Resumen de The hidden organ in our eyes.
The article discusses specialized neurons in the eyes that help the body adjust to the sleep-wake cycle. According to the author, some animals sense light with organs outside of their eyes, but humans do not. He notes that despite this fact, some blind people can adjust their body to the sleep-wake cycle. An overview of research involving genetically-engineered mice who lacked rods and cones, but reacted to changes in light by adjusting their circadian clock is presented. Topics include the discovery of a link between non-visual responses to light and specialized neurons in the retina and how the discovery may lead to treatments for seasonal affective disorders, sleep disorders, and other debilitating conditions. INSETS: How the Body Knows Day from Night;Uncovering the Eyes' Double Life;Feeling Light, Not Seeing.
