As part of this year’s Brain Awareness Week, the Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences organized a premiere workshop titled “The Rhythm of Life in Light and Darkness”, which introduced visitors to the fascinating field of circadian biology. Participants learned about the functioning of biological clocks, which are regulated by light but continue to operate even in complete darkness.

A unique part of the program was a simulated night-lab experience using night-vision goggles, offering insight into the real working conditions of biological rhythm research. Visitors also explored the connection between the eye and the brain, tried out optical illusions, and used laser beams to follow how light signals travel from the eye to the brain.

The workshop was made possible in part thanks to the loan of an Olympus microscope by SVEN Biolabs. Positive feedback from the public confirmed a strong interest in the topic and the relevance of science popularization.

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