Physiology
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 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
Aging
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
Aging
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
Aging
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
Aging
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
General
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
General
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
General
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
Careers
Medicine vs. Education in Medical Sciences: A Career Guide If you know you’re interested in a career in medical science but not sure which direction you’re headed in, we see you. From public health to research, there are so many avenues to consider, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Two of the most common paths that students explore? Medicine and education. While they may seem worlds apart, both rely heavily on a foundation in human anatomy, physiology and biomedical science
Aging
Why Staying Active Matters as You Age Staying independent is one of the most common concerns for aging adults. Most of us have aspirations of living full, active lives for as long as we’re able, but how long will that be? While aging naturally brings physical and cognitive changes, research consistently shows that lifestyle factors — particularly physical activity and nutrition — play a key role in how well individuals maintain function over time. In this article, we explore how ongoing research into exercise and nutrition, including emerging areas of study involving naturally occurring compounds, may help aging adults stay active and independent longer. 3 Ways Aging Adults Lose Their Independence Before we discuss the research in greater detail, let’s first look at some factors that contribute to a loss of independence in older adults and how they can be prevented or delayed. #1 Maintenance Medications A healthy diet (with limited fats and sugars) can help keep otherwise healthy older people off medications that control conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol. Moderate exercise, even walks, can help deter these conditions from developing in the first place, provided it’s done regularly. #2 Mobility Assistance Equipment Canes, Walkers, Wheelchairs, mobility scooters: Any of these may be necessary for us at any stage of adulthood due to injuries or genetic conditions. Older adults who generally enjoy good mobility can prolong that freedom through regular exercise and a diet that keeps bones, joints and muscles strong
