Credit: iStock/courtneyk Like many dads, I love a little reading time with my 3-year-old before bed. Because of my work, my son and I talk about “heart beeps,” as he calls them. One night, he asked if I wanted to hear his heart beep. I said yes and laid my head on his chest. Doing … Continue reading How a Swallow Slows the Heart
Nervous System
The 2026 American Physiology Summit in Minneapolis: You Betcha!
Yoko Wang, PhD, presents her poster at the 2026 American Physiology Summit. All photos in this post courtesy of Wang. Spring is always the season I am waiting for. Not only for the sunshine and blooms, but also for the annual American Physiology Summit! This year’s Summit took place in Minneapolis, the largest city in … Continue reading The 2026 American Physiology Summit in Minneapolis: You Betcha!
Rewiring Your Brain: How Your Thoughts Shape Your Reality
Credit: iStock Your brain is made up of specialized cells called neurons that are constantly communicating with each other. Neuronal communication underlies all your experiences and perceptions. Your movements, thoughts, memories, fears and beliefs all arise from patterns of neurons communicating. When patterns are repeated, the connections between neurons (called synapses) strengthen. This is called … Continue reading Rewiring Your Brain: How Your Thoughts Shape Your Reality
The Hidden Biology Behind Everyday Habits
Credit: iStock/Fauzi Muda Have you wondered why much of our daily life runs on autopilot? We check our phones without thinking, follow familiar routes and repeat routines almost automatically. These patterns feel psychological, yet they are deeply biological. Habits are neural shortcuts that the brain builds to conserve energy and increase efficiency. Through repetition, behaviors … Continue reading The Hidden Biology Behind Everyday Habits
Laughing as Medicine: Why a Giggle a Day Might Be Good for You
Credit: iStock/FG Trade Latin We’ve all heard the saying “Laughter is the best medicine,” but what does science say? It turns out that laughing isn’t just pleasant, it can be genuinely beneficial for your mind and body throughout your life. Let’s start with stress. Chronic stress is everywhere in modern life, contributing to anxiety, fatigue … Continue reading Laughing as Medicine: Why a Giggle a Day Might Be Good for You
Spotlight On: Parkinson’s Disease
Credit: iStock/Devonyu Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects how the brain controls movement. It develops gradually, often beginning with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. The condition was first described in 1817 by the British physician James Parkinson. Today it is recognized as one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, … Continue reading Spotlight On: Parkinson’s Disease
The Brain-boosting Power of Strength Training
Credit: iStock/Zorica Nastasic As the population ages, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and other neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise. These conditions can make independence harder, but exercise can protect your brain. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging and bicycling can improve brain health, size and function. Research has shown that strength training may offer … Continue reading The Brain-boosting Power of Strength Training
Salt and the Signals We Don’t Notice
Credit: iStock Salt is everywhere. It’s used as seasoning and preserves our food. Without enough salt, our muscles, nerves and cells wouldn’t work properly. At the same time, too much salt can be harmful. Many of us know it's linked to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney damage, obesity and … Continue reading Salt and the Signals We Don’t Notice
From Tomatoes to Treadmills: What Scientists Are Discovering About Everyday Health
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
Can’t Sleep? Turn On Some Tunes!
Credit: iStock/Motortion You have probably struggled with falling asleep at some point in your life. When you don’t sleep well, you may feel less happy or experience reduced cognitive speed, otherwise known as “brain fog.” Chronic sleep deficiency increases the risk for depression, high blood pressure and the development of various diseases. Having trouble falling … Continue reading Can’t Sleep? Turn On Some Tunes!