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Physiology

2 years ago

The Role of Bacteria in Gut Health, Digestion and Immunity

What comes to mind when you think of bacteria? Infection? Illness? While these ailments are often associated with bacteria, not all species of bacteria cause harm. Some are actually quite beneficial, and understanding how these microorganisms operate will make you feel much better about knowing that they’re alive inside you right now. Bacteria are tiny organisms — living things — that exist within the bodies of humans and animals and in just about every environment on the planet. To give you an idea of just how small bacteria are, compare these single-celled microbes to the average adult human male, who is made up of more than an estimated 37 trillion cells. Despite their microscopic size, bacteria have the potential to do a great deal of harm or good within our bodies. What Is Gut Flora? Our digestive system (or gastrointestinal system) is home to five different types of bacteria, each of which contains multiple bacterial species. Bacteria are an important part of our flora, or the organisms that live in our bodies

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Aging

2 years ago

Geropsychology: Helping Older Adults Thrive

The field of psychology has grown immensely in recent decades. What began as the study of the adult mind and behavior in 1879 has since expanded to an array of specialties, from military psychology to child psychology and everything in between. It should come as no surprise, then, that there’s a new branch of psychology on the block and it goes by the name of geropsychology. This up-and-coming specialty applies a combination of traditional and modern psychological methods to help people aged 65 and older. Whether you’re interested in becoming a psychologist with a focus on the elderly population or you’d simply like to utilize some of its practices in your line of work, today we’re answering the question, “What is geropsychology?” and discussing some of the common topics this specialty addresses. Geropsychology: A Brief History By the 1950s, psychology had comfortably nestled itself next to many other established specialties in the behavioral sciences. It was during this time that scientists began to study the cognitive and emotional abilities of humans as they entered the latter phase of their lives. In the 1970s, more formal training in clinical geropsychology began to improve the lives of older adults as they faced impending hurdles like mental and physical decline or the deaths of loved ones

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Physiology

2 years ago

What Is a Supertaster? Definition, Traits and How to Test Yourself

It’s a tale as old as time. Growing up, your family tried to instill a love of broccoli and other leafy greens in you, but it never quite took. Now, you might be an adult who still doesn’t appreciate certain veggies, coffee or spicy foods. Perhaps you’d even go so far as to call yourself a picky eater. If so, have you ever considered whether you might be a supertaster? While being a supertaster might sound like a covetable superpower, the one in four people who find themselves with this ability might not always see it as a blessing. When it comes down to it, there’s one question on everyone’s mind: What is a supertaster? Join us as we answer this and all your other burning questions related to supertasters.

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Aging

3 years ago

How Aging Affects the Nervous System

As the source of all our senses, thoughts, memories, movements, and other essential daily functions of our body, our nervous system has a tremendous impact on the way we age. The nervous system is composed of two main parts: the central nervous system, consisting of the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, comprised of the nerves located throughout the body. We have increasing risks with age, such as stroke, traumatic injury, and age-related neurological diseases. All these conditions can cause significant neuronal damage. According to scientific research, the nervous system can potentially restore its function after damage

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Aging

3 years ago

Lifestyle Factors and Aging

It’s been said that age is “only a number.” The fact that many senior citizens are living active, healthy lives and living longer than ever before certainly supports that notion. In 1920, the average American lived 54.1 years. By 2020 that number had climbed to 77 years — a 42% longer lifespan. Ideally, modern seniors can spend these additional years maintaining a high quality of life. To achieve this, however, it’s important we do not prematurely age ourselves

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Aging

3 years ago

How Nutrition and Exercise Can Help Preserve Independence in Aging Adults

Many factors impact our ability to stay independent as we age. Injuries, heredity and complications from diseases, in addition to the natural aging process itself, can rob us of our self-sufficiency. But how can older adults, healthy or otherwise, prolong their independence? In short, good nutritional habits and regular exercise. These lifestyle choices have been shown to help both healthy older adults and those with health challenges remain independent longer. Below, we’ll address some widely applicable ways to preserve independence as well as some novel ways based on research

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Aging

3 years ago

Why Is Hearing Loss More Common in Men Than Women?

Studies consistently show that men are more likely than women to suffer hearing loss as they age. Why is this? There are multiple contributing factors, including lifestyle, occupation, health and heredity. We’ll consider these factors and get an expert perspective from Dr. Shin Someya, Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Aging for the University of Florida’s Department of Physiology and Aging. Sex-Based Differences in Hearing Loss Loss of hearing can be triggered or exacerbated by numerous causes, both innate and behavioral

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Medical School

4 years ago

5 Reasons Why Medical Students Should Pursue a Master of Science

Learn Why a Master of Science May Be a Great Choice for You The proverb “it’s about the journey, not the destination” applies to everyone. Yes, even medical students! Putting themselves through years of grueling study, these aspiring professionals hope to be placed in respectable residency programs come Match Day. However, some of the greatest lessons a student can learn are taught outside of medical school and inside a Master of Science (MS) program. An MS instills relevant medical knowledge that can prove invaluable to your studies and future career, regardless of where you are on your academic journey. Let’s take a look at five reasons why you should pursue a master’s degree, especially a master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology from the University of Florida. In as little as two semesters, you can earn your MS and become a more capable and competitive medical student.

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Program Information

4 years ago

Advance Your Career with UF’s Online Graduate Credentials in Medical Sciences

If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in the medical sciences — whether as a doctor, medical scientist or biostatistician — you’ve probably wondered what steps you need to take to make that dream a reality. One key factor that can help set your resume or medical school application apart is earning a graduate credential from a respected university. But choosing the right graduate program isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. You need a school known for its contributions to the field: one that offers academic excellence while respecting your time and commitments. At the University of Florida, we understand that many of our students balance full-time jobs while furthering their education. That’s why we offer fully online graduate certificates and master’s degrees designed to fit your schedule, so you can take the next step in your career without putting the rest of your life on hold. Below, we explore why UF should be at the top of your list when choosing the school that’s right for you. 5 Benefits of UF’s Online Medical Physiology Program We get it: Completing a graduate credential requires a significant investment of your time and finances

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Medical School

4 years ago

The Medical School Application Process: 5 Tips for Success

Application Overview and Tips to Submit Your Best Application During the 2024–2025 medical school application cycle, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reported that 51,423 individuals applied to U.S. medical schools, with 22,262 students enrolling. In the face of such steep competition, receiving an acceptance letter from any medical school is a significant achievement. If you’re considering medical school, you likely know it’s a challenging — but rewarding — journey. Take the medical school application, for instance. The application process is a complex and requires years of preparation. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your application

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