INSIGHT INTO THE CIRCADIAN CLOCK

How the bio-rhythm affects our health

Who doesn’t know the feeling? The alarm goes off in the morning, but we’re still far too tired to get up. It sometimes feels as if our body lives according to a different clock. That’s possible, scientists say. There is actually a small group of nerves in the hypothalamus that acts as a ‘circadian clock’ and determines the daily rhythm of our lives. It not only regulates our sleep/wake rhythm but also influences our metabolism, hormone release, moods, and much more. Today’s 24/7 society causes desynchronization in this, which can have negative consequences for our health. Think of a higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

In the BioClock project, a wide variety of researchers throughout the Netherlands are working together to unravel the secrets of the circadian clock. Andries Kalsbeek (Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC) is investigating how the bio-rhythm influences our hormone levels and how energetic we feel. Laura Kervezee (Leiden UMC) is working on new strategies to support the natural functioning of the circadian clock, such as for night workers, the elderly, or hospital patients. On Wednesday, October 16, at the Science Café, they will discuss (in Dutch) their latest findings on the workings of the circadian clock and the consequences of its disruptions. And Séance … they’ll play according to their own rhythm this evening; tune in!

scientists /8pm Andries Kalsbeek (Nederlands Herseninstituut) and Laura Kervezee (Leiden UMC)

music /7.30pm  Scéance

moderatorMaïté Tjon A Hie

timeWednesday October 16th 2024, 7.30/8 – 10 pm
venue             The Shamrock, Smetiusstraat 17, Nijmegen

admissionfree admission (no reservation)

languageDutch

info    www.sciencecafenijmegen.nl