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Community Corner

Genetics of Circadian Rhythms and Sleep: Modern Life battles Ancient Drives and Mother Nature

The Center for Genetic Medicine of Northwestern University welcomes you to attend our Silverstein Lecture Series in November, featuring Fred W. Turek, PhD, Charles E. & Emma H. Morrison Professor of Biology, Departments of Neurobiology & Neurology and Director, Center for Sleep & Circadian Biology, Northwestern University.

Circadian (24-hour) rhythms and the sleep-wake cycle have evolved over millions of years to allow animals to function optimally at different times of the day and night. However, with the emergence of a 24-hour lifestyle, modern humans ignore Mother Nature’s instructions and try to override our internal biological clock and sleep drive.

Dr. Turek will discuss consequences of "fighting the clock", as well as rapid recent advances in understanding the machinery that underlies circadian rhythms and the control of sleep. Learn about the health and safety effects of the battle between modern life and ancient life processes.

Evanston Event
Tuesday, November 19, 6:00 pm
Northwestern University
Abbott Auditorium, Pancoe Life Sciences Pavilion
2200 Campus Drive, Evanston

Chicago Event
Wednesday, November 20, 6:00 pm
Northwestern University
Hughes Auditorium, Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center
303 E. Superior Street, Chicago

RSVP requested (though not required) via this form -- https://nufsm.wufoo.com/forms/genetics-of-circadian-rhythms-and-sleep/ -- or by calling the Center for Genetic Medicine at 312-503-5600.

See the event website at: http://cgm.northwestern.edu/education/silverstein-lecture/november-2013.html

Dr. Fred Turek graduated from Stanford University, in Stanford, California, in 1973, receiving a PhD in biological sciences; he then completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas, where he studied in the Department of Zoology from 1973 to 1975 before becoming an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University in 1975. He is presently the Director of the Center for Sleep & Circadian Biology and is the Charles & Emma Professor of Biology in the Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology at Northwestern.

The Silverstein Lecture Series was established by the Herman M. and Bea L. Silverstein Medical Research Fund for Genetic Medicine to bring advances in genetics research and medicine to the general public. The series features a renowned expert who discusses his or her research in a community forum. The events are always free and open to the public.

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