Credit: iStock This year, as science celebrated the discoveries that gave us mRNA vaccines to fight COVID-19 and gene editing treatments for sickle cell disease, our contributors also brought you fascinating, fun and insightful physiology stories on the I Spy Physiology blog. From the always-popular topic of spaceflight to the always-important matter of mental health, … Continue reading 2023’s Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts
Hydration
Exercise and Water: Responsible Drinking in the Summer Heat
Wayne State University football players huddle on a hot day. Credit: Tamara Hew-Butler I’ve studied hydration for almost 20 years, mostly from the lens of overhydration. So, every time a coach or trainer instructs athletes to “stay hydrated” or “drink more water,” my heart sinks. Drinking too much water can cause brain swelling, which … Continue reading Exercise and Water: Responsible Drinking in the Summer Heat
Sip a Sports Drink to Keep the Electrolytes Flowing
Credit: iStock Most people know it’s important to stay hydrated (but not too much!) during an intense workout. A sports drink can be an ideal beverage choice, but do you know why? After working out for an hour or so on a hot summer day, you may begin to sweat, get muscle cramps and/or become … Continue reading Sip a Sports Drink to Keep the Electrolytes Flowing
Water: Can You Get Too Much of a Good Thing?
Water is arguably the best drink on Earth. Drinking water provides undisputable benefits to humans, other animals and plants. We know it’s possible to overwater a plant, but what about us humans? Can we drink too much water? And is it worse to be over-hydrated or under-hydrated? “Many, many more people die from over-hydration than … Continue reading Water: Can You Get Too Much of a Good Thing?