Emily Warner

BCU Student - Visual Communication

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Branding points.

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Lanyard designing.

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Wayfinding map.

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Poster designs.

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Creating my logo to become a vehicle within my design.

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Size, variations and colour.

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My logo shape.

My festival is named Remission and is based in abandoned theme park. The experience is to “leave yourself as you enter” and travel through the final days of a collapsing world brought to life by you and music. The music genre chosen for this festival is house music, this music is created by a looping cycle of music/beats. The circular form that my logo has taken represents the structure of house music and the energy and movement that house brings to listeners. 

The circles represent the structure of the ground echoing contours of movement. The epi-centre of the circle is the stage. The rings are the music. This is the festival. This is remission.

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Logo generation.

When creating my logo I was wanting to create a visual that represented house music. I began to experiment with the shape of a circle as house music is looped and is on a continuous cycle. I then began to look at how house music is formed with layers and beats and what this appeared like when creating it on software.  I took these factors of the formation of the genre of music and began to create ways to represent this.

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Competiter festival research.

To gain an understanding of what branding touchpoint areas I will be having to consider when developing my festival experience. I am also beginning to gather imagery on brand identity and the way it is used and changed to fit actross several media points.

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Studying circadian rhythms

How do researchers study circadian rhythms? Scientists learn about circadian rhythms by studying humans or by using organisms with similar biological clock genes, including fruit flies and mice. Researchers doing these experiments can control the subject’s environment by altering light and dark periods. Then they look for changes in gene activity or other molecular signals. This research helps us understand how biological clocks work and keep time. Scientists also study organisms with irregular circadian rhythms to identify which genetic components of biological clocks may be broken.

How does circadian rhythm research contribute to human health? Understanding what makes biological clocks tick may lead to treatments for sleep disorders, obesity, mental health disorders, jet lag, and other health problems. It can also improve ways for individuals to adjust to nighttime shift work. Learning more about the genes responsible for circadian rhythms will also help us understand biological systems and the human body.

Do circadian rhythms affect body function and health? Yes. Circadian rhythms can influence sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, eating habits and digestion, body temperature, and other important bodily functions. Biological clocks that run fast or slow can result in disrupted or abnormal circadian rhythms. Irregular rhythms have been linked to various chronic health conditions, such as sleep disorders, obesity, diabetes, depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.

How are circadian rhythms related to sleep? Circadian rhythms help determine our sleep patterns. The body’s master clock, or SCN, controls the production of melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy. It receives information about incoming light from the optic nerves, which relay information from the eyes to the brain. When there is less light—like at night—the SCN tells the brain to make more melatonin so you get drowsy. Researchers are studying how shift work as well as exposure to light from mobile devices during the night may alter circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles.

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Meaning: Chronobiology.

Noun. The branch of biology concerned with cyclical physiological phenomena. (The science or study of the effect of time, especially rhythms, on living systems.) The origin. 1975-1980.

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The History: Establishing the Fundamental Biology of Circadian Rhythms

The first thing to know about the study of circadian rhythms, also known as chronobiology, is that with few exceptions all organisms on the planet follow a circadian clock. From daffodils to sparrows, zebras to humans, everything under the sun follows the pattern of the sun. In 1729, French scientist Jean-Jacques d’Ortous de Mairan recorded the first observation of an endogenous, or built-in, circadian oscillation in the leaves of the plant Mimosa pudica. Even in total darkness, the plant continued its daily rhythms. This led to the conclusion that the plant was not simply relying on external cues, or zeitgebers, but also its own internal biological clock.

Two hundred years later, in the mid-20th century, the world of modern chronobiology blossomed. The field benefitted from contributions from a number of scientists, notably Colin Pittendrigh, the “father of the biological clock.” Pittendrigh studied the fruit fly Drosophila and shed light on how circadian rhythms entrain, or synchronise, to light-dark cycles. Jürgen Aschoff, a friend of Pittendrigh, also studied entrainment modelling, although they reached different conclusions about the manner in which entrainment occurs (parametric versus non-parametric). John Woodland Hastings and his lab also made important foundational discoveries about the role of light in circadian rhythms by studying luminescent dinoflagellates, a type of plankton. Erwin Bünning, who studied plant biology, also contributed foundational research in entrainment modelling, describing the relationship between organisms and light-dark cycles.

The next phase of chronobiology discovery began to articulate the specific molecular and genetic mechanisms of circadian rhythms. This came from the work of Ron Konopka and Seymour Benzer, who in the early 1970s aimed to identify specific genes that controlled the circadian rhythms in fruit flies. Konopka and Benzer are credited with discovering that a mutated gene, which they called period, disrupted the circadian clocks of the flies. This was the first discovered genetic determinant of behavioural rhythms. Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young expanded Konopka and Benzer’s work by successfully showing how the period gene worked on the molecular level. Hall, Rosbash and Young isolated the period gene, and then showed how the clock system worked on a molecular level. Jumping from fruit flies to mice, Joseph Takahashi and his team discovered the mammalian clock gene in 1994—appropriately dubbed clock—and characterised it as an “evolutionarily conserved feature of the circadian clock mechanism.” This gene discovery, along with the body of work by Hall, Rosbash, Young and the scientist Michael Greenberg, led to a watershed in chronobiological knowledge. Within a few years, the genes informing circadian rhythms in lower organisms were largely worked out. Studys have progressed steadily ever since, and many of the findings in fruit flies and mice have shown remarkable conservation across species, meaning that there are analogous circadian genes that control the rhythms of more complex animals, including humans.

Meanings:

- Circadian: Recurring naturally on an approximately 24-hour cycle, even in the absence of light fluctuations; from Latin circa ("about") and diem ("day"). - Zeitgeber: An environmental cue, such as a change in light or temperature; from German zeit (“time”) and geber (“giver”). - Endogenous: Having an internal cause or origin. - Entrainment: Occurs when rhythmic physiological or behavioural events match their period to that of an environmental oscillation; the interaction between circadian rhythms and the environment. - Diurnal: Daily, or of each day; from Latin dies (“day”) and diurnus (“daily”). - Master Clock: A pair of cell populations found in the hypothalamus, known as the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN); these cells contain the genes that govern circadian rhythms. - Mutant Gene: A permanent alteration in a DNA sequence that makes up a gene; used by chronobiologists to identify clock genes, by identifying the mutant gene on animals with arrhythmic circadian habits.

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The importance of the circadian rhythm in life.

The circadian rhythm is a biological clock that is linked to the day/night cycles. It regulates much in our bodies, as well other animals, plants, fungi and cyanobacteria.

- Night-time Animals Other animals can sometimes have extra biological clocks in addition to the circadian rhythm, such as regulations for feeding or reproduction being based on lunar or tidal cycles. A recent study showed how a nocturnal animal (Scyphax ornatus) only leave their sand burrows at night to feed before the tide comes in.

Despite appearing to follow a semilunar feeding cycle in the wild, the animals follow internal biological clocks when deprived of external stimuli like seeing the moon, hearing the waves, etc. But using artificial sounds changed the perceived length of the day and night/tidal cycles. Non-human animals aren't the only ones affected by artificial manipulations of natural biological rhythms or clocks.

- Sleep and Artificial Light The circadian rhythm in humans has a similar night cycle that is activated by stimulus, or the lack they’re of. Blue light from the sun suppresses the production of melatonin, keeping us alert and regulating the circadian rhythm. When the day ends and the sun goes down, that's the natural signal that it's getting time for bed, and the melatonin levels start to increase. Another recent study confirms the issue with blue lights from digital devices and LEDs. Twenty-two study participants had an average 58% increase in nighttime melatonin levels when they wore short wavelength-blocking glasses that blocked the blue light. They fell asleep faster, slept better, and longer by 24 minutes each night. To keep our natural "rhythm" going, we should pay attention to the artificial blue light being emitted from our technology. Lead of the study, Dr. Lisa Ostrin, recommends "limiting screen time, applying screen filters, wearing computer glasses that block blue light, or use anti-reflective lenses to offset the effects of artificial light at nighttime." Blocking the light means we can still do work at night, but also get healthier sleep. 75% of Americans report poor or insufficient sleep has an impact on their daily activities.

- Muscles, Fat and Insulin Regulation Our dependence on the circadian rhythm doesn't stop there. Recent findings on fruit fly muscles show the energy is requested from fat storage tissues, and that this circuit is regulated by the circadian rhythm. This impacts fat storage, as during the day this circuit allows energy to be taken from lipids, meaning lipid management is important to make sure there is energy. While at night, we are less active, and we don't need to accumulate fat for energy purposes that might be required to move in the day. This can be a factor in obesity. In this research, they also link fat and diabetes which many other people have done. The study explains how two genes are crucial for regulating fat storage and release, and they also regulate insulin levels and tell the body whether to store energy as fat or release it. Breaking the pathway can lead to un-regulation of insulin and fat levels. Our eating and sleeping behaviours also affects the signalling pathway. It probably matters when we eat, as our muscles signal when energy is needed and the circadian rhythm both affect the signalling pathways.

- Calorie Restriction Eating really does affect our body weight and circadian rhythm. A recent study on mice suggests that the time of day feeding* is done impacts weight more than calorie restriction. Mice on regular feeding/active cycles with calorie restriction do better at losing weight than other mice that are fed the same amount but at other rest time during the day. Calories restriction seems to work best if they are consumed in the day while awake and active. Eating at the wrong time, like at night, will not lead to weight loss, despite calorie restriction.

- Multiple Circadian Clocks The overall circadian rhythm is based on multiple circadian clocks in our biology, not one central clock timing all of the bodies processes. Research published in a study demonstrated how the central brain clock and peripheral clocks communicate with each other. The fruit flies only hatch at the expected natural time if all the required clocks are in rhythm, as a functioning peripheral click alone does not sustain the early-morning biological hatching time. The hatching rhythm was slowed down to make it increase in time, from 24 hour to over 27 hours. All our internal clocks needs to be running for the whole body to function in alignment to the natural rhythms we are accustomed to.

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What is the circadian rhythm?

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioural changes that follow a daily cycle. They respond primarily to temperature, light and darkness in an organism's environment. Sleeping at night and being awake during the day is an example of a light-related circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythms are found in most living things, including animals, plants, and many tiny microbes. The study of circadian rhythms is called chronobiology.

- What is the purpose of the circadian rhythm? The circadian rhythm is a cycle that tells our bodies when to sleep, rise, eat—regulating many physiological processes.

- What are biological clocks? Biological clocks are an organism’s innate timing device. They’re composed of specific molecules (proteins) that interact in cells throughout the body. Biological clocks are found in nearly every tissue and organ. Researchers have identified similar genes in people, fruit flies, mice, fungi, and several other organisms that are responsible for making the clock’s components.

- Are biological clocks the same thing as circadian rhythms? No, but they are related. Biological clocks produce circadian rhythms and regulate their timing.

- What is the master clock? A master clock in the brain coordinates all the biological clocks in a living thing, keeping the clocks in sync. In vertebrate animals, including humans, the master clock is a group of about 20,000 nerve cells (neurons) that form a structure called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, or SCN. The SCN is located in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and receives direct input from the eyes.

- Does the body make and keep its own circadian rhythms? Natural factors within the body produce circadian rhythms. However, signals from the environment also affect them. The main cue influencing circadian rhythms is daylight. This light can turn on or turn off genes that control the molecular structure of biological clocks. Changing the light-dark cycles can speed up, slow down, or reset biological clocks as well as circadian rhythms.

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My question: Why do we base everything we do around the time? The time dictates what we do.

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Body clock: What makes you tick?

As leading scientists warn that society has become "supremely arrogant" by ignoring the importance of sleep and the body clock, scientists examine the profound impact our internal clocks have on our body.

The eight body clock phases:

06:00-08:59

Heart attack danger zone

Good time to wake up

Heart attacks more likely

Men have their testosterone peak

Be careful - this is the time of day your heart is most vulnerable. Blood vessels are stiffer and more rigid, the blood is thicker and stickier and your blood pressure is at its peak. It all adds up to the greatest risk of a heart attack you'll face today. Your body is kicking into gear as sleep hormone melatonin production stops. It is a poor time to exercise.

How does the body clock work?

Nearly every cell in every tissue in every organ has a daily rhythm and a clock controlling it. The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in the brain acts as the master clock and keeps the body working to the same time. It roughly follows a 24-hour pattern. Light is crucial. Special cells in the eye respond to light and keep the SCN in tune with the wider world. It also stops the sleep hormone melatonin being made during the day.

09:00-11:59

Mind most alert

Maximum cortisol levels

Maximum alertness

Best short-term memory

You're probably in work and it's time to get some of the heavy thinking done. The stress hormone cortisol reaches its natural peak giving our brains a boost of alertness. We tend to be most productive before lunch and tests show short-term memory is at its best. Stay busy, there's a big dip coming up.

Why work leaves us jet lagged?

Social jet lag is the difference between the time your body thinks it is and the time society says it is. Your body clock uses light to tell time, but society uses clocks. Getting up early before your body is ready leaves you tired and out of sorts. The more you sleep in at weekends, the more socially jet-lagged you are. The difference between weekday and weekend sleep can be the equivalent of flying from London to New York on a Friday night and flying back on a Monday morning.

12:00-14:59

Biological siesta

Increased gastric activity

Post lunchtime dip in alertness

Surge in road deaths

With a lunchtime belly full of food, there's a boost in gastric activity. But this soon adds to the 'biological siesta' as alertness dips and affects driving ability. There's a noticeable rise in the number of deaths on the roads from 14:00, particularly in older people. It's also a bad time to drink alcohol as it can make you more drowsy than at other times of the day.

5:00-17:59

Go exercise!

Best lung & cardiovascular performance

Core body temperature rising to its peak

Good time to exercise

Go get a sweat on! Body temperature increases in the late afternoon like a natural warm-up, the heart and lungs work better and muscles are 6% stronger than at their lowest point in the day. Some people have even tried using this 'athletic sweetspot' to increase their chances of breaking sporting world records.

Is there a best time to take medication?

If your body changes through the day, then the effect drugs have might change too. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis wax and wane with the body clock and doctors think they can improve treatment by timing drugs. Heart disease is driven by artery-clogging cholesterol, which is mostly made in the liver at night. Taking statins in the evening makes them more effective. The whole body tries to run to the same internal time, but cancers do their own thing. Chemotherapy kills rapidly dividing cells, so researchers are trying to take advantage of cancer clocks by using chemotherapy when the cancer cells are dividing but cells in the rest of the body are not.

18:00-20:59

Watch what you eat

Poor time to eat a big meal

Liver handles alcohol better

Intuitive thinking is better

Ready for dinner and maybe a drink? Well you might not want to leave it too late. Emerging evidence suggests the body changes the way it handles food as it gets closer to night-time. Eating big meals in the evening could increase the risk of obesity and diabetes. The liver is more able to deal with alcohol if you fancy a tipple.

21:00-23:59

Getting ready for sleep

Melatonin production building

Core body temperature dropping

Good time to go to sleep

Bedtime is fast approaching and the pineal gland in the brain is churning out the hormone melatonin to help you nod off. Core body temperature is falling and the internal body clock is saying it's time to swap the sofa for the duvet. It'll happen first if you're a morning or 'lark' type person, before hitting the 'owls' a bit later.

00:00-02:59

Body enters shutdown

Sleep hormone melatonin peaking

Minimum levels of attention and vigilance

Brain washes itself and consolidates memories

It is well and truly bedtime. Hormonal changes in the body say it is time to be asleep. The brain is washing away the waste toxins built up during a hard day's thinking and the bowels are shut down for the night. If you're still awake be careful, levels of attention are at their lowest, making industrial accidents a risk on night shifts.

03:00-05:59

Body fast asleep

Minimum core body temperature

Severe asthma attacks more common

Most natural births occur

It's the heart of the night and your body is still some way off waking up and getting you out of bed. Sleep hormone melatonin levels are still high, but glide down as dawn approaches. Your core body temperature is notably cooler than any other part of the day as energy is diverted elsewhere, such as skin repair.

Will shift work be the death of me?

According to the European Commission, approximately 18% of all employees aged 15-64 in the EU currently work shifts. This can mean greater working flexibility and even more time off, but there can be impacts on your health when you try to function outside of the normal rhythms of your body clock. Shift work is associated with an increased risk of cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Public health scientists have called for more research into how to protect the health of shift workers.

Personal body clock quiz:

During my research i found a quiz that analyses if you are a morning or evening person? This questionnaire helps you to work out if you are a lark or an owl, or whether you have a more balanced body clock.

Authors: James Gallagher, Rachael Buchanan and Victoria Gill

Produced by: Andreia Carqueija, Richard Bangay, Marcelo Zanni, Helene Sears and Dominic Bailey

With thanks to researchers at The University of Oxford, The University of Manchester, The University of Surrey, The University of Cambridge and Harvard Medical School.