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The University of Murcia tops the Chronobiology related research, scientific discipline that studies the biological rhythms of living things.
Specifically, Chronobiology Laboratory, led by Professor Juan Antonio Madrid as part of the Department of Physiology, working for many years in this field applied to humans.
The progress made so far by this laboratory have contributed very positively to technological development in this area, having been able to transfer and apply the knowledge generated in different entities.
The result of this research, the University of Murcia has recently developed two patents related to the human circadian system.
But what is the circadian system?
It is responsible for generating the biological rhythms that occur in the body (sleep-wake rhythms in hormones, blood pressure, etc ...).
These oscillations are controlled by a neuronal clock located in the brain.
Correct adjustment of this watch is that can maintain good health, but this system disorder may lead to the emergence or worsening of certain diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cognitive and affective disorders , depression, sleep problems, accelerated aging, infertility, and certain cancers, among others.
Various parameters influence the proper functioning of our biological rhythms, being the measurement and analysis of the subject of the aforesaid patents.
The knowledge gathered in this patent is the basis for the development of Kronosensor, "a small device (similar to a wristwatch) that includes all the necessary technology to assess non-invasively and without the need for hospitalization, comprehensive operation human circadian system, "said Juan Antonio Madrid.
The Kronosensor is a device capable of performing measurement independently of the circadian system.
According Juan Antonio Madrid, "is done through a sensor array that recorded during 24 hours variations of several variables", among which include environmental and body temperature, motor activity of the subject, the position which is (standing or lying), ambient lighting, etc.
The data obtained from the measurements are sent to a computer where they are analyzed by a specific software, and from them develops a comprehensive report on the state of the circadian system of a person.
"The patient himself can understand the reading on the state of your body and determine what habits or living conditions must be modified to not be affected by this system and therefore their health," said Madrid.
This device is being used in research in different Spanish universities (Extremadura, Barcelona and Balearic Islands) and in a multicenter study coordinated by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, involving eight major Spanish hospitals and whose objective is the analysis of the effects biological rhythms of the work shifts of nurses.
Also being employed for the diagnosis of pathologies linked to circadian system in private clinics and hospital units sleep (Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca of Murcia, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, ​​Sleep Clinic Dr. Estivill, Sleep Clinic Dr. J . Paniagua, etc.).
Finally, the Kronosensor is used for the evaluation of patients with cancer in hospitals in Paris and Paul Brouse San Pedro de Alcántara Cáceres.
The cycle of day-night lighting is the environmental variable that serves to mark the hours to living beings and influences the time setting of the biological clock of humans.
In developed societies, this cycle is attenuated and distorted because the daytime activities take place inside buildings that are little and / or poorly lit, while at night we are exposed to excessive light.
That the human body does not suffer from these changes in the day-night cycle is precisely the object of the second patent Chronobiology Laboratory, since this invention has an illumination device used in indoor environments, capable of radiating a light source similar to sunlight during the day, while at night removes all harmful light emission for the circadian system, allowing a correct color vision.
The biological effects of this device have been tested in the laboratory using two novel techniques Chronobiology: pupillometry and inhibition of melatonin (hormone of darkness).
These patents mentioned are just some of the examples of the transfer that makes the University of Murcia through the Results Transfer Office (TTO), which is responsible for supporting and advising researchers around the protection process of research results, as well as ensure the marketing thereof.
Source: Universidad de Murcia
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