New Genetic Test Reveals Your Biological Clock with Just 17 Genes

A new genetic test can now determine a person's internal biological clock—or chronotype—using just 17 genes from hair follicles. Developed with machine learning, the test analyses gene activity to map an individual's circadian rhythm. Researchers say it could transform healthcare by tailoring treatments to each patient's natural body clock. The test has already been used on over 4,000 people to pinpoint their unique circadian rhythms. Unlike older methods, it offers the same accuracy but is far simpler to carry out. Its creators hope it will become a cornerstone of circadian medicine, where diagnostics and therapies align with a patient's internal clock.

Early findings reveal clear patterns in how biological rhythms vary. Women's internal clocks, for example, signal the start of 'biological night' about six minutes earlier than men's. Employment status also plays a role: the clocks of working individuals run roughly 30 minutes ahead of those who are unemployed. Age matters too—people in their mid-20s stay alert about an hour later than those over 50. The bigger goal is 'timed' healthcare, where treatments are given at the precise moment they'll work best for a specific patient. By factoring in individual rhythms, doctors could improve outcomes for everything from medication timing to surgery scheduling.

This test marks a step toward personalised medicine based on circadian biology. It provides a practical way to measure internal clocks, which could soon influence how and when treatments are delivered. With further development, timed healthcare may become a standard part of medical practice.