Prof Russell Foster, University of Oxford delivers the Annual Public Lecture at the International Union of Physiological Sciences held during July 2013 in Birmingham, UK. The lecture was titled “The Rhythms of Life – what your body clock means to you from eye disease to jet lag.” In this enthralling presentation, Prof Foster outlines how the 24 hour body clock regulates many of our physiological functions including body temperature, mood and stress. He also outlines his research on a previously undiscovered a part of the eye which can detect light, even if all the rods and cones are damaged. He was introduced by Prof Louise Robson, University of Sheffield.