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Nature 433, 698-699 (17 February 2005) | doi:10.1038/433698a; Published online 16 February 2005
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Neurobiology: Bright blue times
Russell G. Foster1
Abstract
The discovery of light-sensitive neurons that can adjust our body clocks prompted a search for their light-detecting molecule. We now know the identity of this pigment — and that these cells do more than was thought.
Our in-built ability to tune our body clocks to day and night relies on a special set of light-sensitive neurons in the eye. Three new papers — two in this issue1, 2 and one in Science 3 — provide strong evidence that melanopsin is the pigment that allows these cells to respond to light.
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Russell G. Foster is in the Division of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Charing Cross Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London
W6 8RF, UK.
e-mail: Email: r.foster@imperial.ac.uk
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