Light does much more than help us see - it directly influences our brain, hormones, sleep, and overall health. In this episode, we welcome PhD researcher Carolina Guidolin, who enlightens us about the world of circadian neuroscience and how light regulates our internal clock. Together we discuss why people respond differently to light exposure, how sex and hormones may shape these responses, and why understanding circadian biology may open important new perspectives for women’s health. Beyond the lab, Carolina also shares why science communication and her podcast have become an essential part of her work as a scientist.
Interested in more science communication on circadian neuroscience? Listen in to Carolina's podcast "Light O'Clock": https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/lightoclock
If you would like to get in touch with Carolina, you can find her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinaguidolin/
... her lab here: https://www.tscnlab.org/
... or reach her at: carolina.guidolin@tuebingen.mpg.de
Timestamps:
00:26 Introduction to our guest Carolina Guidolin
02:04 What are circadian rhythms?
04:41 Relevance of circadian rhythms for mental health
06:03 Non-visual effects of light
09:05 What is melatonin and what role does it play?
13:07 Melatonin suppression and its effects on brain and body
18:06 What do we know about individual differences in melatonin suppression?
22:30 Sex differences & hormones in melatonin suppression
32:14 Introduction to Carolina’s project on how sex, the menstrual cycle, and oral contraception shape individual differences
40:46 What are potential implications for women’s mental health?
44:39 Carolina’s podcast Light O’Clock – Motivation and key takeaways from science communication
50:22 Summary
51:21 Next steps in circadian neuroscience research
55:05 How close are we to translating these findings into clinical applications?
58:23 Closing remarks
Outline & questions: Franziska Weinmar
Sound recording & Editing: Franziska Weinmar with the equipment of the IRTG2804
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