Hibernating arctic ground squirrelProfessor Loren Buck, Department of Biological Sciences, is leading a team of researchers in a four-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant-funded study of the effects of light and dark on arctic ground squirrels' circadian rhythms.

Most Alaskans understand these biological clock-driven processes primarily as the culprit behind a sleepless night, jet lag or Seasonal Affective Disorder. In the land of the midnight sun (and, conversely, the land of the midday moon), we're a little hard-pressed to look at the sky and determine bedtime or mealtime during our bright summers and dark winters. We rely heavily on clocks and routine.

But what of Alaska's animals? How important is it for them to stay on track during extended light and dark periods? The arctic ground squirrel is one hardy Alaska resident that can help researchers better understand the science of circadian rhythms and biological clocks, a field called chronobiology.

Read more about this study and the researchers working on it.

AT UAA THIS WEEK:
>>>Panel: Alaska Women in Design, Nov. 28, 5-7 pm Bookstore

>>>Film: 'Solar Mamas' Nov. 28, 7:30 pm RH 101

>>>Student Union Gallery opens 'Birds in Art' Nov. 29, reception 5-7 pm Student Union

>>>Churchill as Author, Nov. 29, 7:30 pm, LIB 307

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