# Biosensor Timepieces The E. Coli Clock By IdeaMan | Published 2008-11-11 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biosensor-timepiece-e-coli-clock References: [scientificcomputing](http://www.scientificcomputing.com/Programmable-Genetic-Clock-a-Reliable-Timepiece.aspx) When you hear someone say their [biological clock](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-peak-human-clock-book) is ticking, this probably isn’t what they meant! Bioengineers at UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering have created a [programmable clock](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triaxial-numechron-clock) based on E. Coli bacteria. The clock blinks at a predictable rate in response to its environmental conditions. By carefully controlling or measuring those conditions, the researchers are able to use the blinking to tell time, or even create new types of [biosensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biostrap-kairos). The researchers created the flashing clocks by carefully manipulating the genes inside the cell and actually “reading” the relationship between the genetic material, known as “mRNA”, and other proteins, as each are produced. According to Scientificcomputing.com, “At the core of the new clock is a negative feedback loop that includes a two-minute delay between when the mRNA is made and when the functional proteins are made. On top of this is the positive feedback loop which makes the clock more regular and robust.” That’s a fairly technical way of saying that, by measuring the surrounding conditions, they can now predict how fast the cells will blink so they can be used as a clock. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Biosensor Timepieces:** Opportunity for developing innovative timekeeping devices using living organisms as biological clocks. - **Programmable Clocks:** Potential for creating new types of biosensors and timekeeping devices by manipulating genes and measuring environmental conditions. - **Genetic Manipulation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity by utilizing gene manipulation to create precise and predictable biological clocks. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Bioengineering:** Bioengineers can leverage gene manipulation techniques to develop advanced biosensors and programmable clocks. - **Biotechnology:** Biotechnology companies can explore the application of genetically modified organisms in timekeeping and biosensing technologies. - **Wearable Technology:** Opportunity for wearable technology companies to integrate biological clocks into their devices for unique timekeeping functionalities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flowing Light Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crydal-scroll-clock.md) - [Literature-Displaying Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/author-clock.md) - [Perforated Metal Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moov-and-coo.md) - [Unique Timekeeping Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-timekeeping-device.md) - [Snowglobe-Inspired Dynamic Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/time-to-snow.md) - [Elegant Linear Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linear-clockworks.md) - [Tubular Illuminating Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacetime-blade.md) - [Alternative Time Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dozen-clock.md) - [WiFi-Enabled Home Clocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mondaine.md)