Scientists Describe Internal Clocks That Don't Follow Day and Night Cycles

sciencehabit writes "Almost all organisms, from bacteria to mammals, have a circadian clock—a mechanism in their cells which keeps them in sync with Earth's day-and-night cycle. But many organisms follow other rhythms as well. Now, new research provides the first evidence that animals have molecular cycles independent of the circadian rhythm. They include a sea louse whose swimming patterns sync up with the tides, and a marine worm that matures and spawns in concert with the phases of the moon. The discoveries suggest that noncircadian clocks might be common and could explain a variety of biological rhythms."

Comments

Lunar clocks?

[ozmanjusri]

I wonder if they realise a significant proportion of humanity have internal clocks based on a lunar cycle?

Re:Lunar clocks?

[Narcocide]

My internal clock is based on a caffeine cycle.

Re:Lunar clocks?

[lennier]

Warewolfs

If bitten you have an irresistable urge to download cracked pirate copies of the latest games? Or just want to hang around large empty buildings filled with shipping goods in transit?

The wearwolf, now that's far a more dangerous beast; it haunts the catwalks of Paris and Milan, possessed of an insatiable hunger and a suit with more dimensions than the eye can follow without watering.

Re:Lunar clocks?

[formfeed]

You forgot about the wherewolf. The poor thing gets constantly lost.

Re:Lunar clocks?

[ciderbrew]

I keep falling off my beer cycle.

Re:Different for me...

[wonkey_monkey]

and I'm now 50.

On the plus side, that's only 43 in "you" years.