Bariatric surgery affects a variety of physiological processes in the human body, including brain signaling, hormones, blood composition and the microbiome.
Scientific Research
Spotlight On: Migraine
Credit: iStock This month, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the American Physiological Society journal Physiological Reviews, we are highlighting recent research published in the journal. Interested in reading more in celebration of Physiological Reviews' birthday? Read about bariatric surgery's effect on hunger. The word “migraine” may not mean much to people who’ve never … Continue reading Spotlight On: Migraine
What Happens to Astronauts’ Bodies in Space?
APS member and astronaut Jessica Meir, PhD, works in a microgravity environment on the International Space Station. Credit: NASA If I asked you where is up and where is down, you would most likely be able to identify it. This is because the Earth’s gravitational pull on your body makes it easier for you to … Continue reading What Happens to Astronauts’ Bodies in Space?
Curd Extra Cheese Be Gouda for You?
Credit: iStock Blood vessel function is important for staying healthy. Impaired blood vessel function can lead to an increase in blood pressure (hypertension). If left unchecked, hypertension can lead to heart disease and, ultimately, death. Pretty scary stuff. A small increase in the diameter or radius of a blood vessel (called dilation) can lower blood … Continue reading Curd Extra Cheese Be Gouda for You?
Addressing the Gender Gap in Sports Science
Credit: iStock Whether your favorite sport is swimming, track and field, fencing, field hockey or another of the 33 sports with competitions in Tokyo this summer, watching elite athletes perform is often an awe-inspiring event. You may ask yourself “how do they do that?” as you watch the incredible feats. However, more and more scientists … Continue reading Addressing the Gender Gap in Sports Science
Why Biological Sex Matters in Research Studies
Credit: iStock “Boys are rotten, made out of cotton. Girls are handy, made out of candy.” While this silly elementary schoolyard rhyme is obviously not accurate, the underlying message is true: Males and females are physiologically different in some ways, particularly when it comes to sex organs and hormones. Until recently, however, the majority of … Continue reading Why Biological Sex Matters in Research Studies
‘Life Is Short, the Art Long’: Gaining Perspective from Ancient Wisdom
Credit: iStock Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the year 2020 slapped scientists across the globe with new trials and tribulations. It was difficult for them to make progress on their work, and they experienced emotional and social stress unseen in recent memory. Throughout this time, I was in the middle of finishing my doctoral dissertation … Continue reading ‘Life Is Short, the Art Long’: Gaining Perspective from Ancient Wisdom
Want to Lower Your Blood Pressure? Just Breathe (In)
Tom Heinbockel demonstrates inspiratory muscle strength training using an electronically tapered flow resistive loading device. Photo credit: Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado About half of American adults have high blood pressure. This is alarming because high blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Could a … Continue reading Want to Lower Your Blood Pressure? Just Breathe (In)
The Physiology of Grief
Credit: iStock Many of us have experienced the death of a loved one and the grief that inevitably accompanies it. Such loss is widely considered to be the most stressful event we will ever encounter in our lives. I have been thinking about this lately because in just a few months it will be five … Continue reading The Physiology of Grief
Update: Stay Active to Reduce COVID-19 Severity
Credit: iStock As our knowledge about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has continued to evolve, the important role that physical activity plays in combating the disease has become increasingly clear. Scientific research now suggests that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of having a severe case of COVID-19 if you’re infected with the … Continue reading Update: Stay Active to Reduce COVID-19 Severity