From a Curious Cat to Nature’s Hidden Biological Clocks 
CUBE Chatshaala Discussion Summary
Date: 01 June 2026
Location: Khopoli
Observer: Samiksha (CHM College)
Time of Observation: 5:15 PM
A Curious Cat and the Beginning of Scientific Inquiry
The discussion began when Samiksha observed a cat in her neighborhood at around 5:15 PM. The cat appeared curious and alert, carefully looking around trees and shrubs. It seemed to be observing its surroundings with great attention.
This simple observation became the starting point of an engaging scientific discussion.
Observed Behaviour
Looking around bushes and trees
Carefully scanning the surroundings
Exploring nearby vegetation
Remaining alert and attentive
Scientific Discussion on Cat Behaviour
During the discussion, Aarya Ma’am and @manali Ma’am encouraged us to think scientifically about the cat’s behaviour and consider different possibilities instead of making assumptions.
Some possible explanations included:
The cat might have been searching for food.
It could have been hunting small animals or insects.
It may have been looking for its kittens.
It might have been inspecting its territory.
It could simply have been exploring its environment.
This activity showed how scientific observation often leads to multiple hypotheses and encourages critical thinking.
Questions That Emerged from the Observation
As the discussion continued, several interesting questions arose:
Why are cats more active at certain times of the day?
How do cats know when to sleep, hunt, or explore?
What controls the daily activities of animals?
Do plants also follow daily rhythms?
Is there an internal biological clock present in all living organisms?
These questions led us toward the fascinating concept of Biological Rhythms.
Biological Rhythms: Nature’s Internal Timing System
A biological rhythm is a natural cycle that regulates the activities of living organisms according to time.
It helps organisms:
Become active during the day
Rest during the night
Regulate feeding behaviour
Coordinate growth and development
Adapt to environmental changes
This internal timing mechanism allows living organisms to function efficiently in a changing environment.
Biological Rhythms in Cats
Cats do not perform activities randomly.
Their behaviour is influenced by an internal biological clock that regulates:
Sleeping patterns
Feeding schedules
Hunting behaviour
Periods of activity and rest
Many cats are naturally more active during dawn and dusk because of their circadian rhythm.
2017 Nobel Prize: Understanding the Biological Clock
The discussion was connected to the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, awarded to:
Jeffrey C. Hall
Michael Rosbash
Michael W. Young
for discovering the molecular mechanisms that control circadian rhythms, the biological clocks present in living organisms.
What Did They Discover?
Using fruit flies as model organisms, they discovered genes responsible for regulating biological rhythms.
They found that:
Certain genes produce proteins during the night.
These proteins accumulate inside cells.
Later, the proteins break down during the day.
This repeating cycle creates an internal biological clock.
Similar mechanisms exist in animals, plants, and humans.
Their discoveries helped explain how organisms synchronize their activities with Earth’s day–night cycle.
Melatonin: The Hormone of Sleep
An important concept discussed during the session was Melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone produced mainly by the pineal gland.
During Nighttime
Melatonin levels increase.
Increased melatonin makes us feel sleepy.
The brain receives signals that it is time to rest.
Our body prepares for sleep.
During Daytime
Melatonin levels decrease.
We become more alert and active.
The body shifts from rest mode to activity mode.
Thus, melatonin acts as a natural regulator of the sleep–wake cycle.
How Light Controls the Sleep–Wake Cycle
One of the most fascinating topics discussed was how light influences our biological clock.
Natural Light
When sunlight enters our eyes:
Signals are sent to the brain.
Melatonin production decreases.
Alertness increases.
We feel awake and energetic.
Artificial Light
Light from:
Mobile phones
Computers
Television screens
LED bulbs
can also affect our biological clock.
Excessive exposure to bright light at night can suppress melatonin production and delay sleep.
This explains why screen use before bedtime may disturb normal sleeping patterns.
Plants Also Possess Biological Clocks
A particularly exciting part of the discussion was learning that biological rhythms are not limited to animals.
Plants also have internal timing mechanisms that help them respond to environmental changes.
Mimosa pudica (Touch-Me-Not Plant)
Leaves fold immediately when touched.
Leaves close at night and reopen during the day.
This demonstrates rhythmic plant behaviour.
Mogra (Jasmine Plant)
Flowers often bloom during the evening or night.
Their fragrance becomes stronger at night.
This helps attract nighttime pollinators.
Four O’Clock Plant
Flowers open at a specific time in the afternoon.
This timing is regulated by the plant’s internal biological clock.
Historical Evidence of Plant Biological Rhythms
We learned about the work of Jean-Jacques d’Ortous de Mairan, who studied Mimosa plants.
His observations showed that:
Leaves opened during the day.
Leaves closed during the night.
Even when kept in continuous darkness, the leaves continued following the same pattern.
This provided early evidence that plants possess an internal biological clock.
Learning About Bhui amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
During the discussion, I shared that I was confused between Amla and Bhuiamla.
Seethalakshmi Ma’am clarified that these are two completely different plants.
Amla vs Bhuiamla
Amla (Indian Gooseberry) is a tree that produces edible fruits rich in Vitamin C.
Bhuiamla (Phyllanthus niruri) is a small medicinal herb that grows close to the ground.
Although their names sound similar, they differ in structure, growth habit, and medicinal applications.
Medicinal Importance of Bhuiamla
Bhuiamla is widely recognized in traditional medicine.
Medicinal Uses
Supports liver health
Traditionally used in remedies for jaundice
Contains antioxidant compounds
Used in some traditional systems of medicine for kidney and urinary health
Valued for its therapeutic and medicinal properties
This discussion highlighted the importance of correct plant identification in scientific studies.
Key Learnings from the Session
A simple observation can lead to meaningful scientific exploration.
Scientific thinking involves asking questions and considering multiple possibilities.
Animal behaviour is influenced by biological rhythms.
Circadian rhythms regulate daily activities in animals, plants, and humans.
Melatonin helps control sleep and wakefulness.
Natural and artificial light influence biological clocks.
Plants also possess internal timing mechanisms.
The 2017 Nobel Prize-winning discoveries explained how biological clocks function at the molecular level.
Bhuiamla and Amla are different plants with distinct characteristics and uses.
Curiosity, observation, questioning, and discussion are essential parts of scientific learning.
Conclusion
What began with Samiksha’s observation of a curious cat in Khopoli gradually evolved into a fascinating exploration of animal behaviour, biological rhythms, circadian clocks, melatonin, the influence of light on sleep, plant biological clocks, Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, and the medicinal importance of Bhuiamla. The session demonstrated how careful observation and curiosity can transform an everyday event into a rich scientific learning experience.
Screenshot during Chatshaala -
