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Nature 433, 698-699 (17 February 2005) | doi:10.1038/433698a; Published online 16 February 2005

Neurobiology:  Bright blue times

Russell G. Foster1

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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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