Rhythm in Space

Like our body’s biological clock, every event that occurs in the universe, and each living or non-living thing, has a dynamic rhythm that forms during their creation in the space-time continuum. The completion of Earth’s rotation around its axis in one day, and its revolution around the Sun in a year, are examples of periodic events in space. Likewise, we always see the same side of the moon because the moon’s rotation velocity around its axis and its speed of revolution around the Earth are roughly the same.

Our solar system is also rotating, and it completes its tour around the Milky Way galaxy in one galactic year (225-250 million years). In fact, all heavenly bodies are in a constant state of motion. For instance, it is already known that 2061 will be the next time Haley’s Comet orbits Earth.

The movements of the planets and their satellites present in the solar system affect events taking place on Earth. Tidal movements, occurring on a 24.8 hour period, are dictated by the gravitational pull of the moon. The tides deeply affect humans and other animals, both on land and in the sea. For example, coastal birds have adapted their natural rhythms to only forage during low tides. Anyone who has ever wanted to beachcomb also knows that low tide is the best time to search!

Rhythm in nature

Our planet’s living and non-living reactions also take place rhythmically: seasons, and sun rises and sun sets, never lose their proper order.

This is important, as many animals depend on these rhythms. The reproductive period of the Mid-European Roe deer is regulated according to these seasons. They mate in the months of July and August, when abundant food is available. The fawns are born during the month of May, which is the most suitable time regarding temperature.

Porcupines living in South Africa spend June through August – winter in the Southern Hemisphere – in hibernation, while Mid-European porcupines hibernate from October to April. However while Mid-Europe is dominated by cold weather, porcupines kept in the controlled environs of zoos do not hibernate like their partners in the wild.

The migration habits of many animals also depend on the seasons. Pearl mullets of Van Lake, in Turkey, start migrating upstream into rivers in June every year. They return once they deposit their eggs somewhere sheltered and stagnant in the river. Salmon in the American northwest follow similar patterns.

Birds lay eggs at certain times, incubate them, and then migrate thousands of kilometers. Their ability to do this depends on the rhythms of the seasons. And as we know, flora also buds and flowers depending upon these natural rhythms.

Rhythm in our body

Our body and organs also have a rhythm. Even though we are not aware of it, these harmonious movements, called the biological clock, continue until death. For example, our heart pumps rhythmically and a disturbance in this rhythm can be a sign of serious diseases. By cell death and creation of new ones, our organs are periodically rejuvenated.

Our metabolism also works in harmony. The pineal gland (epiphysis) is the first check point of the biological clock. This tiny organ in the brain plays a role in the proper regulation of our organs and systems via a couple of hormones it secretes, primarily melatonin.

Together with the hypothalamus, the pineal gland works like a clock to measure time. While many organs use chemical cues to secrete hormones, the pineal gland activates according to light strength. Melatonin secretion is related to the dimness of the environment. Generally, light causes levels of melatonin to decrease, but darkness leads to an increase. Light cues arrive at the pineal gland via a complicated neural path that starts with the retinal layer of the eye. It follows this route:

light retina hypothalamus epiphysis melatonin secretion

The speed of our metabolism in terms of the causation chain is controlled by the melatonin hormone. Physiological events such as feeling sleepy in the evening and waking up in the morning occur according to melatonin levels. In other words, the rotation of Earth around its axis and its revolution around the Sun, which also means the arrival of the Sun’s rays on the planet, act directly on the body’s metabolism.

Rhythm in the cells and deciphering a code

As the smallest functional unit of organisms, cells also have a lifespan. A cell’s biological clock displays its division and death times. Telomere, a part of our DNA present in chromosomes, gets shorter with each cell division, meaning that a cell cannot divide beyond a certain point. Therefore, the telomere is a structure in charge of determining a cell’s biological clock. However, the telomerase enzyme present in cancer cells is a protein that prevents this DNA fragment from becoming shorter; thus, a cancerous cell reproduces by dividing continuously and uncontrollably.

Dr. Woodring Wright and Dr. Jerry Shay from Texas University have discovered that a substance called 6-thiodG binds to the telomerase enzyme to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in both cell culture mediums and mice. When the telomerase enzyme encounters the 6-thiodG substance, the cancerous cells sense a signal, as if the cell has been damaged; it quits dividing and later dies. Today, this chemical molecule gives hope for future studies. We can be satisfied that one code has been deciphered and a step has been taken in terms of scientific progress.

From the world of the heavens to the world of atoms, creation continues at every scale in the universe. All events take place in rhythmic periods, and all organisms follow these rhythms. Like the gears of a clock, though some are small and some are big, all are still part of a larger system. As the laws and organizations established in the universe are elucidated better, the wonderful rhythm of existence and the codes regarding these will be continually discovered. Humankind, which is built with curiosity to investigate and learn, will have better awareness of the wonders of the creation as they analyze these rhythmic mechanisms, and they will be filled with awe and gratitude.

As planets have been moving like whirling dervishes around the sun for millions of years, the Milky Way and billions of galaxies in the universe constantly keep turning in space, whose boundaries we are unable to define, in a realm of ether. As the world completes rotating around its own axis in 24 hours, it orbits around the sun with a speed of 30 km/hr and it does not even make a second’s delay in completing its yearly tour. A crowded family formed by the other nearby worlds and their satellites are travelling toward the Vega system with a speed of 220 km/second. Thanks to this rhythmic order, the orbits of planets and their positions at a given date, the times for lunar and solar eclipses, and changes with the length of days and nights, can be predicted years in advance, or calculated for historical times. The repetitive nature of these movements and continuity of the present order, for millions of years, show that everything depends on a certain plan and law, and that nothing acts on its own. There is no place for coincidence when things happen within a frame of laws, where order and rhythm exist.

The continuity of existence depends on the repetition of existing motions within a certain period – namely, on rhythmical motion. The cessation of motion in the cosmos would mean the non-existence of rhythm. It is not possible to talk about rhythm without motion and activity. This movement in existence must have a meaning and purpose. It is exceedingly difficult to explain, with physical laws, why existence came to be and the purpose in this motion. In addition, why this motion began and how long it will last, cannot solely be explained with physical laws. However, there is great meaning in this harmonious turning; an unbroken bond in existence, and a unity. Everything uses a silent language to give a meaningful message to insightful hearts. Then, how is this message supposed to be read and understood?

As we understand from holy scriptures, existence is made subservient to humanity. Existence stands as a means for human comprehension of the meaning within. A person who can view existence with eyes of wisdom and manages to hear creation’s silent melody becomes enraptured with this rhythm and feels like a whirling dervish awed by the Divine.

Rhythm in nature

There exists a balance in nature and a meaningful bond between beings. As everything runs in harmony, beings both help and compensate for one another. The sun, the earth’s source of energy and light, and essential for the continuity of life, is made dependent on a certain order with its rhythmical motion; the world and other planets move in accordance with this main rhythm. Day and night happen by the earth’s spinning around its axis, which is another rhythmical and constant occurrence. An absence of rhythm causes uncertainty and the situation is defined as chaos. If the future is completely uncertain, it gives way to utter chaos and life on earth cannot continue.

The holistic and integrated nature of beings is reflected in human biology, as it is in all living beings. Humans can always perceive, in daily life, that the motions in the universe are in a rhythmical order. As a person comes to this world connected with these rhythms; one can feel their effect in every stage of life and in one’s own body. The circular motion that occurs with the periodical repetition of minutes, hours, days, seasons, and years influences us. The inner rhythm we call our “biorhythm” is adjusted in accordance with the order outside, and there is a 24-hour periodical rhythm in daily life. Every individual has an innately given, peculiar, and distinctive bio rhythm special to the person’s biological and spiritual structure. As in human beings, a periodical rhythm is observable in many living things’ metabolism, heartbeat, and bodily functions, like respiration and sleep; this is known as the circadian rhythm. If the rhythms of living beings are upset, their biological balance is also upset, a situation which can sometimes cause death.

There is no place for coincidence in the universe; everything runs in a regular order established by the One of infinite wisdom. What brings order to life is the existence of rhythmical motion and the continuity of this order, which gives people a sense of security and makes life easier. One can make daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly plans. For example, the fact that the sun’s motion depends on certain physical laws that can be defined with mathematical formulas, and that we see it rising at a certain hour from the same direction every day, gives a sense of comfort to our mind and feelings. Most people do not even worry whether the sun will rise the next day. A person with sound reason does not fall into contradictions while observing occurrences and looks to future with trust. Thanks to periodical occurrences, a person finds a beauty in one’s memories and feelings by remembering the past. These recurring seasons can help us to remember things that, otherwise, might be forgotten.

As an inherent quality of human nature, a person wishes to see an order to social life and expects consistent behavior from others. People with consistent behavior are more preferable as friends and inspire trust in those around them. The order formed as a consequence of individuals’ living in harmony can be seen as social rhythm. Just as a social life that respects others’ rights, and acting in accordance with the existing order, is peaceful and harmonious, a social life that runs counter to the idea of order and trust can lead to chaos and unrest.

Arts

Laws prevalent in existence can also be expressed with arithmetical equations. Mathematical curves, fractals, number series, and many other things reflect a rhythmical pattern and a plan. For example, works executed with the proportions of Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio give aesthetic pleasure to viewers. The eye perceives numerous patterns and motifs formed by ranges of colors, and the ear perceives all melodies and sounds as rhythm. For a person who views creation with eyes of wisdom, the positions of leaves on a tree, a soaring bird, a flowing river, and all of spring’s colorful blossoms are causes of admiration and enthusiasm. Beauty appeals to human nature. And what lies in the essence of all art is aesthetic beauty and harmony, which evoke this feeling of admiration. The human reason, spirit, and emotions have their share from the mysterious activities observed in creation; they express these through art. An artist is essentially inspired by this order and harmony in the universe. If art is the name for sensing this rhythm and harmony in the universe, then the artist is a person who expresses this rhythm in one’s works. Those who grasp this fine meaning and aesthetic beauty in creation can be said to have caught the true spirit in art.

Music is the art where rhythm is sensed best. The patterns and harmony in music perfectly agree with the harmony in nature. Perhaps, how music appeals human feelings and gives us delight is a consequence of such a correspondence. A person’s recognition of this harmony and rhythm in the universe makes one conform to it and become unified with existence.

To conclude, humans have not been left to run wild in this world; an order is needed for their material and spiritual life. The balance, harmony, and beauties existing in creation are reflected in human nature as well. Without a rhythmically working order, the balance of life will be upset, chaos will begin, and maybe the world will come to an end!

they set out for eternity

And wherever the journey led, they carried their gift of radiance.

Gleams of Beauty unfading so entranced their souls,

they heard at night in their dreams angels

singing of bliss and the music of other worlds.

More enchanted, more earnestly they searched in every place, and

yearned for their homeland

the dream of a beloved of matchless excellence, hero or saint or both.

Without pause, they strove on in high, passionate hope;

some mysteries of life they unraveled

as they journeyed apace, and at last obtained the promised happiness.

Lovers of the Light are pledged to a long journey, its end Unseen:

the very roads are proud upon which they journey:

the rhythm of their surging on is Certainty,

and their rank as slaves of the King.

Whoever disdains that rank, disdains his own good fortune,

Exchanging hope for a regret everlasting:

he shall not attain, not ever,

the further horizon of all that is.

Only passionate lovers of the Ideal,

may behold that far horizon,

eternity itself impressed upon their faces,

their names rehearsed in hymns of praise.

They desire life reborn only to be martyred again,

hearts forever surrendered to the Light,

forever remembered in our hearts.

They raise now light-filled eyes,

in their hands translucent beakers held aloft, at ease,

filled to their brim from rivers of Paradise.

Original Article: Akashi M. et al., PNAS 107, 15643 (2010).

Feeling sleepy during the day after a long flight? Internal body clock genes are to blame. Circadian (Latin: “around” “the day”) rhythm genes take part in a time dependent cycling of an organism to carry out daily physiological processes. These signals include very basic needs such as feeling sleepy at nighttime and waking up during the day and repeats about every 24 hours. Malfunctioning circadian rhythm genes are implicated in several sleep disorders. According to a recent study done by Makoto Akashi and his colleagues at Yamaguchi University in Japan, hair follicle cells were found to closely follow the gene expression pattern of the internal circadian rhythm of the human body. Gene expression patterns can be extracted from hair follicles from pulled hair. Studying the circadian rhythm genes and expression profiles has been quite an inconvenience for researchers up until now. This study provides a new alternative method for tapping into this machinery. Don’t be surprised if you are asked for a couple of hairs pulled from your scalp if you go to a doctor complaining about your sleep disorder in the future. This method could have implications in the field of diagnostic medicine as a less invasive method for diagnosing problems since it allows us to conveniently gain access to the gene expression profiles of a person. We are not at a stage where we can control our sleep cycle at our convenience, but this is a step towards facilitating our understanding of this mechanism.

2- Western diet disturbs our bacterial guests

Original Article: De Filippo C. et al., PNAS 107, 14691 (2010).

Did you know that there are 100 trillions of microbes living happily ever after in your gut? This is about 10 times as many cells as make up the whole human body. But, no need to panic, because the sole purpose of their presence is to serve us by aiding in our daily digestion, metabolism and improving our immune system overall. A recent study shows that our friendly inhabitants are drastically affected by the human diet. A research group at Meyer Children Hospital in Italy analyzed and compared the fecal microbiota of children from Europe to that of children from rural African village of Burkino Faso (BF). When they examined the diets of each group closely, they saw that the BF diet is rich in cereals, vegetables and legumes, whereas the European diet is usually rich in animal protein, sugar, starch, and fat. Thus, children from Africa typically have a high-fiber diet and the children from Europe have a low-fiber diet. Next, researchers characterized the gut microbiotas of each group from fecal samples. The results revealed that gut microbiota was drastically different between these groups. Interestingly, BF children had several types of bacteria that seem to produce substantial amounts of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a result of fiber-rich diet. The high levels of SCFAs are known to result in high energy levels and an increased anti-inflammatory capacity. The fact that African populations have almost no non-infectious colonic diseases may be attributed to the enriched diversity of gut microbiota due to the high-fiber diet of African children. This study once again emphasizes the importance of a fiber rich diet and it becomes clear that the adoption of such a diet and refraining from fast food culture would be beneficial to all of us.

3- Eat more, enjoy less

Original Article: Stice E. et al., The Journal of Neuroscience 30, 13105 (2010).

Why do obese people tend to overeat? A new study suggests a vicious cycle stemming from an obese individual’s desire to compensate for reduced pleasure from food. Degree of pleasure derived from eating correlates with the amount of released dopamine, which is associated with food intake. The researchers studied 26 overweight and obese volunteers, who were subjected to fMRI brain scans to identify brain regions that became active as they sipped both sugary milkshakes and a flavorless liquid. Every participant was tested twice over a six month period. Participants who gained weight showed significantly less activation in response to the milkshake intake upon a six-month follow-up relative to their baseline scan and relative to participants who did not gain weight. According to these results intake of palatable food results in down regulation of D2 receptors, reduced D2 sensitivity, and decreased reward sensitivity, implying that overeating may contribute to reduced striatal responsivity. These results will likely be important in developing programs to prevent and treat obesity, and also help us understand why obesity typically shows a chronic course and is resistant to treatment. Here is another reason to eat less: to get more pleasure from the food we eat.

4- Tough Malagasy spiders

Original Article: Agnarsson I. et al., PLoS one 5, e11234 (2010).

There are 40,000 kinds of spiders. They have little bodies, but the webs that they knit with their long thin legs using the silk from their tiny bodies are examples of great talent. Among the 200,000 types of silk which spiders produce, each have different combinations of properties, such as stickiness, durability or thickness, etc. A recently discovered spider found in Madagascar has an even more amazing talent. This kind of spider with its 3–5 cm long body size can make a web that can cross a river 2.5 meters wide with the ends of the nets attached to trees on either bank of a riverside. These nets have been found to be the strongest biological material ever known. After careful measurement, it was discovered that these webs are 10 times stronger (350 MJ/m3) than Kevlar, which is the material used in bulletproof vest, and some threads become even more durable (520 MJ/m3), which means that this spider beats even the most talented scientists and engineers with its skinny small legs and tiny little brain by developing material which is more than ten times tougher. It is believed that these spiders need to have strong nets in order to bare the extreme weather conditions above the river and catch the bugs flying over the river. There are still investigations that have yet to be done in order to find out further properties of such webs. “Verily in these things there are signs for those who consider.”

Bent down in prayer as winds blow by.

No glimpse of greed or poverty,

Once again she stretches up beneath the sky.

Listen closely to the flower’s song,

As pedals play their part.

To turn Man’s eye for a moment long,

To God’s great work of art.

“See order in my rhythm,

See plan in my design.

See prayer in my precision.

’I’ve been sent here as a sign.

Ponder now, before I’m gone,

For winter here draws nigh.

Without knowledge of why we’re here,

Is not wisdom naught but a lie?

And as I sing my final song,

This is what we all will learn.

To God it is we all belong,

And to Him is our return.”