Articles tagged with Human Physiology
A recent study published in Current Biology found that the human body can predict regular mealtimes based on physiological changes. The research team discovered that daily blood glucose rhythms may be driven by both meal size and timing, suggesting a physiological drive for some people to eat at certain times.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder reenacted an ancient trek using logs on their heads, inspired by sherpas in Nepal. The team found that simple devices called tumplines enabled them to carry heavy loads over longer distances without getting fatigued.
A team of leading experts in reproductive biology, microbiome science, and immunology found that the concept of a foetal microbiome is inaccurate. The detection of microbiomes in foetal tissues was attributed to contamination during vaginal delivery, clinical procedures, or laboratory analysis.
Researchers found that female patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated in the afternoon had reduced mortality rates and cancer recurrence compared to those treated in the morning. The study suggests that timing chemotherapy delivery according to an individual's circadian clock may improve treatment outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found common risk factors for primary dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome, including physical characteristics, menstrual characteristics, and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining regular sleep patterns, a healthy BMI, and stress management may help alleviate symptoms.
Recent studies investigate heat waves and cold exposure on the cardiovascular system, revealing physiological responses that can lead to cardiovascular problems. Mild heat waves cause an increase in core temperature, skin blood flow, and vascular resistance, while mild cold exposure causes a similar rise in blood pressure.
Astronauts in space can lose up to 20% of muscle mass after two weeks due to microgravity. Researchers are exploring the use of extracellular vesicles, which contain restorative chemicals, to trigger post-exercise recovery without traditional exercise.
A new bioreactor system developed by KAUST scientists delivers gases to maintain physiological environments, reducing unpredictable shifts in cell growth. The system allows for more accurate and reproducible experiments in biomedical research.
ISB researchers found that the gut microbiome is responsible for variation in circulating blood metabolites across people. The study examined 930 blood metabolites and found that over 60% were associated with either host genetics or the gut microbiome.
A large-scale Australian study found that highly processed and refined foods are the primary contributor to rising obesity rates. The 'Protein Leverage Hypothesis' suggests that people overeat fats and carbohydrates due to their strong appetite for protein, leading to an increased risk of chronic disease.
The HUSH complex is involved in normal brain development, neuronal individuality, and connectivity. The complex also regulates repetitive-like gene clusters, including protocadherin gene clusters, which are essential for neuron-to-neuron interactions.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have counted more than 10,000 nerve fibers in the human clitoris, exceeding previous estimates of 8,000. This discovery could lead to better outcomes for phalloplasty surgery and improved sensation for transmasculine patients.
The study reveals that a genetic mutation can accelerate the body's internal clock, leading to improved adjustment to shift work schedules. The findings have implications for understanding the health consequences of circadian misalignment and developing medical treatments.
Researchers have discovered that zinc ions tune the ability of human serum albumin to prevent α-synuclein aggregation, a process linked to Parkinson's disease. Zinc binding alters HSA's chaperone function, blunting fibril formation and slowing down protein deposition that can lead to neurodegeneration.
A new study found that dogs can differentiate between breath and sweat samples from people before and after a stress-inducing task with an accuracy of 93.75%. The researchers believe that dogs are able to detect changes in volatile organic compounds produced by humans in response to stress.
A study by researchers at Linköping University and the Oregon Health and Science University has discovered that many cells in the inner ear react simultaneously to low-frequency sound, making it easier to experience these sounds. This new understanding may lead to improved cochlear implants for people with severe hearing impairments.
A study by the University of Geneva team shows that disrupted circadian clocks lead to a rigidity in the membrane of pancreatic endocrine cells, affecting their function. The researchers also found that lipid profiles oscillate more during the day than previously thought, particularly in phospholipids and sphingolipids.
A new study published in Frontiers found that excessive blue light exposure can alter cellular functions in fruit flies, potentially leading to accelerated aging. The researchers discovered changes in metabolites essential for cell function and communication between neurons.
A new study uses a biomimetic in-silico simulator to investigate the effect of body posture and stomach motility on oral drug bioavailability. The simulation reveals that stomach contractions can induce pressure, generating complex pill trajectories and affecting drug dissolution rates.
Researchers found that CXCL9 levels were higher in pre-fracture blood samples of Chinese men with subsequent hip fractures, improving the prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men. In contrast, no association was found between CXCL10 and hip fracture risk in either gender.
A new study reveals an 'expanding hole' illusion that deceives the brain, prompting a dilation reflex in the pupils and making us perceive more light. The illusion is perceived by approximately 86% of people and affects how our visual system anticipates and makes sense of the visual world.
Researchers found that the effectiveness of exercise depends on the time of day, with morning exercise reducing belly fat and blood pressure in women, while evening exercise increasing muscular performance. For men, evening exercise lowers blood pressure, burns more fat, and improves heart disease risk.
Research suggests that increasing ambient temperatures negatively impact human sleep around the globe, with a potential loss of 50-58 hours of sleep per person per year. The study found that lower-income countries, older adults, and females are more affected by warmer temperatures.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered that temperature changes trigger organ-specific effects in all tissues, leading to distinct gene expression profiles. The study's web-based application provides access to thousands of gene expression profiles, enabling further research and potential therapeutic applications.
Patients who experienced severe systemic inflammation during hospitalization for Covid-19 have a higher risk of dying within one year after seemingly recovering. Prescription of steroids upon discharge from hospital significantly reduces this risk, with effects seen even in the most severe cases.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered chimpanzees experiencing nocturnal erections, a phenomenon previously only observed in humans. Eight out of twelve male chimps demonstrated this behavior, with half also masturbating and consuming ejaculate, suggesting potential health benefits.
A new study reveals that children experience faster growth in height over the school year compared to the summer, resulting in a higher BMI. This seasonality in growth affects the probability of becoming overweight or obese during the summer, highlighting the need for obesity prevention efforts throughout the year.
A new study found that extended space flight increases perivascular spaces in the brains of first-time astronauts, but not those who previously served in space. No neurological deficits were detected despite the changes.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism involving the oxidation of cysteines in titin protein that modulates cardiac stiffness and dynamics. This discovery sheds light on how the heart adapts to various situations and responds to oxidative balance disorders.
A new study has shown that increasing genetic diversity can improve researchers' ability to identify important genetic markers for health conditions. The study, which analyzed data from over 470,000 Hispanic/Latino individuals, identified 42 previously unidentified regions of the human genome related to BMI, height, and waist-to-hip ra...
A new study supports the idea that humans inherited our love of alcohol from primate ancestors, who consumed fermented fruit with high alcohol content. Monkeys eat and digest alcohol-rich fruits, using it as a source of calories, shedding light on human affinity for booze.
A self-contained experiment is being sent to the International Space Station to investigate stress and DNA damage caused by space travel. The goal is to determine if genomic damage experienced during space travel is linked to the silencing of a specific gene, beta-arrestin1.
Experts have published guidelines for psychophysiological research involving pupil measurements, summarizing the physiology of the pupil and providing recommendations on data examination. The guidelines also discuss psychological phenomena that modulate pupil reactivity.
A comprehensive literature review found that consuming plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich in walnuts and flaxseeds can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 10% and fatal coronary heart disease risk by 20%. ALA may also benefit heart health when combined with other omega-3s.
New Penn State research found that the maximum wet-bulb temperature for humans is lower than previously thought, at around 31°C in warm-humid environments. This finding has significant implications for planning and preparing for extreme heat events.
Researchers identified two key factors regulating the exercise stress response pathway. Arginine vasopressin and corticotrophin-releasing hormone cooperatively control adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion, playing a crucial role in the physiological stress response.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology created a 3D model of living brain cancer using cavitation molding technique. The model closely replicates human tissue and maintains cell viability, making it suitable for drug screening.
A recent review highlights the effects of different intestinal bacteria on colorectal cancer, exploring new therapies for disease prevention and treatment. Beneficial probiotics, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, exhibit anticancer properties and reduce CRC cell proliferation.
Researchers developed a system using facial expressions to manipulate objects in virtual reality environments, outperforming handheld controllers in terms of immersion. The technique has potential applications for people with disabilities, including amputees and those with motor neurone disease, allowing hands-free interactions.
A new study finds that immune cells clear away a key Alzheimer's disease protein on an oscillating daily cycle controlled by circadian rhythms. The discovery provides a potential mechanism linking Alzheimer's disease to disruptions in sleep cycles and may lead to the development of chronotherapeutics.
Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.
Scientists analyzed over 100,000 cells from 15 human brain metastases and identified two functional archetypes of metastatic cells, each containing both immune and non-immune cell types. These archetypes work together within single cells to shape inflammatory and proliferative processes co-existent in each metastatic tumor.
A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.
Researchers from China use digitalized flow rates to study the effect of exercise on plaque formation in carotid arteries, which carry blood to the head and neck. The study investigates how geometrical features of the arteries affect plaque formation and finds that exercising decreases reversed flow volume in older age groups.
Researchers at TTUHSC developed novel hydrophilic nanoparticles that target bacterial membranes, killing pathogens while sparing mammalian cells. The nanoantibiotics' size-dependent activity reveals a new blueprint for developing non-toxic and environmentally friendly antibiotics.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research found no SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in breastmilk from mothers infected with COVID-19, ruling out transmission to infants. The authors analyzed 110 lactating women and did not find any clinical evidence of infection in breastfeeding infants.
Researchers at Waseda University discovered a new protein isoform called Senp5S, which helps regulate Drp1 and mitochondrial dynamics during brain development. The study suggests a novel and vital role for post-translational SUMOylation in neuronal differentiation.
A new study published in Royal Society Open Science found that amputee sprinters using prostheses have no clear competitive advantage at the 400-meter distance compared to non-amputees. In fact, they appear to have a significant disadvantage at the start, with athletes using prosthetic legs being 40% slower out of the starting blocks a...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that meditation can affect individuals in distinct ways, with experienced meditators exhibiting different physiological responses. While some practitioners displayed signs of relaxation, others showed mental concentration, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to assisted meditation.
Temperature fluctuations in labs affect over 90% of individual tests and 51 assays, including kidney function and lipid panels. Laboratories can statistically adjust for ambient temperature to reduce weather-related variability.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside are studying the keto and intermittent fasting diets on a molecular level, finding that women may metabolize fat differently than men. The study aims to understand why keto diet may not be effective for women and how it affects their overall health.
Researchers found that increasing food amount elevates intestinal absorptive surface and function due to enhanced PPARα expression. Food restriction reverses this process, suggesting potential avenues for limiting obesity.
Researchers discovered that chemotherapy drugs can affect protein synthesis in muscle cells, even at low doses. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and exercise rehabilitation programs, suggesting that even non-oxidative stress effects of chemotherapy should be considered.
The Zinc Status Index is a new evaluation method developed by Cornell food scientists that uses biomarkers to calculate the physiological status of a subject. It aims to provide a comprehensive assessment tool for zinc deficiency, which affects over 1 billion people worldwide.
Researchers found that when mothers and children are coordinated at the behavioral level, their physiological activity follows the mother's. The study highlights the importance of tuning in to a child's cues and being responsive to their behaviors during playtime.
Researchers studied the effects of isolation on human psychology, physiology, and team dynamics in a simulated off-world colony. The study found that crews' communication with mission control diminished over time, causing initial friction but eventually leading to increased cohesion despite cultural and personal differences.
Lactate sensors in wearables aim to monitor athletes' exertion levels, but the connection between sweat and blood lactate remains unclear. Researchers propose improvements to electrochemical sensors and develop an epidermal patch containing a lactate biosensor.
A study by José María Martín-Olalla suggests that cancelling daylight saving time could result in increased early morning activity in winter, negatively impacting human health. This is due to the UK's alignment with sunrise during winter mornings, which has helped regulate daily activity.
Researchers found that females rely more heavily on aldosterone to regulate blood pressure, whereas males primarily use angiotensin II. This discovery could lead to targeted treatments for female hypertensive patients, improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A new study identifies 13 genes as key factors in shaping physical fitness through various forms of exercise. Genetic differences account for up to 72% of the variation in muscle strength improvements.