What is biological clock? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of biological clock

biological clocknoun
đồng hồ sinh học
/ˌbaɪəˌlɒdʒɪkl ˈklɒk//ˌbaɪəˌlɑːdʒɪkl ˈklɑːk/

Where does the word biological clock come from?

The term "biological clock" describes an internal mechanism that regulates various physiological and behavioral processes in living organisms. The concept was first introduced by the German circadian researcher Franz Halberg in the 1950s. Halberg used the phrase "biological clock" to describe the so-called "circadian rhythm," a term he coined, which refers to the cyclical physiological changes that occur in living organisms in a roughly 24-hour cycle. The biological clock is located in the brain, in a structure called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and is synchronized with the external environment by the fluctuations in light and dark cycles. This timekeeper's proper functioning is crucial for the regulation of sleep patterns, metabolism, endocrine functions, and the immune system. Disruptions to the normal functioning of the biological clock, such as those caused by jetlag, shift work, or light exposure at night, can result in various health problems, including sleep disorders, mood disturbances, and an increased risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and breast cancer. Furthermore, research suggests that disturbances could cause long-term complications, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and cardiovascular disorders, among others. Understanding the workings of the biological clock and exploring ways to optimize its reliability is a significant scientific challenge but has promising implications for transforming the treatment and prevention of debilitating chronic diseases.

Example of vocabulary biological clocknamespace

The biological clock in our bodies regulates our sleep patterns and makes us feel sleepy at night.
The female menstrual cycle is controlled by a complex interplay between hormones and the biological clock.
Many animals, such as migratory birds and hibernating bears, have a highly developed biological clock that allows them to adapt to seasonal changes in their environment.
Shift workers and travelers across multiple time zones often experience disruption of their biological clock, leading to sleep problems and other health issues.
Studies have shown that exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt the natural rhythm of the biological clock and negatively impact sleep and overall health.