Credit: iStock Hunger. Thirst. Sleep. Sex. The motivation to satisfy these physiological needs are what propels humans forward as a species. These are called “physiologic motivators,” which are primal instincts that continuously drive our behavior. Emotions like anger, sadness and happiness are fleeting—they only last a few seconds to a few minutes. Their role in … Continue reading All We Need Is Love?
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How the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship Helped Me Move On
Credit: iStock When I first entered graduate school, I thought I wanted to be a professor. I loved helping others and talking about science. However, while attending the 2017 ComSciCon—a series of workshops for graduate students on the topic of communicating science—at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, I realized I loved science communication (sci comm) more … Continue reading How the AAAS Mass Media Fellowship Helped Me Move On
Seeing Clearly: How Sun Exposure Increases Your Cataract Risk
During the long, hot days of summer, you may find yourself reaching for your sunglasses to block the glare from the sun’s rays. You may not realize that donning shades does more for your eye health than just make it more comfortable to see. Blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is good for … Continue reading Seeing Clearly: How Sun Exposure Increases Your Cataract Risk
The Rocket’s Red Glare: Eye Damage and Fireworks
The warm weather of July, smell of hot dogs on the grill and the “rocket’s red glare” of fireworks in the sky make Independence Day a favorite holiday for many people. Fireworks have been around for centuries and originated in China. Saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal combined in paper tubes were some of the world’s first … Continue reading The Rocket’s Red Glare: Eye Damage and Fireworks
The Latest in Physiological Education: A Report from ITL
Physiology educators gathered last month in Madison, Wis., for the third APS Institute on Teaching and Learning (ITL) conference. Attendees discussed the latest trends in science education through a series of talks, interactive workshops and poster sessions. Read on to learn more about what’s new and what’s next in the classroom. As recently as a … Continue reading The Latest in Physiological Education: A Report from ITL
Photoblog: Experimental Biology 2018
Ever wonder what happens at a scientific meeting? They’re a great place for scientists to get new ideas and collaborate with their colleagues on important advancements in scientific research and discovery. But it’s not all work. These meetings also give researchers the chance to catch up with friends and former co-workers and to socialize with … Continue reading Photoblog: Experimental Biology 2018
2017’s 10 Most-read Posts
Another physiology-filled year on the I Spy Physiology blog is almost over. This year, we’ve explored dozens of topics, ranging from skin cancer, gut health and spinal cord injury to the mystery of how hibernating animals’ muscles remain strong. We’ve celebrated women in science and smiled at the thought of turkeys running on treadmills. Today, … Continue reading 2017’s 10 Most-read Posts
Helping Kids Understand Physiology: One Teacher’s PhUn Week Story
Each week on the I Spy Physiology blog, we present examples of physiology in everyday life. This week, the American Physiological Society (APS) is sponsoring an annual event called Physiology Understanding (PhUn) Week. This is the time when scientists and educators take to the streets to spread the word about physiology. APS members have worked … Continue reading Helping Kids Understand Physiology: One Teacher’s PhUn Week Story
Meet Sabrina Ramelli, Lung Biology Student
March is Women’s History Month, a time when women who have challenged—and continue to challenge—traditional roles are celebrated. In part two of our series, we introduce you to APS member Sabrina Ramelli, a PhD student at the University of South Alabama. (Read part one here.) What is your title/role? I’m a PhD candidate at the … Continue reading Meet Sabrina Ramelli, Lung Biology Student
Ida Henrietta Hyde: A Trailblazer in Physiology
March is Women’s History Month, a time when women who have challenged—and continue to challenge—traditional roles are celebrated. This month, the I Spy Physiology blog will introduce you to several female physiologists, starting with the first female member of APS, Ida Henrietta Hyde. Ida Henrietta Hyde was born in 1857 in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter … Continue reading Ida Henrietta Hyde: A Trailblazer in Physiology