All articles tagged with #physiology
Juan López, 81 and nicknamed Super López, keeps defying age in distance running with a 3:39 marathon and a 4:47:35 50km world record; scientists credit his top-tier VO2 max (52.8 ml/kg/min) and high muscle mass, while he trains 65–120 km weekly and cares for his disabled wife, noting he might aim for records beyond 85 years old.
Researchers and clinicians say that short, regular bursts of effort—like climbing a staircase a few times daily—can deliver most health benefits of formal gym workouts, highlighting that consistency and accumulated daily activity trump long sessions for many people.
Early studies suggest that around 90% of organ transplant patients experience personality changes, potentially due to physiological influences from the donor organ, such as hormone production and systemic effects, though more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these changes.
A study found that during intense exercise, people perceive time as passing 8-9% slower, which could influence athletic pacing and performance. The research suggests that psychological and physiological factors during exertion affect time perception, with potential applications in sports training and beyond.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered how thirteen-lined ground squirrels manage to suppress thirst during their long hibernation periods. The squirrels maintain ion levels in their blood and use hormones as antidiuretics to conserve water. Despite being offered water during brief awakenings, the squirrels show no desire to drink, indicating a brain mechanism that prevents thirst signals from being processed. Understanding this mechanism could have implications for human space travel and medical procedures.
Research on whether women feel colder than men is mixed, with recent studies suggesting that temperature perception and regulation depend more on individual physical traits like body fat and surface area rather than sex. While women may have slightly higher core temperatures and colder extremities due to hormonal differences, both sexes generally perceive and respond to temperature changes similarly.
A new study conducted in mice suggests that regular use of acetaminophen at moderate doses, considered safe at 500 mg/day, can alter proteins in the heart tissue, potentially leading to heart issues as a result of oxidative stress or toxin buildup. The research, presented at the American Physiology Summit, found that acetaminophen caused significant changes in the levels of proteins associated with various biochemical pathways in the heart. While the study was conducted in mice and may not directly apply to humans, researchers recommend limiting acetaminophen use to a few days at a stretch and discussing concerns about high-dose use with a healthcare provider.
New research indicates that pregnancy may temporarily accelerate biological aging in women by as much as two years, possibly due to the significant physiological stress experienced during the process.
Exposure to cold temperatures triggers the sympathetic nervous system, causing specialized nerve cells to contract muscles and erect nipples, a process that helps retain heat. This response, also responsible for goose bumps, is a remnant of our evolutionary past when body hair insulation was crucial. Nipples can also become erect due to sexual arousal, hormonal changes, and emotional responses. While usually a normal bodily reaction, persistent or extreme nipple erections unrelated to temperature or excitement may indicate a health issue.
A study published in Scientific Reports has revealed a significant link between depression and higher body temperatures, shedding light on the potential for regulating body temperature as a novel approach to alleviate depressive symptoms. The research, based on data from the TemPredict Study and utilizing the Oura Ring wearable device, found that individuals with more severe depressive symptoms exhibited consistently higher body temperatures, impacting thermoregulation across wakefulness and sleep. While the study does not establish causation, it opens avenues for further exploration of temperature-based interventions for depression and the underlying biological mechanisms of this association.
Crying can have positive effects when done in a supportive environment, as it signals a need for help and can release endorphins and stress. While the evolutionary purpose of crying remains a mystery, it is believed to trigger empathy and compassion in others. Physiological benefits include pain relief and emotional release. Techniques to induce crying include creating a sad playlist, watching emotional videos, somatic self-care, and journaling about personal sadness.
A recent study suggests that playing violent video games might decrease stress hormones in some players, contrary to popular belief. The research found no increase in aggressive tendencies, indicating a more complex relationship between video game content and player responses. The study involved 54 male participants playing either a violent or non-violent passage from the game "Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End" for 25 minutes, and measured cortisol and testosterone levels, personality traits, and aggressive cognition. The results showed that playing the violent game had a relaxing effect on players and did not influence aggressive thoughts or tendencies. However, the study was limited to male participants, and further research with larger sample sizes and female participants is needed to better understand the effects of violent video games.
Richard Morgan, a 93-year-old four-time world champion in indoor rowing, serves as an exemplar of fit, healthy aging, with the heart, muscles, and lungs of someone half his age. A recent case study on his training, diet, and physiology suggests that active older individuals can provide valuable insights into aging. Despite starting regular exercise at 73, Morgan's fitness routine has led to remarkable physical capabilities, with his body composition and cardiovascular health comparable to much younger individuals. His example highlights the potential for exercise to slow the effects of aging and maintain a strong, capable body at any age.
Orks in the Warhammer 40K universe are a symbiotic combination of animal and fungus, with a simple yet effective anatomy designed for combat. Their green skin and blood suggest a primitive ability to photosynthesize, reducing their reliance on food and supply lines. Orks have a unique reproductive system, releasing spores that grow into an underground womb, creating an entire ecosystem to support their population. They possess innate knowledge and problem-solving abilities, making them formidable warriors. Theories suggest that Orks were either adapted by the Snotlings or created as a survivor race by the Old Ones.
New research challenges the long-held belief that men were the primary hunters in prehistoric societies, while women took on more passive roles. A study conducted by anthropologists Cara Ocobock and Sarah Lacy suggests that prehistoric women not only engaged in hunting but were anatomically and biologically better suited to it. The female body's ability to endure endurance activities, such as running, due to higher levels of estrogen and adiponectin, along with their physical structure, including wider hips, made them well-suited for hunting. Archaeological evidence also supports the idea that women participated in hunting and held it in high esteem. The study aims to correct the historical erasure of women's contributions to hunting and challenge biases based on gender.