Tag

Human Physiology

All articles tagged with #human physiology

evolutionary-psychology1 month ago•29 min saved

Extreme endurance tests reveal immune-first survival strategy in humans

A study of 147 ultra-endurance athletes across ultramarathons and ocean rowing provides experimental evidence for life history trade-offs in humans: under extreme energy deficit, the body prioritizes immune defense while suppressing energy storage and reproductive investment, with leptin and fat mass dropping, testosterone decreasing in men, and markers of tissue maintenance rising. Cortisol spikes and weight loss accompany these shifts, a pattern consistent across sexes and events, suggesting deep evolutionary roots in energy allocation during stress. The findings have implications for athletic training and public health, but may not generalize to non-athletes or chronic stress, and recovery dynamics across populations remain to be explored.

via PsyPost|

#energy-allocation #evolutionary-psychology #human-physiology

health-and-science2 years ago•4 min saved

"Stanford Scientists' Groundbreaking Discoveries in Health, Disease, and Aging"

Stanford scientists have conducted a study on the human lipidome, which encompasses all the lipids in our bodies, revealing its association with health indicators such as insulin resistance, aging, and response to infections. The study tracked over 100 participants for up to 9 years and identified specific lipids that changed predictably with a person's health, including those associated with insulin resistance and viral infection. The researchers also found that certain lipids fluctuate with aging, and some lipids were consistently associated with better health. The findings have the potential to predict biological aging and guide health interventions.

via SciTechDaily|

#aging #disease-intervention #health-and-science

science2 years ago•1 min saved

Embracing the Coolness of Curly Hair

A study conducted by Penn State University suggests that humans evolved with more hair on their heads, particularly curly hair, to cool off their growing brains. The research found that tightly coiled hair creates more distance and air between the scalp and the top of the hair, reducing the impact of solar heat radiation. The study used a thermal manikin to test different hair textures and found that tight curls were the most effective in cooling the head. While early humans with larger brains may have relied on other strategies to cope with heat, understanding the biophysical aspects of heat transfer through hair could provide insights into human physiology.

via Newser|

#brain-cooling #curly-hair #hair-evolution

science-and-technology3 years ago•9 min saved

Hibernating in Space: A Possibility?

Scientists believe that human hibernation across the vastness of space could one day be possible, which would be a boon for space exploration. Hibernating astronauts wouldn't eat or drink much, and would consume minimal oxygen, saving mission controllers a huge amount of money. There would also be health benefits to hibernation, as it could protect against muscle wastage and bone density loss. However, it's vital that we gain more of an understanding of how the body and brain would initiate the process in the first place.

via BBC|

#health-benefits #hibernation #human-physiology