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Physiology

2 years ago

What Organs Can You Live Without?

Our organs keep us alive, individually and in combination with other organs. There are about 78 organs in the human body, and each performs one or more vital functions. But do we really need all of those, or are there organs we can live without? As it turns out, we don’t exactly need all of our organs in order to survive. Let’s look at a few “unnecessary” organs, their purpose and why you can live without them. Appendix What It Does The appendix is somewhat of a mystery organ, as doctors and scientists aren’t 100% sure of its purpose. One common theory is that this little appendage to the large intestine is where the body stores good bacteria. It may also assist our immune system.

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Physiology

2 years ago

High Altitude: How Our Bodies Adapt

Whether you’re climbing a fourteener or just visiting the Mile High City for a week of recreational fun, one thing is for certain — both locations are a lot higher than sea level. But what’s the magic number that dictates when you’ve reached a high altitude? The sweet spot is anywhere between 4,900 to 11,500 feet. If you go higher, you’ve reached the even more elusive (and slightly less oxygenated) very high altitude. So, while you’re sipping that CBD-infused latte in downtown Denver, it may not look or even feel like you’re on top of the world. But if you’ve only just arrived, we’re willing to bet that you might notice one or two of the side effects of being in a high-altitude location, like dizziness, headaches or nausea. So why do we face these occasional uncomfortable symptoms and how do our bodies adapt to such a drastic change in height? In this article, we’ll break down how we acclimate to high altitude, what altitude sickness is and how to prepare for your next high-elevation getaway. How Does Your Body Adapt to High Altitude? When you arrive at a high-altitude location, it would be wonderful if you could snap your fingers and bam — instantly adjust your body to its new environment

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Physiology

2 years ago

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Sunlight?

From sunburns and dark spots to more severe long-term consequences like skin cancer, you may be all too familiar with the potential repercussions of enjoying one too many beach days without sunscreen. And while it’s likely that your parents discussed the negative effects of having a little too much fun in the sun, they probably never took the time to go over what happens if you don’t get enough of it. The sun’s potentially damaging UV rays are the very same ones that provide your body with a natural form of vitamin D: an essential nutrient that keeps your bones healthy, reduces inflammation and supports your immune health and metabolism. But what happens when you’re not receiving enough sunlight? While it’s safe to say you won’t turn into a vampire, it is possible to experience some less-than-pleasant effects. In this article, we discuss the potential impacts of not getting enough sunlight and how much sun you actually need.

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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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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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Medical School

3 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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Careers

4 years ago

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. Most importantly, both offer meaningful, impactful careers

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