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Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation02:19

Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation

The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent years,...
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation02:19

Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation

The biological clock is involved in many aspects of regulating complex physiology in all animals. It was in 1935 when German zoologists, Hans Kalmus and Erwin Bünning, discovered the existence of circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the internal molecular mechanisms behind the circadian clock remained a mystery until 1984, when Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young discovered the expression of the Per gene oscillating over a 24-hour cycle. In subsequent years,...
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Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses

The circadian—or biological—clock is an intrinsic, timekeeping, molecular mechanism that allows plants to coordinate physiological activities over 24-hour cycles called circadian rhythms. Photoperiodism is a collective term for the biological responses of plants to variations in the relative lengths of dark and light periods. The period of light-exposure is called the photoperiod.
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Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters
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Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters

Published on: September 27, 2012

Chronobiology by moonlight.

Noga Kronfeld-Schor1, Davide Dominoni, Horacio de la Iglesia

  • 1Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel. nogaks@tauex.tau.ac.il

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|July 5, 2013
PubMed
Summary

This review highlights how moonlight influences animal activity and behavior, a factor often overlooked in chronobiology research. Understanding lunar cycles is crucial for ecological studies and conservation efforts.

Keywords:
communicationforaginglight pollutionlunar cyclepredationreproduction

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters
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Monitoring Cell-autonomous Circadian Clock Rhythms of Gene Expression Using Luciferase Bioluminescence Reporters

Published on: September 27, 2012

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures
06:53

Parallel Measurement of Circadian Clock Gene Expression and Hormone Secretion in Human Primary Cell Cultures

Published on: November 11, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Chronobiology
  • Ecology
  • Animal Behavior

Background:

  • Chronobiology research predominantly focuses on solar cycles (daily, annual), with lunar cycles receiving less attention.
  • Moonlight's ecological impact on terrestrial predation and marine reproduction has been noted, but its broader influence on activity is understudied.
  • Recent research indicates moonlight plays a significant role in animal activity across various taxa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review ecological and behavioral evidence demonstrating moonlight's effect on animal activity.
  • To discuss the adaptive significance of moonlight-driven behavioral changes.
  • To explore potential underlying mechanisms and compare lunar effects with artificial light pollution.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review synthesizing existing ecological and behavioral studies on moonlight and animal activity.
  • Analysis of evidence across different animal taxa, including terrestrial and marine species.
  • Discussion of proposed physiological and environmental mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Moonlight significantly influences animal activity patterns, affecting predation risk, foraging, and habitat use.
  • Lunar synchronization is observed in reproductive behaviors, particularly in marine environments.
  • Evidence suggests specific mechanisms, including direct sensory perception and indirect ecological effects, mediate these responses.

Conclusions:

  • Moonlight is a critical environmental cue influencing diverse animal behaviors and ecological interactions.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and adaptive value of lunar influences.
  • Understanding the impact of both natural (moonlight) and artificial (light pollution) night-time light is essential for ecological and conservation science.