I don't expect to figure it out. I rely upon scientists like you and the professor to help me understand the technicalities. I was simply marveling at the Clocks. Can't I marvel?
Ichneumon is not a scientist.
You'll note he didn't correct your mistake.
He says: they've already figured out a lot of it,
Which is interesting because the period gene really isn't understood -- that's why this study was done and garnered the interest it has.