People Behind the Science: Erik Herzog

Erik Herzog discusses biological clocks and inspiring times in this podcast from People Behind the Science.

Dr. Erik Herzog is a Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis. He received his PhD in Neuroscience at Syracuse University. Erik then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia. Erik is with us today to tell us about his journey through life and science.

Nearly all organisms have a biological clock that keeps daily time. Biological clocks that drive near 24-hour rhythms in behavior and physiology have been found in a wide variety of organisms and cell types. The Herzog Lab studies the molecules, cells and circuits underlying these circadian rhythms in mammals using techniques that include planar electrode arrays, real-time cellular imaging and genetic manipulations (i.e. mutants, knockouts, transgenics, optogenetics, etc.). This approach is producing insight into the roles of specific neuropeptides and cell types in the rich repertoire of daily behaviors. Erik’s lab currently focuses on circadian regulation in and by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalmus, the olfactory bulb (OB), and astroglial cells of the neocortex. They ask questions like: Which cells generate these rhythms? How do they synchronize to one another? What are the consequences when their rhythms are disrupted?

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