The major research focus of his group is on the molecular integration of circuits coordinating feeding, sleep, and wakefulness with systems controlling energy balance and nutrient utilization. This work stems from recent discoveries on the role of the circadian clock gene network in the integration of both brain and peripheral tissue energy sensing and metabolism. The Bass lab exploits approaches ranging from cell biology, to whole animal physiology, experimental genetics and behavioral analyses in order to elucidate the pathophysiology of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in states of circadian and sleep disruption, and the reciprocal interplay between metabolic disease states and circadian disorders.