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms".