Alarm Clock” Gene Explains Wake-Up Function of Biological Clock

Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have identified a new component of the biological clock, a gene responsible for starting the clock from its restful state every morning. The biological clock works up our metabolism early each day, telling our bodies that it's time to get up. Discovery of this new gene and the mechanism by which it starts the clock everyday may help explain the genetics of sleeplessness, aging and chronic illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes, and could eventually lead to new ways to treat these illnesses.