Every year, the Journal of Comparative Physiology A honors the best articles in two categories: Original Research and Review/Review-History. The winners are picked by the Editorial Board and the readers who access the articles online. The 2025 awards have been announced, and they spotlight some fasc
A silent threat lurks in the blood of millions. It is a tiny particle called Lp(a). It is a mystery to many. It is a danger to some. It is a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. It is a problem for about 64 million people in the United States alone. It is a problem that goes unnoticed.
The way particles move in liquids isn't always straightforward. It's easy to assume that particles just float along with the current. But there's a weird thing that happens sometimes. Particles can actually move against the flow, going upstream. This is what scientists call upstream contamination. I
The ocean's carbon cycle could be greatly affected by nano and microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are everywhere in the marine environment. Copepods are tiny ocean creatures that play a big role in moving carbon from the surface to the deep ocean. They do this by producing fecal
Concrete is a big deal in construction. It is super strong and lasts a long time. But it has a weakness: it isn't great at handling pressure. This limits how it can be used in buildings. To fix this, scientists have been adding tiny particles called carbon nanoparticles to concrete. These particles
In a world where many people are turning away from religion, there's a surprising twist. Even in countries where religion is not a big deal, people still have a hidden preference for religious belief. This is true even for those who don't believe in God. It's like there's an automatic setting in o
In the heart of Italy, a fascinating experiment is unfolding. The Valle d'Aosta region has been diving deep into the world of precision medicine. This approach uses an individual's genetic makeup to create personalized treatments. The goal is to gather as much health and genetic data as possible.
The globe artichoke is a big deal in the Mediterranean, with Italy leading the way in growing it. When these plants are processed, a lot of leftover materials are produced and thrown away. This waste is a problem for the environment, but it's also a missed opportunity. These leftovers are packed wit
The University of Maine System recently announced that it is in line with federal and state laws, as well as NCAA regulations, regarding transgender athletes in sports. This development comes after a period of uncertainty and potential funding cuts. The university system faced scrutiny following an
The world of heart health is always changing. One big question is about people who get a new heart valve through a special procedure. This procedure is called transcatheter aortic valve replacement. After this, doctors usually suggest taking a single antiplatelet pill for life. This is if the patien
