Have you ever experienced muscle fatigue? You know the feeling where your muscles start to burn and no matter how hard you try, you simply cannot summon any more strength? It is often assumed that the burning sensation associated with muscle fatigue is due to lactic acid building up in the muscles. But is that the full story? In this time machine post, we examine the science behind muscle fatigue […]
It may sound strange to hear that saltwater fish need to stay hydrated. After all, they live in water. However, a review published in Physiology describes how nearly all saltwater fish are thought to have evolved from freshwater ancestors, and many maintain similar levels of salt in their blood as freshwater animals. Living in a saltwater environment means that these fish have to find a way to get rid of […]
Happy Pigeon Appreciation Day! Okay, I know it sounds strange to celebrate pigeons – the animal best known for gathering in large numbers, causing a raucous, as well as perching and pooping on just about everything. For just a moment though, I would like to consider the unique athletic attributes of these popcorn and park loving birds vs humans engaged in endurance exercise. Have you ever heard of pigeon racing […]
In todays’ Time Machine, we are taking a look back at a paper written by Dr. Henry Gray Barbour during his time in the Department of Pharmacology at Yale University School of Medicine. Published in Physiological Reviews in 1921, his paper examined how body heat is regulated in various species. In this review, Dr. Barbour explains that water is the best medium for conducting heat throughout the body. This is […]
Life Lines by Dr. Dolittle 