Credit: Understanding Animal Research As of June 9, the World Health Organization had listed 136 potential vaccines on its registry of candidates to combat the novel coronavirus—also known as SARS-CoV-2—which causes COVID-19. Ten of those are in clinical trials; the other 126 are in what is known as “pre-clinical trials.” What’s the difference? In clinical … Continue reading Animal Research in the Fight against COVID-19
Scientific Research
The Power of Gratitude to Improve Mental and Physical Wellness
Credit: iStock In a world that seems out of our control, one thing we can control is our thoughts. We can actively choose to focus on things we are thankful for, such as a sunny day. By looking for things to be grateful for we develop a “gratitude attitude.” Gratitude is different from optimism as … Continue reading The Power of Gratitude to Improve Mental and Physical Wellness
How Physiologists Are Helping Patients Recover from COVID-19
Credit: iStock The entire world started to shut down earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and most businesses came to a standstill. The streets are now quiet and face masks commonplace. People are working from home, many parks and beaches are still vacant and the concern over the spread of the new severe … Continue reading How Physiologists Are Helping Patients Recover from COVID-19
Podcasting to Increase Your Scientific Reach in a Time of Social Distancing
Credit: iStock COVID-19—the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus—has brought nearly all nonessential research activities—almost any research not related to the disease effort—to a halt. Many scientists now find themselves with a bit more time away from the bench and may have a little more time to write scientific articles, analyze data or develop … Continue reading Podcasting to Increase Your Scientific Reach in a Time of Social Distancing
Is Dropping Junk Food the Key to Weight Loss?
Credit: iStock Since 1975, obesity has nearly tripled, now affecting over 650 million adults worldwide. Scientists know that diet can influence obesity—researchers have thought that ultra-processed or “junk” foods are part of the cause—but until recently, there have not been many studies to support the claim. Ultra-processed foods such as soda, pre-packaged items, cold cuts … Continue reading Is Dropping Junk Food the Key to Weight Loss?
How Personalizing CPR May Help Save More Lives
Credit: iStock When someone goes into cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating and can’t pump blood to the brain or the rest of the body. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a form of cardiac arrest that occurs when the chambers (ventricles) of the heart that usually efficiently pump blood instead begin to quiver (fibrillate) in an … Continue reading How Personalizing CPR May Help Save More Lives
For the Love of a Dog
Apollo Archimedes' love for his human may also have boosted her health. Credit: Jessica Taylor During February, thoughts of love and relationships are in the air as Valentine’s Day approaches. Chocolate hearts pepper both television ads and candy bowls for good reason: The heart has long been a symbol of many forms of love. Physiology … Continue reading For the Love of a Dog
Is (Winter) Happiness in the Eye of the Beholder?
Credit: iStock Long winter nights got you down? If you’re having trouble getting in the holiday spirit and these emotions feel more persistent as the season progresses, it may be time to talk to your doctor. For some people, this time of year triggers a type of winter depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD … Continue reading Is (Winter) Happiness in the Eye of the Beholder?
The Surprising Health Benefits of ‘Yo-yo’ Dieting
Credit: iStock It’s not really news that obesity and the trend of increasing waistlines seems to only be heading upward—and outward. Despite efforts to fight the fat, many people end up regaining the weight they lose when they diet in a phenomenon known as “weight cycling” or “yo-yo dieting.” Weight cycling can be frustrating, and … Continue reading The Surprising Health Benefits of ‘Yo-yo’ Dieting
Ground-breaking Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Is a Testament to Basic Research
Credit: iStock Roughly 70,000 people worldwide have cystic fibrosis (CF)—a progressive, degenerative disease characterized by the buildup of unusually thick mucus in the lungs and other tissues. It occurs when a mutation causes a specific protein, called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), to malfunction. In healthy people, CFTR moves electrolytes in and out … Continue reading Ground-breaking Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Is a Testament to Basic Research