Credit: iStock Atherosclerosis, a disease that affects the large vessels of the body and typically progresses over time, is one of the major causes of heart attack and stroke. It begins with the development of fatty streaks in the blood vessels, which can start forming as early as childhood. Compounds that cause inflammation (including cholesterol … Continue reading Spotlight On: Atherosclerosis and Cholesterol
Chronic Disease
Women in Science: How Far We’ve Come and Where We Still Need to Go
Credit: iStock The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is on February 11. While women have long been hidden from the scientific history books, influential figures—Hedy Lamarr, Katherine Johnson and Rosalind Franklin to name a few—are becoming more and more celebrated in mainstream media for their work. Yet, women and girls are still … Continue reading Women in Science: How Far We’ve Come and Where We Still Need to Go
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
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 Not-so-Sweet Truth about Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Credit: iStock The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have diabetes. About 90 to 95% of people with diabetes have Type 2, meaning their body can’t process and break down food properly. This leads to higher blood sugar, increased circulating fatty acids and insulin resistance. Type … Continue reading The Not-so-Sweet Truth about Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Listening to Your Heart AND Your Head: Is There a Connection between Heart Health and Alzheimer’s Disease?
Credit: iStock The adage “should you listen to your heart or to your head?” describes making decisions based on emotions (heart) versus logic (head). While the saying signifies two different sides to a decision-making process, the link between the heart and head may be more connected than you think when it comes to disease. Heart … Continue reading Listening to Your Heart AND Your Head: Is There a Connection between Heart Health and Alzheimer’s Disease?
Want to Improve Your Health? Try Pedaling with One Leg Instead of Two
Credit: iStock More than half of all people in the U.S. are living with at least one chronic disease. Fortunately, physical activity and exercise can help manage symptoms and improve overall health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults living with chronic conditions engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity … Continue reading Want to Improve Your Health? Try Pedaling with One Leg Instead of Two
Climate Change Affects Our Health by Changing Air Quality
Credit: iStock Earth is a special planet for having an atmosphere that enables life to thrive. Our atmosphere surrounds our planet, which keeps us warm and contains oxygen for us to breathe. The atmosphere has different layers with different qualities and is where our weather happens. Weather refers to the state of the air and … Continue reading Climate Change Affects Our Health by Changing Air Quality