Author: bioclock

PhD candidate Hannah Broeckx recently started her PhD research at the University of Amsterdam. Under supervision of prof. Astrid Groot and dr. Emily Burdfield-Steel, she will investigate the effects of light at night in urban areas on the behavior and physiology of nocturnal insects such as moths. Since these animals are an important element in a food chain, negative consequences for these species may cause even larger effects on biodiversity. Hannah introduces herself...

A new publication in PNAS by BioClock researchers shows how the SCN responds to different colors of light. In the remarkable study, led by BioClock coordinator Joke Meijer (Leiden University Medical Center, LUMC), it was discovered that not only blue light triggers activity of the biological clock. This is a groundbreaking discovery because until now it was generally thought that blue light stimulates our biological clocks the most. Now Meijer and colleagues found that other colors...

In the night from March 26 to 27, daylight savings time has taken place again. Many people agree that this change of time two times per year is not ideal. But a dreading discussion is ongoing on how to decide this issue. Even on European level this issue is discussed each year. Scientists are clear however: stop the change and choose wintertime/standard time. For many reasons this is better for our health, both mentally as physically and it is harmful if we were to live in...

Today is the International Day for Sleep; a day to focus on the importance of sleep. Sleep is crucial for health, both mentally and physically and when it is disturbed, it may largely affect many functions. In particular shift workers experience severe disturbed sleep with many consequences. What can they do about their problems? Within BioClock, in WP1.3, this is part of the research question on how personalized interventions may benefit shift workers. Amazing Erasmus wrote an...

Ward Vleeshouwers started last January with his BioClock project. As a PhD candidate he will investigate the interaction between the circadian clock and the immune system, with a specific focus on tumors. His project is supervised by dr. Ramon Arens and dr. Laura Kervezee. Ward works at the LUMC on the Immunology department. Tell us a little about yourself, who are you, where are you from and what are your hobbies? My name is Ward Vleeshouwers and I am 23 years old. I grew...

In January, PhD candidate Demy van Gilst started her project in the Erasmus Medical Center of Rotterdam. In her project, she investigates the possibilities to induce a better day-night rhythm in neonates. The question she aims to answer whether that will lead to a faster growth and better long-term health. Under supervision of dr. Marijn Vermeulen, dr. Ines Chaves, prof. Bert van der Horst and prof. Irwin Reiss. Who are you? My name is Demy and I am a MD-PhD student in the...

On January 1st, 2022, Danielle Crowley started working as a PhD candidate at the Institute of Biology Leiden. She studies fish and focusses on the effects of light at night. During her project she will be supervised by dr. Christian Tudorache and prof. Joke Meijer. Tell us a little about yourself, who are you? My name is Danielle Crowley, I’m 28 years old and I’m from Essex, England. I really love going on adventures, especially when it involves snorkeling/swimming in the...