Credit: iStock/boonstudio When you hear “nanotechnology,” the image that comes to mind may be one from a recent movie you have seen, maybe in the Avengers franchise or the Terminator series. Many of these films use nanotechnology in what may seem like an unrealistic way to make some science fiction “movie magic.” Nanotechnology is being … Continue reading Nanotechnology in Physiology: The Science Behind the Science Fiction
Cancer
Cancer and Heart Health: A Surprising Connection You Need to Know
Credit: iStock/SDI Productions Cancer and heart disease—one affects cells, the other affects blood flow. You might not think they are connected at all. But these two conditions share more than you might expect. Your heart health and your risk of cancer go hand in hand. Taking care of your heart could also help protect you … Continue reading Cancer and Heart Health: A Surprising Connection You Need to Know
How to Turn Your Fitness Resolution into a Lasting Habit
Credit: iStock/Fokusiert If getting more exercise is on your New Year’s resolution list, you’re not alone. While becoming more active is one of the most common resolutions, only about 25% of adults meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. How can you beat the odds and make sure your resolution becomes more than just a … Continue reading How to Turn Your Fitness Resolution into a Lasting Habit
Cell Monsters: Understanding Cancer at the Cellular Level
Credit: iStock/Mariia Guseva It’s Halloween, and while ghosts and goblins may haunt the night, there’s something scarier that could be lurking inside our bodies: cancer cells! Like creatures from a horror movie, these cells can turn into rogue invaders, causing chaos. But don’t worry—scientists are on the hunt to stop them! What Makes a Monster? … Continue reading Cell Monsters: Understanding Cancer at the Cellular Level
Unlocking the Mystery of Pediatric Osteosarcoma
Credit: iStock July is Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month. One important topic related to this awareness month (and something that scientists often find fascinating!) is pediatric osteosarcoma. That might sound like a mouthful, but we’ll break it down together. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It’s like an unwelcome guest that decides to … Continue reading Unlocking the Mystery of Pediatric Osteosarcoma
Spotlight On: Lymphatic System and Lymphedema
Credit: iStock The cardiovascular system includes the heart, arteries and capillaries that transport blood, oxygen, nutrients and water across our bodies. Veins also collect blood, while something called the lymphatic system collects a fluid called lymph. Lymph contains byproducts from our metabolism and immune factors to maintain our health. Cardiovascular health is central to our … Continue reading Spotlight On: Lymphatic System and Lymphedema
Spotlight On: Cervical Cancer
Credit: iStock “Barbie”—an empowering movie about feminism featuring a personified version of the iconic doll—ends with a line that is shocking, surprising and funny (spoiler alert!): “I’m here to see my gynecologist.” Earlier in the movie, viewers learned that Barbie does not have genitals, but by the end of the movie, she starts to embrace … Continue reading Spotlight On: Cervical Cancer
Targeting the Immune System to Treat Cancer
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 our spotlight on migraine, about bariatric surgery’s effect on hunger and new thoughts on why you can't sleep. When we hear the … Continue reading Targeting the Immune System to Treat Cancer
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
Spotlight On: Inflammation
Working at a medical school, I hear the word “inflammation” in our students’ classes at least once a day. When people begin learning about inflammation, they usually ask a common question: Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Inflammation is part of the body’s normal response to injury or infection. The four classic … Continue reading Spotlight On: Inflammation