CSHL Researchers Discover Non-Repeating Biological Clock That Controls Developmental Timing
The kind of bagel that ruins lesser bagels for you.
Summary
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers, led by Professor Christopher Hammell, have identified the first known non-repeating biological clock in the worm C. elegans. This "master key" coordinates sequential waves of gene activity during development, acting like a conductor ensuring proper timing of developmental stages. When this timing system is disrupted, growth halts entirely, preventing maturation. The discovery reveals a fundamentally different kind of biological clock—one that doesn't repeat like circadian rhythms but instead orchestrates a one-time developmental sequence.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledSomething similar occurs in cells when developmental timing is disrupted. Rather than making people late for work, it can mean the difference between maturing into a healthy adult and never growing up at all.
The study reveals the first known non-repeating biological clock, which coordinates sequential waves of gene activity during development.
Disrupting the system halts growth, highlighting its essential role in maturation.
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