Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the evolution and role of Circadian Rhythms, the so-called body clock that influences an organism's daily cycle of physical, behavioural and mental changes. The rhythms are generated within organisms and also in response to external stimuli, mainly light and darkness. They are found throughout the living world, from bacteria to plants, fungi to animals and, in humans, are noticed most clearly in sleep patterns.



With



Russell Foster

Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at the University of Oxford



Debra Skene

Professor of Neuroendocrinology at the University of Surrey



And



Steve Jones

Emeritus Professor of Genetics at University College London





Producer: Simon Tillotson



First broadcast on 17th December 2015