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Unwinding Biological Clocks Your body has an internal clock run by biological mechanisms. This talk will explore the science behind the commonly known concept of “the body clock,” and biological rhythms in mammals, including humans. From primitive algae to man, organisms have acquired the ability to synchronize critical physiological and behavioral processes to important external periodicities through the use of endogenous timers. Foremost among these biological chronometers are circadian clocks, endogenous timekeepers that allow organisms to synchronize physiology and behavior to the 24 hour solar cycle. In several organisms biological clocks have been localized and the underlying timing mechanism investigated. Studies reveal that the fundamental timing signals are generated by feedback loops involving genes and their protein products. These biological clocks play a role in human performance, sleep and waking, and aging. April 12, 2005 |
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About the Speaker Gene Block Gene D. Block, is the chief academic officer of the University. He is charged with overseeing education, research, and public service in all 10 schools of the University, in the University's libraries and museums, and in numerous other academically related units of the University. In addition to his role as Vice President and Provost, Mr. Block is the Alumni Council Thomas Jefferson Professor in the College of Arts & Sciences. He teaches in the Biology Department and maintains an NIH-funded research program focused on the study of biological clocks. |
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