Synopsis
Long before Apollo 11 blasted off for the moon, astronatus NeilArmstrong, "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collins simulated actual space conditions to prepare their bodies for the long voyage to earth's only natural satellite
And before some U.S. professional athletes compete on another continent, they alter their eating and sleeping patterns to adapt themselves for the shift in time zones. Practices such as these are all related to the regulation of the human body's biological rhythms, which are controlled by the 'body clock'
Circadian Physiology highlights the basic processes and latest research findings in circadian biology, and describes how this knowledge applies to the prevention of jet lag and the malaise associated with shift work, the treatment of sleep disorders and depression, the timing for effective administration of medicines, and the planning of astronaut schedules for space exploration
Targeted at life scientists who are not specialists in biological rhythms, the book is also accessible to general readers who have an interest in scientific issues and their applicability to health and business problems. To provide the in-depth understanding of circadian phenomena required for the analysis of actual research data, the author has included software for data analysis and simulation that will allow readers to put into practice the formal knowledge acquired through the disciplinary chapters. With its accessible, up-to-date review of scientific and medical advances, Circadian Physiology is a valuable addition to the growing field of circadian biology
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:Elwood McCluskey, PhD(Private Practice)
Description:This book on circadian physiology is authored by an expert who has published research in this field himself, as well as with M. Menaker.
Purpose:The author has well met the objectives stated in the preface: to provide an "authoritative, up-to-date review of scientific and medical advances in circadian biology accessible to non-specialists," suitable also "as a textbook for graduate and undergraduate instruction.
Audience:The intended audience is professionals who do not specialize in physiology, as well as graduate and undergraduate students.
Features:Part of the success of this book lies in its organization, with several overview chapters in the early part of the book, more thorough analysis in the middle chapters, and applied aspects (shift work, sleep disorders, etc.) in the final chapters. Secondly, the book is notable for its careful explanations and illustrations, as needed. It is notable also for its brevity. This little book has nearly a thousand literature citations. Obviously there cannot be lengthy analysis of individual experiments. There must be some skillful writing here. I will never forget R. Konopka's 1970s seminar talk demonstrating that some mutant Drosophila had either 19- or 28-hour days. Chapter 10 here presents the great advances in knowledge of the mechanisms of gene control of timing in Drosophila, then from the mid-1990s on, in mammals. The statement (pp. 5-6) that science is based on evidence but religion on faith, may often be true; but I would argue for more often basing our beliefs on evidence, whether in science or religion.
Assessment:I wish all books were as rewarding to review as this one. Even its compactness makes it appealing to use. Included with the book is a floppy disk with programs to aid in understanding and research (one program helps determine the best way to minimize jet lag).