CHINA.ORG: Body clock gene removal protects mice against bacterial pneumonia: study

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LONDON, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- By removing a clock gene in mice, the bacteria-engulfing defence cells in its bodies become more effective, boosting its ability to fight against bacterial pneumonia, according to a study released on Monday by the University of Manchester.

The internal body clock in most living things regulates when they sleep and when they wake up. A gene known by the acronym BMAL1 is one of the master regulators of this clock, controlling many other body clock genes and pathways.