Round table discussion about the impact of the moon on human biology with international experts:
- Prof. Christian Cajochen, Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken Basel
- Prof. Horacio de la Iglesia, University of Washington
- Prof. Charlotte Förster, Universität Würzburg
- Prof. Till Roenneberg, LMU München
- Prof. Thomas Wehr, National Institute of Mental Health (emeritus)
Moderated by Prof. Kristin Tessmar-Raible (University of Vienna/Alfred Wegener Institut) and Dr. Stefan Uttenthaler (TU Wien/Gesellschaft für kritisches Denken)
Abstract:
A substantial body of scientific literature describes rhythmic phenomena in marine organisms that are not linked to the daily cycle, but rather to the lunar cycle: tidal, lunar (monthly), and semilunar (half-monthly) rhythms. In contrast to daily (circadian) rhythms, which typically manifest as daily activity patterns, these circalunar rhythms are often associated with reproduction: scientific studies have shown that the reproductive behavior and physiology of animals as diverse as corals, bristle worms, midges, echinoderms, fish, and turtles are synchronized by the lunar cycle, highlighting its fundamental importance in biology.
A likely explanation for its prominent existence in marine organisms is that these species, which often reproduce via external fertilization, gain significant reproductive advantages when they synchronize the timing of reproduction across the population and/or to specific, moon-controlled environmental conditions (such as spring and neap tides).
But what about animals that live on land? An increasing number of scientific studies describe correlations between reproductive cycles and lunar rhythms in terrestrial animals, up to and including humans. In humans, several studies have also found statistically significant correlations between certain sleep parameters and lunar phases. However, there are also many scientific studies that have found no such correlations in humans.
In this discussion round, an international panel of renowned chronobiologists will discuss the current status of research on this topic, examine weaknesses and strengths, discuss possible future experiments, and, of course, answer questions from the audience.
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