Credit: iStock/VectorMine The gut microbiota in our body produces various substances called metabolites. One of those metabolites is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These are the compounds our digestive system produces when dietary fiber that we can’t digest ferments in the gut. Acetate, butyrate and propionate are some of the major SCFAs. SCFAs are important biofuels … Continue reading Spotlight On: Short-chain Fatty Acids
Gastrointestinal Physiology
Beyond the Bugs: Could Chemicals from Microbes Help Lower Blood Pressure?
Credit: iStock/Elena Istomina Did you know that the trillions of bacteria residing in your gut actively influence one of the most critical numbers in your life: your blood pressure? For a long time, scientists mainly looked at genetics, diet and lifestyle as the key reasons behind high blood pressure. While these factors are important, there’s … Continue reading Beyond the Bugs: Could Chemicals from Microbes Help Lower Blood Pressure?
The Top 10 Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts of 2025
Credit: iStock This year marked the 10th anniversary of the I Spy Physiology blog! In a year of great challenge to science funding, talking about the value of science has never been more important, and our contributors understood the assignment. They’ve shared their stories about becoming a science advocate and transitioning from mentee to a … Continue reading The Top 10 Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts of 2025
The Top 10 Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts of 2024
Credit: iStock/gustavofrazao It’s been another “ph-un” filled year of physiology on the I Spy Physiology blog! We’ve featured posts ranging from marijuana research and bone cancer in children to how many steps do we really need to take per day and if alkaline water lives up to the hype. To complement our Women’s Health Research … Continue reading The Top 10 Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts of 2024
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
Does Alkaline Water Live Up to the Hype?
Credit: iStock Hydration is a key part of life. It helps us stay cool on hot summer days, helps keep our skin plump and clear and is overall part of a healthy lifestyle. However, choosing the right water now seems to be a puzzle. One “designer” water that has gained a lot of traction lately … Continue reading Does Alkaline Water Live Up to the Hype?
Photoblog: 2024 American Physiology Summit
Raz Abdulqadir presents her poster at the 2024 American Physiology Summit. Credit: Raz Abdulqadir The 2024 American Physiology Summit took place at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California, last month. This annual event convened scientists, educators and trainees from diverse fields within physiology. APS member and PhD student Raz Abdulqadir traveled from … Continue reading Photoblog: 2024 American Physiology Summit
How Breastfeeding Shapes the Gut Microbiome
Credit: iStock Human milk is often called “liquid gold” for its incredible benefits for infants. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding from the first hour after birth until the baby is 6 months old, and continuing breastfeeding along with complementary foods for up to two years. However, worldwide, fewer than half of infants … Continue reading How Breastfeeding Shapes the Gut Microbiome