Latest news with #physiology
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Powerful tool captures unbelievable activity of critical species in Australia: 'Without attaching sensors or disturbing [them] in any way'
Researchers have unveiled a powerful new tool that could revolutionize the study of insects and their place in the world's ecosystems. The technology allows scientists to measure heartbeats and other data using videos taken on smartphones and posted online, according to a study published in the Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology. The new methods allow researchers to observe insect behavior and physiology without resorting to the usual invasive methods. This is better for the insects and allows for more accurate data collection. "Insects are vital to our ecosystems, and understanding their physiological responses to environmental change is essential," said Danyi Wang, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Australia and one of the study's two co-authors, per Technology Networks. "Existing methods to measure insects' vital signs are invasive, however. Our method preserves natural behavior while providing accurate insights into their heart activity." The advancements also have the potential to open up a treasure trove of new data in the form of millions of videos posted to social media. With the technology able to analyze video taken from everyday smartphones, researchers could tap into networks of thousands, if not millions, of citizen scientists to aid in data collection. "With more refinement, this could become a cost effective and valuable tool in the ecological research toolkit," said Wang, according to Technology Networks. "It gives us the ability to listen to the hearts of the smallest creatures without harming them." Insects play a vital role in maintaining food supplies and economies around the world. Insects pollinate crops, make soil better for plants, and filter water supplies, according to World Wildlife Magazine. Contrary to popular belief, of the more than one million identified insect species, only 0.5% damage crops. In fact, insect species like ground beetles actually increase crop yields by eating pests and weeds. Insects also keep populations of disease-carrying mosquitoes in check, with some dragonflies consuming over 100 mosquitoes per day, per World Wildlife Magazine. Despite the vital role insects play in maintaining life on Earth, some experts have projected that, if current trends continue, as many as 40% of insect species will go extinct by the end of this century. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Technological breakthroughs — like the one announced by Ph.D. candidate Wang and her supervisor and co-author Javaan Chahl — will allow researchers to better understand how insects are responding to environmental stressors like habitat loss and the changing climate. It will also allow experts to better formulate strategies to help maintain key insect populations, all without harming the insects or altering their natural behavior. "What's exciting is that this was all achieved without attaching sensors or disturbing the insects in any way," said Chahl, the study's lead author, according to Technology Networks. While the potential for citizen scientists to pitch in on data collection by simply using their smartphones is exciting, there are already plenty of things that can be done to help pollinators and other insects right in your own backyard. For example, planting a native garden or rewilding your yard can lower your water bill while also providing vital food and shelter for local insects, small mammals, and birds. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Irish Times
16-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Professor Brian Harvey
Brian was emeritus professor at RCSI, having retired from his role as director of research five years ago. He had moved from Cork in 2002 to a chair in molecular medicine at the RCSI, establishing the molecular medicine laboratories at Beaumont Hospital and serving as director of research. His untimely death at age 67, and following a short illness, left family, friends and colleagues shocked and saddened at the loss of a man who met the world with a heady mix of energy, curiosity, mischief and the joys of science and discovery. Brian really loved science and learning. His academic journey be gan at O'Connells' CBS in Dublin after leaving Carlow at the age of 11. He won a scholarship to attend UCD where he earned his BSc in physics and physiology, followed by a PhD in physiology and biophysics under Roddy Kernan. His pursuit of lifelong learning culminated in his HDR in physiology in 1991. His career took him overseas, spending time in France where he led the membrane transport research team at Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in Villefranche-sur-mer. In 1992 he returned to Ireland to a professorship of cell physiology at UCC where he established the Wellcome Trust Cell physiology research unit and served as vice-president for research. His research in physiology and molecular endocrinology, particularly his work on rapid responses to steroid hormones and their impact on diseases like cystic fibrosis and cancer, has been ground-breaking. He has mentored countless Master's, MD, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows, shaping the next generation of scientists. His time at RCSI, guiding the institutional research strategy and leading and supporting teams on major programmes including Science Foundation Ireland, the Health Research Board, Enterprise Ireland and the EU over almost 20 years, was transformational. READ MORE Among his roles, he was immensely proud of his time as director of research at the RESPECT-DOCTRID research institute which further showcased his commitment to impactful research, especially in assistive technologies for disabilities, for which he received an honorary Doctor of Science from Michigan State University in 2013. Brian's contributions were also recognised by his election to the European Academy of Sciences in 2000 and the Royal Irish Academy in 2007. He was honoured with the Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite by the President of France in 2006 and Chevalier de l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques in 2013 for his contributions to Ireland-France scientific exchanges. Although Brian claimed he was taking early retirement five years ago, he had been busy writing papers, reviewing grants, providing keynote conference addresses – and started a second PhD – this time in astrophysics. He was an avid traveller for both research opportunities and with family: hiking volcanoes and glaciers in the southern tip of Chile, sailing on the Caribbean, white water rafting in New Zealand, camping by the river in the south of France, and climbing up the Rocky mountains and down the Grand Canyon. As a master storyteller, many of us got to enjoy these adventures vicariously through Brian. Woven into those stories were always tales of pride and joy about the exploits of his children - Fionnuala, Harry, Éamonn, Aoife and Rémi, and latterly of his grandchildren. In his short illness, he was clear that stepping back from work and having more time with his family was something even more cherished. Brian is remembered as a man who lived life passionately and with purpose. May he rest in peace.
Health Line
06-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What Does Your Sympathetic Nervous System Do?
The sympathetic nervous system, which helps your heart and other vital organs function all the time, increases activity in response to danger or stress, preparing the body for extra demands. Stress is a part of everyday life, and the sympathetic nervous system, which increases activation in response to increased physical demands, may also increase activity in response to stress if we don't learn how to manage it. This system, called the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), is part of the autonomic nervous system, which operates automatically without conscious effort. The SNS plays a key role in what is known as the ' fight-or-flight ' response, preparing your body to respond to temporary increases in physical demands, which can happen during times of danger, or during physically demanding, but non stressful situations, like playing competitive sports. Primary functions of the SNS The sympathetic nervous system activity is always functioning in balance with the parasympathetic nervous system, and has effects on organs throughout your body that can potentially help you with physically demanding actions. These changes can happen in an instant and include: Increased respiration rate: Your breathing quickens to bring in more oxygen. This oxygen is directed to your muscles to give you the strength and energy needed to respond. Elevated blood pressure: Some blood vessels in the body constrict, and some blood vessel in the body dilate. The heart also beats faster, which helps move blood more efficiently to vital organs like the heart and brain. Constricted blood vessels in non-essential areas: Blood flow is reduced to systems that are not immediately needed, such as the digestive system, and redirected to the muscles and brain. Water retention: Your body retains water to help maintain blood volume, which is essential for sustaining circulation. Ultimately, the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system is to help the body maintain balance and stay alert by continuously regulating heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen flow, vision, and attention. During periods of stress or challenge, it temporarily increases activity to enhance strength, focus, and energy by boosting oxygen delivery and circulation. Why the fight-or-flight response exists The fight-or-flight response is your body's way of putting survival first. Imagine you're hiking and suddenly see a snake. Even before you have time to think, your heart rate jumps, your muscles tense, and your senses sharpen. That is your sympathetic nervous system at work. It bypasses conscious thought to trigger immediate physical reactions that can help keep you safe. This reaction has deep evolutionary roots. Our ancestors relied on it to survive threats in their environment, such as predators or natural dangers. While most modern stressors aren't life-threatening, our bodies can still respond as if they are. A traffic jam, a job interview, or even a loud noise can trigger the overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, leading to symptoms like jitters, trouble focusing, or feeling frozen. In these situations, the fight-or-flight response may actually get in the way, which is why learning to manage our stress response is so important. How the body response to triggers The sympathetic nervous system can be triggered by many types of stress, both real and perceived. These triggers vary from person to person but often include loud sounds, conflict, pressure at work, or even scrolling through upsetting news. When the system is activated, you might notice: Increased heart rate: Your heart pumps faster to send blood to the muscles and brain. Dilated pupils: Your eyes open wider to allow more light in, improving vision. Heightened alertness: You feel more aware and focused, sometimes almost jittery. Changes in digestion: Blood is pulled away from your stomach and intestines, which can lead to a 'butterflies in the stomach' feeling or even nausea. Energy release: Your liver releases stored glucose, giving your body quick fuel to act. Some people may feel the effects of sympathetic nervous system activation more intensely, while others may simply be more aware of them. For example, someone with anxiety might both experience stronger physical symptoms and be more attuned to those changes, even in response to minor stressors. This kind of awareness can be helpful, as it's the first step toward understanding and managing the body's stress responses more effectively. Balance with the parasympathetic system The sympathetic nervous system speeds things up, abd its counterpart, the parasympathetic nervous system, slows things down. This is the 'rest and digest' system. After the threat passes, it helps your body return to a calm state. Heart rate slows, digestion resumes, and your breathing returns to normal. The balance between these two systems is essential for good health. If your sympathetic system is activated too often or for too long, it can become dysregulated, making it harder for your body to return to a calm state. This overactivation can lead to symptoms like chronic anxiety, fatigue, irritability, and even physical issues such as digestive problems or high blood pressure. That is why learning to engage the parasympathetic system is so important. How to manage your response Understanding how your sympathetic nervous system works can help you manage stress more effectively. Here are a few strategies: Deep breathing: Slow, deep breaths help stimulate the parasympathetic system and reduce the impact of the fight-or-flight response. Exercise: Physical activity helps your body redirect the effects of stress hormones and can regulate both systems. Mindfulness and meditation: These practices calm the mind and body, encouraging a return to balance.
