Rhythms of Life: the Biological Clocks that Control the Daily Lives of Every Living Thing

Science News, Nov 6, 2004

RHYTHMS OF LIFE: The Biological Clocks that Control the Dally Lives 'of Every Living Thing

RUSSELL G. FOSTER AND LEON KREITZMAN

HOW do birds know when it's time to migrate? Why are we more likely to suffer a heart attack in the morning than at night? Why do some plants open their flowers at the same time every day? The answers lie in biological clocks AS this book explains, biological clocks are in the genes of living things ranging from simple bacteria to people. Earth works on a 24-hour cycle of night and day, so organisms need to stay in tune with that cycle and pace their activities. Sleep, heartbeat, and body temperature changes are just a few of the functions regulated by our biological clocks. Foster, a professor of molecular neuroscience, teams with writer Kreitzman to report on advances in research probing the many ways that biological clocks, or circadian systems, regulate life. The authors reveal the evolutionary history of circadian systems in mammals, birds, insects, fungi, and bacteria The authors also discuss the benefits of understanding biological clocks. For example, clinicians are learning that certain drugs work better when administered at certain times of the day. Alternatively, disrupting a person's biological rhythms with long-distance travel, artificial lighting, and even caffeinated coffee can cause discomfort and some damage. This book is a thorough analysis of a broad field. Yale U Pr, 2004, 276 p., hardcover, $30.00.