Credit: iStock In physiology research, the term “placebo effect” refers to the positive effects that result from our perception of something being healthy. For example, exercise benefits our health, but just knowing exercise is good for us may also enhance its benefits. There’s also a phenomenon known as the “nocebo effect”—negative effects that happen when … Continue reading Is What’s Healthy in the Eye of the Beholder?
Cardiovascular System
Fighting Social Isolation and Loneliness to Protect Our Health
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?
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?
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
Speedy Delivery: How Your Body’s Lymphatics Doubles as a Drug Delivery System
Credit: iStock Our bodies have two important transportation systems: the blood vessel system and the lymphatic vessel system. The blood vessel system is a closed circuit that connects to the heart, also known as the cardiovascular system. The cells that make up the inner wall of blood vessels, called blood endothelial cells, are tightly connected. … Continue reading Speedy Delivery: How Your Body’s Lymphatics Doubles as a Drug Delivery System
Watching Scary Movies Can Help Reduce Your Stress (Really!)
Credit: iStock If you’re a fan of scary movies, you might notice that intense scenes may make you a little fidgety. As a scare pops up suddenly, you may unconsciously clench your fists or grip the arms of the couch, your heart rate quickens, goosebumps start to prickle your skin and sweat beads out of … Continue reading Watching Scary Movies Can Help Reduce Your Stress (Really!)
Spotlight On: Lymphatic System and Lymphedema
Credit: iStock The cardiovascular system includes the heart, arteries and capillaries that transport blood, oxygen, nutrients and water across our bodies. Veins also collect blood, while something called the lymphatic system collects a fluid called lymph. Lymph contains byproducts from our metabolism and immune factors to maintain our health. Cardiovascular health is central to our … Continue reading Spotlight On: Lymphatic System and Lymphedema
The Oral Microbiome: Tiny Organisms with a Huge Impact on Health
Credit: iStock Have you heard of the gut microbiome? This diverse community teeming with trillions of bacteria, fungi and other tiny organisms lives in the body’s intestines. Even if you’re familiar with the gut microbiome, you might be less so with the oral microbiome, another major community of microorganisms. This one lives in our mouths. … Continue reading The Oral Microbiome: Tiny Organisms with a Huge Impact on Health
Spotlight On: Heart Attack
Credit: iStock Our heart tirelessly pumps blood through the body to nourish our tissues with oxygen and nutrients and to remove waste. The human heart has four chambers: the two upper chambers are the left and right atria and contract first. The two bottom chambers, called the left and right ventricles, contract second. The right … Continue reading Spotlight On: Heart Attack