Archive for December 2024

To eat or not to eat, that is the question

Ever wonder how your body knows when, what and how much to eat, what to crave, or when to stop? Have you ever found yourself indulging in a little extra during the holidays, even though you’re not actually hungry? It turns out, the science behind our eating habits is far more complicated than we realize— and it’s not just about willpower or self-control. A fascinating comprehensive review published by Watts […]

Continue Reading →

Microplastic Filters Inspired by Nature

Researchers have recently developed an innovative filter capable of removing over 95% of microplastics from water. This “biomass fibrous” foam filter, made from cotton-derived cellulose and chitin sourced from squid, retains its efficiency across at least five cycles of filtering lake, coastal, irrigation, and still water (Wu et al., 2024). Meanwhile, other scientists are studying the natural filtration mechanisms of marine animals like manta rays, whales, and fish gills to […]

Continue Reading →

When Earth Roars: How Volcanoes Shape Life and Biodiversity

Two days ago, as families around the world gathered for the holidays, Mount Ruang in Indonesia erupted, sending ash and smoke high into the atmosphere. This highly active volcano has erupted more than 60 times since the 16th century, with several considered major events. This eruption marked the 4th in a series of eruptions in the last several days around the world including Nicaragua (Mount Masaya), Hawaii (Mount Kilauea), and […]

Continue Reading →

Time machine: The discovery of heparin

In this post, we take a step back in time to feature two legacy articles published in the American Journal of Physiology, written by Jay McClean and Dr. William Howell who studied the physiology of blood clotting. With the 2025 American Physiology Summit taking place in Baltimore, it is only fitting that we take a step back in time to celebrate their important discoveries. Dr. Howell was born in Baltimore, […]

Continue Reading →