Credit: American Physiological Society Earlier this fall, comparative physiologists met in San Diego for the eighth APS Intersociety Meeting in Comparative Physiology. Comparative physiology is the study of biological processes—particularly adaptation to various environments—of different species. In short, comparative physiologists study animals. The theme of this year’s conference, “From Organism to Omics in an Uncertain … Continue reading Climate Change Research Is a Focus at APS’ Comparative Physiology Conference
heat stress
Turning Up the Heat: Enjoying Summer When You’re Pregnant
Credit: iStock Pregnancy affects everyone, even if you’re very healthy. Pregnant people experience a wide variety of body changes to be able to accommodate growing a baby. You may have heard someone say they have an increased appetite, random pains or even feel hotter when they’re pregnant. An increase in body temperature is normal during … Continue reading Turning Up the Heat: Enjoying Summer When You’re Pregnant
Beat the Heat with a Wet T-Shirt
Credit: iStock The summer of 2020 will go down in history books because of the novel coronavirus pandemic but also possibly for record heat and humidity across much of the U.S. In some areas of the country, cooling centers and public pools may not be open due to public health concerns. Indoor gatherings are discouraged … Continue reading Beat the Heat with a Wet T-Shirt
Wild and Weird Ways Animals Keep Cool
Credit: iStock School is out, and temperatures are on the rise. It’s official: Summer has arrived. Staying cool is on everyone’s mind, but unlike people, most animals aren’t able to seek the comfort of air conditioning or even able to sweat! Here in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, horses, like humans, usually work up a … Continue reading Wild and Weird Ways Animals Keep Cool
Taking Tests in a Heat Wave is Not So Hot
You know the feeling: It’s like a sauna outside. Sweat pours down your face and body. You drink gallons of water and still can’t get cool. You don’t want to exert much physical effort. The dog days of summer are here, but with a heightened intensity. Record-breaking heat in the U.S.—with North Texas seeing triple … Continue reading Taking Tests in a Heat Wave is Not So Hot
In Hot Water
This week, the I Spy Physiology blog answers a reader question: Why do we get dizzy when getting out of a hot tub? There may not be a better way to chase away the winter "blahs" than soaking in the hot tub or standing under a steaming shower. However, sometimes, after a lengthy soak or … Continue reading In Hot Water
Out in the Sun? Think about Your Kidneys!
When your body gets overheated, it responds in several ways as it races to cool you back down and prevent serious health problems. Heat stress is when your internal body temperature rises above the normal range of 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. This triggers physiological responses geared toward maintaining normal body temperature. Our internal body … Continue reading Out in the Sun? Think about Your Kidneys!