Arthur T. Winfree, 60; Work Affected Studies of Heart Rhythms, Sleep

Arthur T. Winfree, 60, who was known for his studies of biological rhythms -- work that affected research in heart rhythms, arrhythmia and sleep patterns -- died of cancer Nov. 5 at his home in Tucson.

Winfree, a University of Arizona professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, helped develop an understanding of how the human biological clock could be synchronized and slightly reset, an idea that led to his designing a program by which travelers might avoid jet lag.

But Winfree, who was known for his modesty, also recognized that “other factors, such as auto suggestion, might explain equally well his irritability and sleeplessness when he didn’t follow his own recipe,” said Richard Michod, head of the University of Arizona department in which Winfree taught.

Winfree, who received a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur fellowship in 1984 (an award also won by his son, Erik, an assistant professor of computer science at Caltech, in 2000), earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and his doctorate from Princeton.

He is survived by his wife, Ji-Yun; a daughter, Rae, who teaches at Princeton; his son; his father, C. Van Winfree; a sister; and two brothers.