Scientists discover why your appetite suddenly disappears when you’re sick Scientists have uncovered how your body actually tells your brain to stop eating when you’re sick. In a new study, researchers found that specialized cells in the gut detect parasites and send signals that ultimately trigger the brain to suppress appetite. This process builds over time, explaining why you may feel fine at first but then suddenly lose interest in food as an infection takes hold.

You feel awful and can't imagine eating a thing. But why? 🤢

New research shows how specialized cells in the gut detect parasites, sending the brain signals to suppress your appetite. More from ScienceDaily: https://ow.ly/CN4l50YCIas #ISpyPhysiology #FridayPhysiologyFact #GutHealth 🧪

Not Just a Pump: How Your Heart Talks to the Rest of Your Body - I Spy Physiology Blog When we learn about the heart in school, it’s usually described as a pump: strong, steady and rhythmic. That’s true. But what fascinates me most, as a physiologist, is that the heart is also a communicator, constantly exchanging messages with your brain, kidneys, muscles and blood vessels to keep your body balanced, safe and moving. … Continue reading Not Just a Pump: How Your Heart Talks to the Rest of Your Body

DYK your heart isn’t just a pump? It’s listening to and working with the rest of your body with every beat. APS member Nicholas Blackmond explains more about this seamless crosstalk on the #ISpyPhysiology blog: https://ow.ly/kmF850YFOPf 🧪

Man lying on his side in bed wearing a blue shirt, resting with one arm under his head on a white pillow.

Ever try the 4-7-8 breathing method?

If you haven't (or don't know what it is,) you may want remember it the next time you're wide awake in the middle of the night.
Read more from The Washington Post: https://ow.ly/PlBQ50YCC8T #ISpyPhysiology #Insomnia #SleepBetter 🧪
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That minty fresh feeling? Scientists now know how our bodies feel cold Scientists have finally pinned down the mechanism behind cold- and menthol-sensing proteins

Brrrr! 🥶

Scientists have pinpointed the protein that helps us sense cold stimuli. This could be an important step toward helping cancer chemotherapy patients with cold hypersensitivity.

Read more from Scientific American: https://ow.ly/zeib50YA3Cj #ISpyPhysiology #FridayPhysiologyFact 🧪

Autism, the Microbiome and Picky Eating: What’s Really Going On? - I Spy Physiology Blog Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, behavior and social interaction. It is often marked by repetitive behaviors and highly focused interests. While the exact causes of autism remain unclear, what we do know is that its prevalence is rising. One out of every 31 eight-year-olds in the … Continue reading Autism, the Microbiome and Picky Eating: What’s Really Going On?

Kids with #autism are 5x more likely to be picky eaters. Research shows that gut bacteria may play a role.

APS member Raz Abdulqadir explains the link and how #science is working to help kids with autism in this vintage #ISpyPhysiology blog: https://ow.ly/zS1H50YyhJj #WorldAutismAwarenessDay 🧪

The Hidden Biology Behind Everyday Habits - I Spy Physiology Blog Have you wondered why much of our daily life runs on autopilot? We check our phones without thinking, follow familiar routes and repeat routines almost automatically. These patterns feel psychological, yet they are deeply biological. Habits are neural shortcuts that the brain builds to conserve energy and increase efficiency. Through repetition, behaviors become encoded within … Continue reading The Hidden Biology Behind Everyday Habits

From conscious choice to autopilot, your brain turns repeated actions into neural shortcuts. Habits are biology in action. Read more from Dipesh Pokharel on the #ISpyPhysiology blog: ispyphysiology.com/2026/04/01/the-hidden-bi...

Why Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine—and How It Affects Your Mind and Body New research says that laughter can do more than make you feel good—it can also boost your mental, emotional, and physical health.

No foolin'—turns out laughter actually *may* be the best medicine!

From reducing stress and aiding cognition to boosting immunity and heart function, Real Simple outlines 6 ways LOLs can improve your overall health:
https://ow.ly/ITnv50YylM4 #ISpyPhysiology #AprilFools #LaughterTherapy 🧪

Group of diverse adults exercising outdoors with small dumbbells, performing arm raises in a sunny park setting.

Strength training is all the rage—but how to begin?
“Start at a cadence that’s under control,” says APS member Jeremy Loenneke

He and fellow APS member @mackinprof.bsky.social provide a starter’s guide to getting stronger in The Washington Post: https://wapo.st/4bEZVvp #ISpyPhysiology 🧪
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Life Lessons From (Very Old) Bowhead Whales A gene that helped bowheads adapt to frigid Arctic waters also granted them extraordinary longevity. Could it help aging humans become more resilient?

Bowhead whales can live 250+ years due largely to an ability to repair damaged DNA, research shows.

What can we learn from these massive mammals to help build resiliency as we age? Read more at The New York Times: https://ow.ly/9JNI50Yv2QJ #ISpyPhysiology #FridayPhysiologyFact #LongevityResearch 🧪

Man lying on his side in bed wearing a blue shirt, resting with his arm bent under his head on a white pillow.

Counting sheep not helping you get some ZZZs? Maybe you should try "cognitive shuffling."

Read more from The Washington Post on what cognitive shuffling is and how this technique may succeed by mimicking your brain when dozing off: https://ow.ly/On6150Yv2E6 #ISpyPhysiology #SleepScience 🧪
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Laughing as Medicine: Why a Giggle a Day Might Be Good for You - I Spy Physiology Blog We’ve all heard the saying “Laughter is the best medicine,” but what does science say? It turns out that laughing isn’t just pleasant, it can be genuinely beneficial for your mind and body throughout your life. Let’s start with stress. Chronic stress is everywhere in modern life, contributing to anxiety, fatigue and even immune system … Continue reading Laughing as Medicine: Why a Giggle a Day Might Be Good for You

Do you laugh every day? If not, you should start ... and keep on giggling. This week on the #ISpyPhysiology blog, APS member Erica Wehrwein explains how laughing may just be the medicine you need for your mind and body: https://ow.ly/8G2i50YyhZH 🧪

New study reveals aligned brain waves strengthen the bond between humans and dogs - Advanced Science News Scientists have discovered that human and dog brain waves synchronize during social interactions, offering new insights into our unique bond.

That bond you have with your furry friend is even deeper than you realize. 🐶

Research shows human and dog brain waves actually synchronize during social interactions.

Celebrate #NationalPuppyDay and learn more from Advanced Science News: https://ow.ly/n8ti50YuVqQ #ISpyPhysiology #PetScience 🧪

Music even makes you blink to the beat Rhythmic tunes trigger synchronized eyeblinks and automatic bopping or swaying, new research suggests

Let the music move you, indeed!

Research suggests music triggers involuntary blinking and other movements, helping inform which music is best for certain activities or even aiding Parkinson's patients. More at Scientific American: https://ow.ly/7yBW50YtyJ6 #ISpyPhysiology #FridayPhysiologyFact 🧪

Spotlight On: Short-chain Fatty Acids - I Spy Physiology Blog The gut microbiota in our body produces various substances called metabolites. One of those metabolites is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These are the compounds our digestive system produces when dietary fiber that we can’t digest ferments in the gut. Acetate, butyrate and propionate are some of the major SCFAs. SCFAs are important biofuels that provide … Continue reading Spotlight On: Short-chain Fatty Acids

One way your gut bacteria help support overall health is by turning dietary fiber into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Learn more these important biofuels from APS member Sachin Aryal in the #ISpyPhysiology blog:
https://ow.ly/lV3g50Ytz6l #GutHealth #Physiology 🧪

Seeing Parenthood Through a Physiology Lens - I Spy Physiology Blog Becoming a parent changes how you see everything, including science. As a physiology PhD trainee and former Navy hospital corpsman who practiced medicine in a mid-level role, I’ve spent years learning how the body works under pressure. I didn’t expect my most meaningful physiology lesson to happen in a delivery room. My son had a … Continue reading Seeing Parenthood Through a Physiology Lens

How does becoming a parent shape how you see #physiology? Suddenly it’s everywhere: breathing, fevers, first steps. APS member Nicholas Blackmond shares on the #ISpyPhysiology blog how parenthood changed everything: https://ow.ly/ltXL50Yw15f 🧪

Chimps' taste for fermented fruit hints at the origins of humans' love of alcohol Scientists analyzed the urine of wild chimpanzees who'd feasted on fallen fruit to see how much alcohol they consumed from the fermented sugars.

What do chimps and fermenting fruit have to do with green beer on this #StPatricksDay? ☘️

A new study suggests human attraction to intoxicants may have evolved from chimpanzees consuming alcohol via ripe fruit.

Learn more from NPR: https://ow.ly/CZos50YsktF #ISpyPhysiology #EvolutionaryBiology 🧪

Woman with ponytail touching her sore neck highlighted in red against a brick wall background.

OUCH! That stubbed toe sure hurts, but your gender may determine how much.

Research shows differences in cellular makeup can make pain last longer for women than men. Check out Newsweek for more: https://ow.ly/hZ7s50YmIts #ISpyPhysiology #SABV #PainResearch #CellularBiology 🧪
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Can’t Sleep? Turn On Some Tunes! - I Spy Physiology Blog You have probably struggled with falling asleep at some point in your life. When you don’t sleep well, you may feel less happy or experience reduced cognitive speed, otherwise known as “brain fog.” Chronic sleep deficiency increases the risk for depression, high blood pressure and the development of various diseases. Having trouble falling asleep or … Continue reading Can’t Sleep? Turn On Some Tunes!

Did you know you can improve sleep quality—and by extension your overall health—with music? 😴

Today is #WorldSleepDay, so get your lullaby on with this vintage #ISpyPhysiology blog post from APS member Allexia Galentine: https://ow.ly/q7o550YpN6w #FridayPhysiologyFact #SleepHealth #SleepScience 🧪

Bright sun shining in a clear blue sky with visible lens flare effects.

It's an abundant resource that provides many physical and mental health benefits, and it's FREE!

Read more from The Washington Post about natural light's myriad of benefits and how to (safely) grab some rays 🌞: https://ow.ly/ENoU50YrveM #ISpyPhysiology #Wellness #Health #Sunshine 🧪
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Spring Allergy Season Is Coming. Here’s How to Make It Less Miserable. Taking action now can help you get ahead of symptoms before spring is in full swing.

Spring is just around the corner (yay!)

But for many, those warmer temps and longer days also bring allergy symptoms. Read The New York Times for the 4 things you should do now to prepare: https://ow.ly/Xojw50YrSoW #ISpyPhysiology #AllergySeason #SpringHealth #SpringHealthTips 🧪

Spotlight On: Short-chain Fatty Acids - I Spy Physiology Blog The gut microbiota in our body produces various substances called metabolites. One of those metabolites is short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These are the compounds our digestive system produces when dietary fiber that we can’t digest ferments in the gut. Acetate, butyrate and propionate are some of the major SCFAs. SCFAs are important biofuels that provide … Continue reading Spotlight On: Short-chain Fatty Acids

You’ve heard fiber is good, but why? Gut microbes turn fiber into short-chain fatty acids that shape digestion, immunity and metabolism. APS member Sachin Aryal tells us all about SCFAs on the #ISpyPhysiology blog: https://ow.ly/3g2i50Ysv9Z 🧪

Two women jogging side by side on a sunlit park path surrounded by autumn trees.

Have you tried "Jeffing?" It could boost your cardio workouts and provide excellent health benefits.

Check out The Washington Post to discover what "Jeffing" is and why you should consider doing it: https://ow.ly/b45M50Yqq0w #ISpyPhysiology #Cardio #Fitness #ExerciseScience #HealthTips 🧪
📷: iStock

Get a Dog, Live Longer? Research suggests pets keep you healthier. But there are some caveats.

Pet lovers will tell you furry friends are good for the heart. 💗

Turns out, science agrees.

Studies show that having a pet is associated with a healthier heart and lower rates of death after a heart attack or stroke. More from The New York Times: https://ow.ly/3jZK50YpPYY #ISpyPhysiology 🧪

These cells in the body remember fat. Here’s what that means for weight loss Obesity leaves a lasting imprint on fat and immune cells in ways that might make weight regain harder to avoid

Can your body "remember" obesity?

New research shows certain cells in your body contain "memory" for lost weight that can make regaining those pounds easier. Read more from Scientific American: https://ow.ly/8Unf50YmHOw #ISpyPhysiology #FridayPhysiologyFact #ObesityResearch #ScienceTwitter 🧪

Group of young adults exercising indoors, with one woman doing tricep dips on a bench and a man performing push-ups nearby.

If you've already ditched your New Year's exercise resolution, the problem may be your mental approach. Research shows "all or nothing" thinking can derail your goals.

3 ways to fix that mindset from The Washington Post: https://ow.ly/62NT50YmBmH #ISpyPhysiology #ExerciseScience 🧪
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Going Gluten-free: Is It for Me? - I Spy Physiology Blog Gluten-free products are taking over grocery store shelves and social media channels, with market growth expected to increase by $8 billion by 2033. People who have celiac disease and gluten intolerance used to be the only ones who followed a gluten-free diet. But recently it has become a trend that attracts younger generations, regardless of … Continue reading Going Gluten-free: Is It for Me?

Going gluten-free is a growing trend in some circles, but if you don't have #CeliacDisease or an intolerance do you need to cut it out of your diet? APS member Yoko Wang explains on the #ISpyPhysiology blog: https://ow.ly/nh1u50Ypi5S 🧪

Zebrafish Help Advance Physiology - I Spy Physiology Blog Zebrafish (scientific name Danio rerio) are freshwater fish native to South Asia that can be a little over half an inch to two inches long. About 70% of their genes share a common ancestor with our genes—even more if you look specifically at disease-causing genes. Like us, they have a spinal cord, eyes, a heart, … Continue reading Zebrafish Help Advance Physiology

On this #WorldWildlifeDay, it feels like a good time to revisit this vintage #ISpyPhysiology blog...

At only 1-2 inches long, the zebrafish seems an unlikely model for human physiology. More on what this tiny creature can teach us about ourselves: https://ow.ly/hmSG50Yll0f #WWD2026 #Physiology 🧪

Is Jerky Good for You? The modern meat stick is often marketed as a healthier snack. We asked experts to help us sort out its pros and cons.

Jerky = Healthy Food?
That may be a stretch, but it does offer some benefits. For starters, it can be a handy source of protein and iron.

Snap into this The New York Times story for a closer look at jerky's health merits: https://ow.ly/WKcY50YirRa #FridayPhysiologyFact #ISpyPhysiology #Nutrition 🧪

Young couple standing side by side with red paper hearts pinned to their shirts against a dark background.

How many of “Life’s Essential 8” do you check? ✅

Research shows following these guidelines can help prevent heart attack and stroke as well as promoting overall health. Check out The Washington Post to see your score: https://ow.ly/vp2p50YkcIA #ISpyPhysiology #HeartMonth #Physiology 🧪
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Spotlight On: Parkinson's Disease - I Spy Physiology Blog Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects how the brain controls movement. It develops gradually, often beginning with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. The condition was first described in 1817 by the British physician James Parkinson. Today it is recognized as one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases worldwide, affecting millions … Continue reading Spotlight On: Parkinson’s Disease

#ParkinsonsDisease is more than just tremors. This week on the #ISpyPhysiology blog, Dipesh Pokharel tells us more about the signs, who's affected and how exercise and meds can make life easier for people with PD: https://ow.ly/h36z50Ym48X🧪