Credit: iStock People are social creatures, and we are meant to connect with others. However, when we are alone, when we feel alone or isolated, or when we struggle to find meaning in our lives, we can become lonely. Loneliness has become a serious public health concern that affects people of all ages, genders and … Continue reading Fighting Social Isolation and Loneliness to Protect Our Health
How Can Walking and Wearing Socks Help Video Gamers?
Credit: iStock Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—otherwise known as blood clots in the legs—is a potentially dangerous condition. It interrupts blood flow and can become life-threatening, especially if the clot travels to your lungs. DVT was mainly associated with older people who don’t move around much or those who travel on long flights. But today, DVT … Continue reading How Can Walking and Wearing Socks Help Video Gamers?
Zebrafish Help Advance Physiology
Credit: iStock Zebrafish (scientific name Danio rerio) are freshwater fish native to South Asia that can be a little over half an inch to two inches long. About 70% of their genes share a common ancestor with our genes—even more if you look specifically at disease-causing genes. Like us, they have a spinal cord, eyes, … Continue reading Zebrafish Help Advance Physiology
Are Cheerios the Superhero of Our Hearts?
Credit: iStock Will a bowl of Cheerios a day keep the plaque away? Sort of. In recent years, an interesting phenomenon has taken root. Popular media promotes the notion that a simple breakfast cereal such as Cheerios can serve as a miraculous remedy for reducing the complex issue of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a common condition … Continue reading Are Cheerios the Superhero of Our Hearts?
Spotlight On: Scoliosis
Credit: iStock Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is curved or rotated. Scoliosis affects between 6 and 9 million people across the U.S. It is often diagnosed in the tween and teen years but can develop at any time. Women tend to have scoliosis more than men. There are four different types of scoliosis … Continue reading Spotlight On: Scoliosis
2023’s Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts
Credit: iStock This year, as science celebrated the discoveries that gave us mRNA vaccines to fight COVID-19 and gene editing treatments for sickle cell disease, our contributors also brought you fascinating, fun and insightful physiology stories on the I Spy Physiology blog. From the always-popular topic of spaceflight to the always-important matter of mental health, … Continue reading 2023’s Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts
Spotlight On: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Credit: iStock Cells have many different compartments—known as organelles—that have different functions. A commonly known example of an organelle is the “energy center” of the cell called mitochondria. Each organelle has its own important role in cellular function. One lesser-known organelle is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The ER is essential for making and maturing proteins, … Continue reading Spotlight On: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Can Gene Editing Help Make Seafood Safer for People with Allergies?
Credit: iStock Imagine enjoying a delicious plate of seafood, and suddenly, you break out in hives, have trouble breathing or have a severe allergic reaction. This frightening scenario is the reality for people with shellfish allergies. An allergen is a substance that, although harmless for most people, can trigger an exaggerated immune response in some … Continue reading Can Gene Editing Help Make Seafood Safer for People with Allergies?
The Cerebral Christmas Lights: Your Glowing Brain
Credit: iStock Did you know our brains glow? Well, not glow exactly—technically it’s called fluorescence—but this phenomenon ends up making the brain look kind of like red and green Christmas lights under a microscope. If you want to impress your family and friends at the holiday dinner table this season, read on to learn more … Continue reading The Cerebral Christmas Lights: Your Glowing Brain
Gobble Up Your Thanksgiving Turkey for Better Gut Health
Credit: iStock With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people connect their post-feast drowsiness to the amino acid tryptophan found in turkey. But how does tryptophan make you feel sleepier and more relaxed? It turns out tryptophan is not only known for causing those cozy post-meal naps but also for being a precursor to Vitamin … Continue reading Gobble Up Your Thanksgiving Turkey for Better Gut Health