The biological clock guides the princess butterfly

Scientists have discovered that genetic mechanisms explain why monarch butterflies can fly from Canada to nest in Mexican mountains in the winter.

The study, published in the journal PLoS Biology and Public Library of Science, shows the butterfly's circadian clock that makes it possible to use the sun as a compass.

Dr Steven Reppert, a Massachusetts-based neurobiologist and head of the seven-person research group, said the monarch has a unique biological clock that regulates its daily activities including eating and sleeping activities.

Queen Butterfly

The researchers modeled on the molecular basis of the biological clock of the butterfly moth and found cryptochrome proteins that are common in both insects and mammals. Reppert believed that these proteins made the butterfly butterfly able to navigate through the sun's position .

According to Reppert, "the butterfly's brain is just the tip of the pin, but it has an amazing ability. So we really want to learn about it. '

Once fully understood, the results of the study will pave the way for research into the human biological clock, thereby supporting studies on all problems encountered from sleep disorders. human depletion.

Lincoln Brower, a leading expert at the University of Florida and Sweet Briar-Sweet Briar University, Virginia, thinks that discovery is very important because 'learning about the butterfly butterfly helps to find critical information. determine the nature of life '.

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.