RESEARCH & INNOVATION
AS THE WORLD TURNS
Circadian rhythms could be key to unlocking our lives .
BY KIM MCDONALD
AS THE EARTH SPINS through day and night , all living creatures — from the smallest bacteria to the largest of whales — cycle through dramatic changes in the environment . Of course we know sleeping and waking , but that barely scratches the surface when it comes to all things circadian ( from the Latin circa [“ about ”] and dies [“ day ”]). In fact , an entire field of biology is devoted to studying circadian rhythm and its effect on the many facets of our daily , and nightly , lives .
Circadian biologists are especially attuned to influences on a microscopic level — the daily orchestration of changes in hormones and proteins that allow living creatures to function , survive and thrive . In humans , circadian rhythm governs so many functions of our body that disruptions to this rhythm are thought to pose a higher risk of disease , including cardiac disorders , cancers and infertility .
Such research potential led Professor Emeritus Stuart Brody to establish UC San Diego ’ s Center for Circadian Biology , which has become a hub for researchers around the world seeking to uncover how the essential aspects of physiology and behavior correspond to daily and seasonal cycles . And just as circadian rhythm affects everything under the sun , the center is well known for cross collaboration , between disciplines as well as campuses .
“ When we started this , I said , ‘ Let ’ s pull everyone together . We ’ ll learn about sleep from the sleep scientists and they ’ ll learn about circadian biology from us .’ And it worked ,” says Brody . “ It ’ s become a center for the entire UC system , and it has stimulated collaborations among faculty members between UC campuses .”
Brody himself specializes in the circadian biology of fungi . But studies on plants , bacteria and fruit flies are helping scientists unravel the genetic and biochemical machinery that control the timing of not only our sleep-wake cycles , but metabolism and immune function , as well as likelihood of disease . “ Obesity and metabolism are likely the number one area of promise for circadian research , and cancer is number two ,” says David Welsh , the acting director of the Center for Circadian Biology . “ Mental health , especially the treatment of mood disorders and cognitive decline , also shows potential .”
“ Obesity and metabolism are likely the number one area of promise for circadian research , and cancer is number two .”
— DAVID WELSH , ACTING DIRECTOR , UC SAN DIEGO CENTER FOR CIRCADIAN BIOLOGY
Even students are getting in on circadian action . In 2014 , the center ’ s director Susan Golden launched the BioClock Studio , an innovative program wherein undergraduate students across diverse disciplines create multimedia pieces , interactive videos and creative graphics to explain circadian biology to other students , as well as the general public .
Graphic design student Paul Llanura was among the 250 students who enroll in the BioClock Studio course each year . “ Creating educational materials is a good opportunity to learn about applying the arts to scientific research ,” he says , “ and I hope to create something that has a beneficial impact to other students .”
Learn more about the amazing influence of circadian rhythms on your everyday life at tritonmag . com / circadian
12 TRITON | SPRING 2018