Nobel Prize winners giving meaning to our biological clock

The audience in a full Aula Nova was taken on a scientific journey to encounter genes and proteins inhabiting our cells and controlling our biological clock. Michael W. Young and Michael Rosbash, two of this year’s Noble Prize winners in medicine, arrived at Örebro University as a finale of their ten-day visit to Sweden.

“People are dependent on the rhythm provided by the biological clock, something we should all be aware of. We shouldn’t fight it,” says Michael W. Young, pointing to sleep as a necessary component of this circadian rhythm.

The two Nobel Prize winners gave a public lecture and answered a number of questions from students and faculty at the University. International Master’s student Loureen Oduor had a chance to catch Michael Rosbash for a few questions.

A trip to Björkborn, Alfred Nobel’s home was next on the itinerary, a visit that included handprints and tree planting. And of course coffee and a piece of this year’s Nobel cake. The day ended with dinner at Örebro Castle.

Michael Rosbah and Johan Schnürer.

Nobel Prize winner Michael Rosbash and Vice-Chancellor Johan Schnürer on their way into Aula Nova to meet, among others, hundreds of students at Örebro University.

Michael W. Young in Aula Nova.

Michael W. Young explained how genes and proteins work together inside the cells to control the circadian rhythm in humans, animals and plants.

Michael Rosbash give a presentation.

Michael Rosbash gave a presentation on the continued research on how life is governed by the circadian rhythm, a reflection of the rotation of the earth.

Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young met Örebro researchers Serena Bauducco and Steven Linton.

Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young met Örebro researchers Serena Bauducco and Steven Linton, psychologists specialising in sleep research.

Michael Young shake hand with Alexander Duarte Tsegai.

Alexander Duarte Tsegai, President of Örebro Student Union, and Michael W. Young.

Michael Roshbash make handprints.

A must for Nobel Prize winners at Alfred Nobel’s Björkborn – handprints and signatures.

Michael W. Young and Michael Rosbash takes a photo of theirs handprints.

A very special souvenir photo from Nobel’s Björkborn – of your own handprints in plaster.