title: Seasonal biology: avian photoreception goes deep.
abstract: The avian hypothalamus senses light directly, allowing endocrine physiology to synchronise to seasonal day-length changes. New data implicate the photopigment VA-opsin in this deep brain photoreception.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building, University of Aberdeen Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB23 2TZ, Scotland.
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wyse
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hazlerigg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology; D055355:Opsins / Q000502:physiology; D017440:Photoperiod; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000502:physiology; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000502:physiology; D010987:Platypus / Q000502:physiology; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D012621:Seasons; D013045:Species Specificity; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D055355:Opsins; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; D013972:Thyrotropin; D008550:Melatonin