The adrenergic system is a crucial component of the sympathetic nervous system and has widespread effects throughout the body. “Adrenergic” comes from “Andren,” relating to “adrenaline” (a stress hormone also referred to as epinephrine in the U.S.), and “ergic” derived from the Latin “ergy,” meaning “at work.” Put together, the word “adrenergic” is the condensed … The post History of Adrenergic Receptors appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more

Straining to use the bathroom, having a bowel movement less than three times a week, abdominal cramps. Most people know these symptoms as signs of constipation and have experienced it at one time or another. However, according to health care data in the U.K., only about 20% of people discuss constipation with their doctor. It … The post How Constipation May Increase Your Risk of Heart Disease appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more

It’s been another “ph-un” filled year of physiology on the I Spy Physiology blog! We’ve featured posts ranging from marijuana research and bone cancer in children to how many steps do we really need to take per day and if alkaline water lives up to the hype. To complement our Women’s Health Research Initiative, our … The post The Top 10 Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts of 2024 appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been hearing more about microplastics. But what exactly are they, and why we should be concerned? Let’s dive into the facts and explore how these tiny particles are affecting us and our world. What Are Microplastics? Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5 millimeters. This is tinier … The post What You Need to Know About Microplastics and Their Effects on Health appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more

Most of us know that regular physical activity is great for health, reducing risks of heart disease and even lowering the risk of death. Walking is one of the easiest ways to fit in physical activity, and even just a little more walking can make a difference. For example, taking an additional 1,000 steps each … The post How Many Steps a Day for Better Health? It Might Be Fewer Than You Think appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more

As trees change colors and shed leaves and the air cools down, many of us cannot stop dreaming of seasonal festivities. You might think there’s nothing more festive than meeting your loved ones for a Thanksgiving feast. Don’t forget to add a side of cranberries while you gobble up your turkey! Besides adding a little … The post Enjoy Health Benefits of the Sweet-and-Sour Cranberry This Holiday Season appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more

Attending a scientific conference is a wonderful opportunity to present your work and receive important feedback that can strengthen your research. Conferences also provide access to valuable tools and resources generously shared by others during poster sessions and presentations. Not to mention, they offer a fantastic chance to network and collaborate with inspiring scientists. This … The post From Diapers to Data: How I Tackled a Scientific Conference as a Scientist Mom appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more

More than 7 million people in the U.S. live with neurodegenerative disorders. These are chronic diseases of the nervous system that worsen over time. Degenerative disorders are difficult to slow or reverse when nerve cells (neurons) stop working the way they should or die. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral … The post How Exercise Protects You from Dementia appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more

Imagine taking a bite of one of your favorite foods. During this moment you are engaging all five primary senses. You see the food, feel the texture and smell the aroma. Perhaps you hear the sizzle as it cooks or the crunch as you bite. But chiefly amongst these experiences, you are tasting the meal. … The post Spotlight On: Taste appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more

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? The Origins of … The post Cell Monsters: Understanding Cancer at the Cellular Level appeared first on I Spy Physiology Blog ..read more