Credit: iStock Earth is a special planet for having an atmosphere that enables life to thrive. Our atmosphere surrounds our planet, which keeps us warm and contains oxygen for us to breathe. The atmosphere has different layers with different qualities and is where our weather happens. Weather refers to the state of the air and … Continue reading Climate Change Affects Our Health by Changing Air Quality
Skeletal System
Physical Inactivity: We Got To Move It, Move It
Credit: iStock Did you know that some data suggest physical inactivity increases your risk of dying from any cause more than smoking? Although this argument is still debated, in theory, you could go for a run and have a cigarette and be less likely to die than someone who does neither (you still shouldn’t smoke). … Continue reading Physical Inactivity: We Got To Move It, Move It
How Our Bones Adapt in Space
Retired astronaut Scott Kelly grew two inches taller while he was in space due to changes in his bones and other organs. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls During space travel, astronauts are exposed to a lack of gravity. This affects their physiology in different ways, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning, eye changes and immune dysfunction. Studies … Continue reading How Our Bones Adapt in Space
Probiotics for Gout, New Therapies for Heart Disease and More Discussed at APS Research Conference
The number of people who develop long-term health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure and kidney disease increases every year. Because these chronic conditions affect so many, it is important to better understand what causes them. International scientists who study the kidneys, heart, blood vessels and other organs recently gathered to discuss the relationship … Continue reading Probiotics for Gout, New Therapies for Heart Disease and More Discussed at APS Research Conference
Spotlight On: The Skeletal System
If you’ve ever seen a house being built, you’ll recognize the wooden framework as the beginning of the structure. Just as this framework provides the structure for the insulation, walls and roof of a house, our bones are also a strong framework. Bones provide a firm support system that protects our internal organs and give … Continue reading Spotlight On: The Skeletal System
2018’s Most-read Posts
December is here again, and we’ve tackled another year of physiology facts on the I Spy Physiology blog. This year, we’ve delved into topics ranging from the link between childhood stress and medical problems in adulthood, to how researchers use virtual reality in the classroom to teach physiology, to the many reasons why marriage is … Continue reading 2018’s Most-read Posts
How Are Gut Bacteria and Bone Related?
Your gut contains tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1,000 different species of known bacteria. Even though these bacteria are microscopic in size, they are so abundant that they make up 1 to 3 percent of your total body mass! Many of these microorganisms that live in the body are actually beneficial to … Continue reading How Are Gut Bacteria and Bone Related?
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
Muscle Rebuilding on the Colorado Trail
“That day, for no particular reason, I decided to go for a little run. … For no particular reason I just kept on going. I ran clear to the ocean. And when I got there, I figured, since I’d gone this far, I might as well turn around, just keep on going.” - Forrest Gump … Continue reading Muscle Rebuilding on the Colorado Trail
Beer Does a Body Good?
Bone is a living organ that constantly breaks down and rebuilds itself. As we get older, bone breaks down more and rebuilds less, which often leads to weaker bones over time. If we lose too much bone, we increase our risk of fracture and developing osteoporosis. Women tend to have weaker bones and a faster … Continue reading Beer Does a Body Good?