The Synchronization & Syntonization of Molecular (Biological) Clock Ensembles
Abstract
The NASA/JPL Deep Space Network (DSN) operates four facilities on three continents 24 hours/day, everyday. The DSN Operations Control Center (NOCC), in Pasadena, California, continually monitors and reports the status and performance of all DSN spacecraft project operations. The author, as a DSN Operations Frequency & Timing Systems performance analyst-engineer, reviewing these Daily Status Reports, noted that equipment failure is not the only cause of discrepant performance. Operator errors are a major contributor. Discrepancies tend to occur more frequently on weekends and at local solar time off-hours (nights). Presented here are the result of the author's research into correlations between synchronization/desynchronization of human biological clocks and operator performance. All biological organisms contain clocks. These clocks control the health, behavior and life cycle of the organism. To perform this function, they must be synchronized. For earthbound bio-clocks the synchronizing agents are solar radiation (the cyclic day/night pattern) and tidal modulation of the local gravitational field. The bio-clock is synchronized by lunar/solar tidal forces to form a lunar clock-calendar system. The time-of-day clock controls behavior patterns (depression levels), sleep/wake pattern, body temperature, etc. The clock-calendar regulates life phases (e.g. infancy, childhood, adolescence, adult, menopause,, aging). Desynchronization can cause behavioral affects as minor as loss of concentration, or a serious as fits of deep depression. Desynchronization can be caused by: (1) A genetic defect; (2) The ingestion of mood modifying foods and chemicals; (3) Rapid travel across time zones; (4) Sensory deprivization (extended periods of darkness or extended periods without sleep). Desynchronization is an occupational hazard for DSN Spacecraft Tracking Net Operators, air traffic controllers, international flight crews, etc.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA498057
Entities
People
- Samuel C. Ward
Organizations
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory