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
Environmental Physiology
What BPS In Your Water Bottle Means for Your Health
Credit: iStock Plastics are pervasive in our environment. News stories frequently surface about microplastics and the potentially dangerous chemicals present in plastics (such as bisphenol A (BPA). In December 2012 the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of BPA in baby bottles after a slew of research showed detrimental effects to development and health. … Continue reading What BPS In Your Water Bottle Means for Your Health
Keeping Older Adults Hydrated in the Heat
Credit: iStock/Yau Ming Low Most of us know it’s important to drink more when it’s hot outside, especially when we’ve been physically active. Without replacing the fluids we lose through sweating, we can start to show signs of heat-related illness, such as lightheadedness and muscle cramping. Dehydration also strains the heart and kidneys. This advice … Continue reading Keeping Older Adults Hydrated in the Heat
What You Need to Know About Microplastics and Their Effects on Health
Credit: iStock/Sansert Sangsakawrat If you're like me, you've probably been hearing more about microplastics. But what exactly are they, and why we should be concerned? Let’s dive into the facts and explore how these tiny particles are affecting us and our world. What Are Microplastics? Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5 millimeters. … Continue reading What You Need to Know About Microplastics and Their Effects on Health
How the Heat Affects Your Workouts and Your Body
Credit: iStock/AntonioGuillem Many sports enthusiasts around the globe have been focused on Paris as the 2024 Summer Games play out. Elite athletes in 329 medal events showcase their skill, talent and endurance with elegance, grace—and a whole lot of sweat. How do the best athletes in the world perform the amazing feats they do? Read … Continue reading How the Heat Affects Your Workouts and Your Body
Maybe Birds Need Sleep Masks Too
Credit: iStock/nicholas_dale Cities are getting brighter at night with well-lit crosswalks, sidewalks and paths through parks and wooded areas. Lighting can make it easier for drivers, bicyclists and runners to navigate the darkness safely. But increased lighting has unintended consequences for wildlife, including songbirds. Just like humans, songbirds are active during the day and sleep … Continue reading Maybe Birds Need Sleep Masks Too
Why Do We Gasp for Air in the Extreme Heat?
Credit: iStock If you live in a hot and humid climate, you may know what it’s like to feel as if you’re gasping for air on an especially hot day. For people with asthma or other chronic lung conditions, heat waves—which often coincide with dangerous ozone levels and humidity—may cause asthma flare-ups and breathing difficulties. … Continue reading Why Do We Gasp for Air in the Extreme Heat?
Stay Cool with Sunscreen, Even on the Move
Credit: iStock/aldomurillo Exercise is essential for our health. And when you’re exercising—or doing anything—outdoors, using sunscreen is important to protect your body from skin-damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Overexposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer. However, many people who are active outdoors think that sunscreen reduces exercise performance by making us overheat. But, rest assured: … Continue reading Stay Cool with Sunscreen, Even on the Move
Physiology Continues to Help You Protect Your Health
American Physiology Summit attendees attend the poster reception in April 2023. Scientists who study physiology are gathering in Long Beach, California, this week for the 2024 American Physiology Summit—a conference dedicated to sharing discoveries on the cutting-edge of bioscience. Studies highlighted at the Summit span from racial differences in small artery disease in prostate cancer … Continue reading Physiology Continues to Help You Protect Your Health
Sweating to Keep Cool
Credit: iStock While our air conditioners are working hard to cool our homes in the record high heat waves sweeping the U.S. this summer, our bodies are working just as hard to keep cool. Our bodies work to maintain internal organ and tissue temperature at a relatively constant value between 96.8 and 100.4 degrees F. … Continue reading Sweating to Keep Cool