Credit: iStock/Devonyu Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects how the brain controls movement. It develops gradually, often beginning with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. The condition was first described in 1817 by the British physician James Parkinson. Today it is recognized as one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, … Continue reading Spotlight On: Parkinson’s Disease
Brain Physiology
The Memory Sniper: How Stress Modifies Our Brain
Credit: iStock/kali9 Her tangled locks were fluttering around her face.Rosy cheeks; grin pasted in place.The wind roared in her ears as the rollercoaster plummeted down.The rush of adrenaline through her veins sent her stumbling into the past.“You have great potential; never give it up in life,” her father remarked.It was her first real oil painting … Continue reading The Memory Sniper: How Stress Modifies Our Brain
Gone Fishing for Signals in the Gut-brain Connection
Credit: iStock Zebrafish is a small tropical freshwater fish, named for their zebra-like stripes. Though tiny, this little fish plays a big role in biomedical research. It might surprise you that humans share about 70% of their genes with zebrafish. This makes the fish a powerful model for studying health and disease. Meet the zebrafish … Continue reading Gone Fishing for Signals in the Gut-brain Connection
The Brain-boosting Power of Strength Training
Credit: iStock/Zorica Nastasic As the population ages, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and other neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise. These conditions can make independence harder, but exercise can protect your brain. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging and bicycling can improve brain health, size and function. Research has shown that strength training may offer … Continue reading The Brain-boosting Power of Strength Training
Nanotechnology in Physiology: The Science Behind the Science Fiction
Credit: iStock/boonstudio When you hear “nanotechnology,” the image that comes to mind may be one from a recent movie you have seen, maybe in the Avengers franchise or the Terminator series. Many of these films use nanotechnology in what may seem like an unrealistic way to make some science fiction “movie magic.” Nanotechnology is being … Continue reading Nanotechnology in Physiology: The Science Behind the Science Fiction
Good Morning, Fall! How ‘Falling Back’ to Standard Time Affects Our Body Clock
Credit: iStock/simonapilolla Fall is here—a time for sweaters and scarves, warm beverages and changing leaves. Nights grow longer as the sun sets earlier, and in many parts of the U.S., we “fall back” from daylight saving to standard time to accommodate this shift. We may celebrate the feeling of getting to sleep in, or we … Continue reading Good Morning, Fall! How ‘Falling Back’ to Standard Time Affects Our Body Clock
Autism, the Microbiome and Picky Eating: What’s Really Going On?
Credit: iStock/Magone Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, behavior and social interaction. It is often marked by repetitive behaviors and highly focused interests. While the exact causes of autism remain unclear, what we do know is that its prevalence is rising. One out of every 31 eight-year-olds … Continue reading Autism, the Microbiome and Picky Eating: What’s Really Going On?
Exploring Why Alcohol Makes Some People Feel Awful, But Not Others
Credit: iStock There is no shortage of research showing how alcohol harms your body. While there are many long-term consequences to drinking, alcohol also produces immediate negative effects such as drowsiness and/or sedation, loss of balance and coordination, and a depressive mood. Surprisingly, how we react to these symptoms could actually protect us from developing … Continue reading Exploring Why Alcohol Makes Some People Feel Awful, But Not Others
Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Dementia
Credit: iStock/simarik Dementia is a brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and cognitive functioning. It is the seventh leading cause of death in older people and affects more than 57 million people worldwide. In recent years, research on this topic has expanded, meaning you may have seen more recommendations (such as healthy eating and exercising) … Continue reading Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Dementia
From Tomatoes to Treadmills: What Scientists Are Discovering About Everyday Health
American Physiology Summit attendees view scientific posters. Credit: Erica Roth From record-breaking running speeds set by a 91-year-old to how your body responds to climate shifts, the American Physiology Summit brought together researchers exploring the science of health and life itself. Here’s how their findings presented at the annual meeting of the American Physiological Society could … Continue reading From Tomatoes to Treadmills: What Scientists Are Discovering About Everyday Health