Articles tagged with Human Physiology
Heat waves pose a significant threat to older adults and individuals with chronic diseases, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to impaired thermoregulation. Air conditioning and working fans can reduce the risk of mortality by up to 80% and 30%, respectively.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that high-impact activities like running can have a greater positive effect on bone mineral density (BMD) than resistance training. The research found that runners had greater spine BMD than cyclists, and that high-impact activity may override the benefits of lean body mass on BMD.
Researchers at Caltech have created images of the heart's muscular layer showing a connection between muscle configuration and contraction. The findings provide evidence that the helical shape is crucial to the heart's effective beating, settling a 50-year debate.
Researchers investigated physiological methods used by well-trained runners to control exercise intensity and avoid exhaustion. They found that heart rate response scales with race distance, indicating athletes actively manage their body's increasing strain.
Researchers have discovered that Tabebuia extract can delay dietary fat absorption in animal models, reducing triglyceride levels. The extract's potential use in treating obesity and associated diseases like type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease is being explored.
A human clinical study by Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism found that wildland firefighters who consumed a yeast-based antioxidant supplement, Wellmune WGP¹, had significantly fewer upper respiratory tract infections compared to a placebo group. The study showed a strong statistical trend of 23% fewer infectio...
Mice fed human diet exhibit distinct liver gene expression profiles compared to those on a chimpanzee diet, suggesting dietary influences on physiological differences between humans and other apes. This study replicates previous findings in mice fed different diets.
Researchers at University College London used a virtual human simulation to predict the effectiveness of an HIV drug against resistant mutations. The study could lead to tailored treatment approaches for patients developing resistance to their drugs.
Researchers explore how genes, neurotransmitters, and brain function impact athletic performance and endurance. Studies reveal that certain genetic variations and mental state can significantly enhance physical abilities.
A new study finds that daylight saving time (DST) significantly disrupts the human circadian clock's seasonal adjustment. Researchers analyzed sleep patterns of over 55,000 people in Central Europe and found that DST timing fails to adapt, leading to significant disruptions in daily rhythms.
Researchers discovered that specific genetic variants of an odor receptor determine how people perceive pleasant or unpleasant odors. The study focused on two sex steroid-derived chemicals and found that different genetic variations led to varying reactions.
Researchers at EMBL have identified a molecule called n-cofilin crucial for preventing neuronal disorders. The protein helps organise cell skeleton, essential for brain development and function.
A recent study using spontaneously hypertensive rats found that testosterone supplements promote renal injury and exacerbate hypertension in aging male rats. The research suggests that natural decrease in testosterone levels with age may affect the progression of cardiovascular/renal disease in men taking testosterone replacement therapy.
A recent study conducted by University of California - San Diego researchers found that using a Taser on healthy individuals does not cause lasting harm. The study monitored the physiological effects of a single Taser activation in human subjects and discovered no clinically significant or lasting changes.
Preliminary results of Taser exposure on healthy subjects revealed no clinically significant changes in cardiovascular and blood parameters after a single 5-second exposure. The study measured systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, calcium, sodium, potassium levels and blood pH in 32 subjects.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients and therapists share similar physiologic responses during moments of high positive emotion, leading to higher ratings of therapist empathy. The study suggests a biological basis for empathic connection during psychotherapy, with implications for improving therapeutic tec...
A genetic variant of BARD1 has been found to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in women who carry the BRCA2 mutation. The study suggests that inheriting this allele may increase a woman's breast cancer risk, but for most women, the risk is only slight.
Physiologist Dr. Pawelczyk highlights the human body's challenges in space life medicine and physiology, including radiation effects and heavy metal ion bombardment. He emphasizes the importance of current and future research to address these issues and prevent health problems such as osteoporosis and cancer risk.
The grant unifies labs, extending technologies and adding computation and visualization resources. Researchers will analyze large volumes of data from non-invasive imaging technologies to study brain function, detect cognitive impairment, and improve biometrics-based security.
A new study by Leah D. Whigham and colleagues found that the human adenovirus Ad-37 causes obesity in chickens, while other viruses like Ad-36 and Ad-5 have been linked to human obesity. More research is needed to determine if these viruses contribute to human obesity.
A new study examines the evolution of human life history, proposing a distinct phase known as 'late life,' where age-related deterioration ceases. This research suggests that late life may be characterized by a plateau in mortality rates after a certain age.
Researchers discover a novel proton-sensing G-protein coupled receptor that operates normally in acidic conditions, indicating potential new therapeutic avenues for arthritis, heart attacks, and strokes. The receptor's optimal function is at pH6.4, suggesting its role in synovial inflammation and cell proliferation.
The University of Oregon has developed a new environmental chamber to study the human body's response to everyday stresses. The chamber allows for precise simulation of extreme conditions, including altitude up to 18,000 feet and temperature control between 14 and 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
A study by Edward F. Coyle found that Lance Armstrong's long-term training increased muscular efficiency, leading to an 8% improvement in power production. Combining this with a planned weight loss, his steady-state power output improved by 18%. This increase in muscle efficiency may be due to an increase in type I muscle fibers.
The discovery suggests that strong selection for running fueled the growth of the human brain by relaxing constraints on protein and fat acquisition. Running has substantially shaped human evolution, with features like detached shoulders, springy tendons, and well-defined buttocks emerging to enable efficient long-distance running.
Researchers are creating a system that allows computers to monitor the health and emotional state of users, using thermal imaging to detect vital signs. The goal is to create a two-way exchange between humans and computers, enhancing the user experience while preventing illnesses.
This book presents six different models of the cardiovascular and pulmonary system, including a two-dimensional modeling of fluid dynamics in the heart. The models are introduced by case studies and can be studied individually, serving as an excellent introduction for researchers and graduate students.
Physiology aims to appeal to a broader audience with innovative features and artwork, showcasing the most up-to-date physiological research. The journal's design and editorial team are committed to making the content more accessible and readable.
The study, led by Shin'ya Nishida, utilized the multi-slit viewing illusion and found that pattern perception is more impaired by a mask or adaptation stimulus moving in the same direction as the pattern. Observers can see fine spatial components that are theoretically impossible to recover without motion information.
The study provides anatomical evidence of nanometer-sized particles in calcified human arterial and valvular tissue, which share characteristics with nanoparticles recovered from geological specimens. The cultured particles contain nucleic acids, suggesting ongoing synthesis and potential bacterial-like etiology of vascular calcification.
The American Physiological Society awarded 12 Distinguished Lecturers in 2004, including Christine Seidman, Robin Davisson, and Kevin Fitzgerald. The awards recognize outstanding research achievements in various fields of physiology.
A study examined the effects of bright display screens on melatonin levels, core temperature, heart rate, and sleepiness during VDT tasks at night. The results showed that salivary melatonin concentration increased in all conditions, with lower levels during exciting-BD tasks compared to exciting-DD tasks.
A unique program, ENERGY, has been established to reduce childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes among elementary school students. The program incorporates science education enrichment activities to promote healthy eating and active living.
A study finds that a lack of physical activity disrupts normal homeostatic mechanisms, leading to an increased risk of chronic conditions. The research highlights the importance of physical activity in preventing common chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
Researchers found that chokeberry extract can protect coronary arteries from oxidant injury, while bilberry extract provides partial protection. The study suggests that individual components in berries may be responsible for their vascular effects.
Researchers found Tibetans retain no deterioration in physiological processes when exposed to acute hypoxia, unlike lowlanders. This discovery could lead to novel treatments for hypoxic injury and prevention of mountain sickness.
The American Physiological Society hosts a series of briefings on the physiology and pathophysiology of obesity, featuring renowned experts who examine gene-environment interactions, neurobiology, endocrine/metabolic consequences, and cardiovascular regulation. The conference aims to advance understanding of human health and disease.
Researchers investigate whether genetics are the sole cause of high blood pressure in Hispanic populations, finding that environment plays a key role. The study reveals that physical activity and reduced smoking/salt use can help prevent high blood pressure in this demographic.
The Rat Resource Research Center (RRRC) will provide a centralized facility for information on available rat strains and a source of animals themselves. This will significantly increase the capacity for researchers to study specific human diseases using rat models, such as cardiovascular and pulmonary disease.
Orthostatic intolerance affects at least 70% of returning astronauts due to the body's adaptation to weightlessness. Astronauts often struggle with standing and may have puffy faces and thin legs during and after space travel. Researchers are studying this condition to improve astronaut health for future long-duration missions.