Chronobiology

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Chronobiology (pronounced: kroh-noh-bahy-ol-uh-jee) is a field of biology that examines periodic (cyclic) phenomena in living organisms and their adaptation to solar- and lunar-related rhythms. These cycles are known as biological rhythms. Chronobiology comes from the Greek words chronos (time) and biology (the study of life).

Etymology

The term "Chronobiology" is derived from the Greek words chronos (χρόνος), meaning "time," and biology (βιολογία), meaning "the study of life." It was first used in the late 20th century as scientists began to investigate the phenomena of biological rhythms.

Biological Rhythms

Biological rhythms, or biorhythms, are regular fluctuations in any living process. They can be seen in many aspects of physiology and behavior. These rhythms can be innate (endogenous), such as the circadian rhythm, or they can be responses to external (exogenous) cues, such as photoperiodism.

Circadian Rhythms

Circadian rhythms are biological processes that display an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours. These rhythms are driven by a circadian clock, and rhythms have been widely observed in plants, animals, fungi, and cyanobacteria.

Photoperiodism

Photoperiodism is the physiological reaction of organisms to the length of day or night. It is vital for the survival of species, as it involves the synchronization of biological functions and activities with the environment.

Chronobiology in Medicine

In medicine, chronobiology involves the study of how the timing of illness and treatment can affect health outcomes. This can include the study of chronotherapy, which is the timing of medication administration to sync with the body's rhythms to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.

See Also

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