biology

Chronobiology & Biological Rhythms

The study of biological clocks — circadian rhythms, sleep architecture, jet-lag recovery, seasonal mood cycles, and ultradian pulses that orchestrate life from molecules to behavior.

chronobiologycircadian rhythmsleep cyclejet lagbiological clockmelatoninultradian

Every living organism carries internal clocks that synchronize physiology to the 24-hour day. Chronobiology studies these timing systems — from the molecular feedback loops of clock genes in the suprachiasmatic nucleus to the seasonal rhythms that trigger migration and hibernation. Disrupting these clocks through shift work, jet lag, or artificial light has profound consequences for health, mood, and cognition.

These simulations model circadian oscillators, map sleep-cycle architecture, predict jet-lag recovery curves, explore seasonal affective patterns, and visualize ultradian rhythms — giving you hands-on insight into the temporal structure of life itself.

5 interactive simulations

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Circadian Rhythm Oscillator

Simulate the 24-hour circadian clock — adjust light exposure, clock period, and coupling strength to see how the body's master oscillator entrains to the day-night cycle

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Jet Lag Recovery Model

Model jet-lag recovery after crossing time zones — adjust the number of zones crossed, direction of travel, and light strategy to predict how many days until re-entrainment

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Seasonal Affective Disorder Model

Model how photoperiod changes drive seasonal mood variation — adjust latitude, light therapy dose, and melatonin sensitivity to explore SAD mechanisms

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Sleep Cycle Architecture

Visualize sleep architecture through the night — adjust sleep duration, REM pressure, and slow-wave drive to see how NREM and REM stages cycle in 90-minute ultradian rhythms

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Ultradian Rhythm Oscillator

Explore ultradian rhythms — the 90–120 minute cycles of alertness, hormone release, and cognitive performance that pattern your waking and sleeping hours