Nature's Timepiece Identified

Posted by timothy on Monday January 6, 2003 @03:37PM from the and-1-and-2-and-3-and-again dept.

Makarand writes "Nature's timepiece, a two-sided cylindrical protein that tells cells when to grow and when to rest, has been identified according to these reports on MSNBC and on Purdue News. The protein directs 12-minute growth and rest cycles in living cells. Scientists at Purdue were able to confirm its function by first identifying the gene that produces this protein and then altering the protein to produce cycles of between 22 and 42 minutes. This discovery promises new insight into cellular activity such as cholesterol synthesis, respiration, heart rhythms, response to drugs, sleep and alertness. We may be able to improve our of methods of minimzing jet-lag and correcting sleep disorders."

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Caffeine is now obsolete by Anonymous Coward · 2003-01-06 16:38 · Score: 3, Insightful

We may be able to improve our of methods of minimzing jet-lag and correcting sleep disorders.
Why not correct this disorder known as "sleep"?

Sleep is for the weak. And the genetically un-modified.
Where are mad scientists when you need them... by Orne · 2003-01-06 17:05 · Score: 4, Insightful

"The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long... ...and you have burned so very, very brightly, Roy." -- Dr. Tyrell, Blade Runner