chronobiology

Two studies show that Plasmodium—the genus of protozoans that cause malaria—have an internal sense of time that synchronizes with their host’s circadian rhythms and allows the parasites to collectively attack blood cells.

In Drosophila, the tissue is more permeable to drugs at night, offering a possible explanation for why some medicines work better at certain times of day.

Young talks with The Scientist about studying circadian rhythms in fruit flies, the applications of his work beyond Drosophila, and winning the prize. 

A basic curiosity about how life works led the Brandeis University molecular biologist to discover how our bodies keep time. 

The award in Physiology or Medicine goes to chronobiologists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael Young.

Across many diseases, taking medication at specific times of day may make the therapy more effective.

The body's rhythms could affect numerous ailments as well as how people respond to treatments.

Research Fellow, Cyclotron Research Center, University of Liège. Age: 35