As the number of researchers in the circadian field has grown substantially in recent years, we have noticed increasing scope for miscommunication. Some classical terms are being used interchangeably with more modern phrases that may have several alternative meanings. This is confusing for students and presents a barrier to effective dissemination of research findings. Moreover, colourful circadian-related metaphors that lack a clear definition have emerged, and are becoming widespread. It would be useful for students and researchers from other disciplines if there were a website where they can easily find (a) a clear and unambiguous definition for the most frequently used terms employed in circadian research today and (b) updated definitions of the more classical terms based on current consensus usage
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To produce an evidence-based set of definitions for circadian terms and phrases guided by current consensus usage within the circadian research community.
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This project is being conducted by the O\u2019Neill Lab at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK, and used an interactive set of 24 circadian-based questions presented in multiple formats. The survey ran during July – August 2020 and is now closed. We received more >500 responses from around the world. If you took part, thank you very much for your time! The survey questions can be downloaded using the link below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n