APS Publications Podcast

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Michael Scullin discusses their recently published article, “Sleep and circadian predictors of academic performance and retention in STEM pathways: a longitudinal study in university freshmen” Many believe that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students must sacrifice their sleep to achieve academic success. In striking contrast, the current research demonstrates that better sleep health in freshmen STEM majors predicted better academic success, even after accounting for mental health, fluid intelligence, and prior academic performance. The current work was the first to document that sleep health predicted better persistence in a STEM track across 2 yr. Fitzsimmons CL, Carter JR, Scullin MK. Sleep and circadian predictors of academic performance and retention in STEM pathways: a longitudinal study in university freshmen. Adv Physiol Educ. 2026 Mar 2;50(2):394-401. doi: 10.1152/advan.00313.2025. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00313.2025

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Prof. David Lewis discusses his recently published article, “Reducing, and ultimately replacing, the involvement of animals in education: legislative, ethical, and societal drivers for change” Learners are increasingly objecting to participating in educational activities that involve animals. There is a substantial drive from regulators and funders globally to replace the involvement of animals in research. There is no going back. Educators, educational leaderships, physiological societies, and others need to embrace change, working collaboratively to reimagine nonanimal technologies and new approach methodologies used in research to create educationally robust, humane alternatives to the current educational activities that involve animals. Lewis DI. Reducing, and ultimately replacing, the involvement of animals in education: legislative, ethical, and societal drivers for change. Adv Physiol Educ. 2026 Feb 19;50(2):374-378. doi: 10.1152/advan.00220.2025. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00220.2025

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Akshata Naik and coauthors discuss their recently published article, “Leveraging H5P plug-in technology to increase interactivity within an asynchronously delivered physiology lecture in the first year of medical school” As educators, are you looking to boost engagement in your asynchronous lectures? This paper provides a practical guide for implementing interactive activities using the H5P plug-in, a virtual teaching technology to increase student engagement and learner feedback. The authors detail their strategies to create a targeted “drag-and-drop” exercise and a “branching scenario” to complement their asynchronous lecture recording. Additionally, they also provide their rationale behind choosing these two activities as part of their lecture. Bortis B, Bailey-Crow C, Naik AR. Leveraging H5P plug-in technology to increase interactivity within an asynchronously delivered physiology lecture in the first year of medical school. Adv Physiol Educ. 2026 Jan 16;50(1):284-291. doi: 10.1152/advan.00007.2025. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00007.2025

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Dr. Jeffrey Grim and coauthors discuss their recently published article, “Faculty can use collaborative group exams to facilitate peer interactions that enhance learning opportunities and increase student well-being in their classrooms” This study explores collaborative group exams (CGEs) in undergraduate biology courses as a means of linking collaborative learning pedagogies and individual assessments. We show that CGEs provide opportunities for student learning and may boost classroom culture by fostering peer interaction while not inflating course grades. Therefore, we suggest that CGEs are a simple and scalable pedagogical strategy that all faculty should consider adopting. Grim JM, Yang S, Roux-Osovitz M, Arzoumanian J, Cooper SK. Faculty can use collaborative group exams to facilitate peer interactions that enhance learning opportunities and increase student well-being in their classrooms. Adv Physiol Educ. 2026 Mar 9;50(2):467-483. doi: 10.1152/advan.00208.2025. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00208.2025

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Dr. Champagne and coauthors discuss their recently published article, “Mutual gains: nonpresenting undergraduate attendance at regional scientific meetings benefits students and scientific societies.” Can undergraduate students benefit from attending scientific meetings even when they're not presenting research? This study found that participation in a regional physiology meeting increased students' confidence, sense of belonging in science, interest in research careers, and enthusiasm for future scientific engagement. The benefits extended beyond the students, with attendees reporting that undergraduate participation enhanced the overall meeting environment. Champagne AM, Dunning SE, Mahmoud MH, Fisher ET, Shah SN, Walsh HE. Mutual gains: nonpresenting undergraduate attendance at regional scientific meetings benefits students and scientific societies. Adv Physiol Educ. 2026 Feb 9;50(2):352-360. doi: 10.1152/advan.00213.2025. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00213.2025

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Dr. Imaan Benmerzaouga and Dr. Elizabeth Oviawe discuss their article, “Incorporation of Virtual Reality into Medical Physiology.” The authors describe how they used virtual reality to create an interactive learning session on the autonomic nervous system. Their work highlights the potential of virtual reality to enhance medical education by immersing students in foundational physiology concepts. Benmerzouga I, Oviawe E. Incorporation of virtual reality into medical physiology. Adv Physiol Educ. 2026 Jan 9;50(1):280-283. doi: 10.1152/advan.00125.2024. https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00125.2024

In this podcast, author Maïté Verstraeten discusses the recently published review, ‘Preclinical Insights Into the Pathophysiology of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome’. The article examines the current preclinical understanding of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), a serious pulmonary complication of liver disease characterized by abnormal pulmonary vascular remodeling, impaired gas exchange, and hypoxemia for which liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment. Drawing largely from findings in the common bile duct ligation rodent model, it highlights how complex liver–lung–gut interactions drive vasodilatation, angiogenesis, and alveolar dysfunction through inflammatory and angiogenic signaling pathways, while underscoring the significant gaps in knowledge that continue to limit therapeutic development. Preclinical Insights Into the Pathophysiology of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome Maïté Verstraeten , Wouter Busselot , Sander Lefere , Hans Van Vlierberghe , Sarah Raevens Comprehensive Physiology 2025 16:4, e70223 https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70223

In this episode, Prof. Wehrwein and coauthors discuss their recently published article, “Health in Translation: A Workshop Model for Health Literacy and Lay Science Communication.” They describe a 60-minute interactive workshop that helps undergraduate students translate scientific information into clear, accessible language for the public. The discussion highlights the importance of health literacy, effective science communication, and practical strategies for preparing future health professionals to engage diverse audiences. Musso SA, Elmer SJ, Wehrwein EA. Health in translation: a workshop model for health literacy and lay science communication. Adv Physiol Educ. 2026 Feb 16;50(2):365-369. doi: 10.1152/advan.00324.2025.

In this podcast, author Lisha Zhang discusses the recently published article, ‘Gut Barnesiella intestinihominis Exacerbates Post-Myocardial Infarction Injury via Succinate-Driven MAPK3 Succinylation/Phosphorylation Cascade in γδ T Cells and Downstream IL-17A–NLRP3 Axis’. The article describes how authors used in silico, in vivo, and in vitro experiments to link bacteria Barnesiella intestinihominis to myocardial injury and inflammatory responses following myocardial infarction. Gut Barnesiella intestinihominis Exacerbates Post-Myocardial Infarction Injury via Succinate-Driven MAPK3 Succinylation/Phosphorylation Cascade in γδ T Cells and Downstream IL-17A–NLRP3 Axis Lisha Zhang, Chao Chu, Ping Jin, Yan Zhang, Yanru He, Fuxue Deng, Jie Deng Comprehensive Physiology 2026 16:4, e70221 https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70221

Description: In this podcast, coauthors Vinicio de Jesus Perez and Stuti Agarwal discuss their recently published review, ‘Lung Pericytes: Molecular Mechanisms, Signaling Pathways, and Roles in Pulmonary Diseases’. The article highlights the molecular mechanisms governing lung pericyte function, and the varied roles of pericytes in pulmonary diseases, including acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung cancer, and lung infections. Lung Pericytes: Molecular Mechanisms, Signaling Pathways, and Roles in Pulmonary Diseases Anuradha Bankar, Stuti Agarwal, Vinicio A. de Jesus Perez Comprehensive Physiology 2026, 16:4, e70205 https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70205

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Prof. Wehrwein discusses their recently published article, “Who Will Teach Physiology? The Growing Shortage of Physiology Generalists.” As systems-level physiology training declines and specialization increases, institutions face a growing shortage of qualified physiology educators. Listen as Prof. Wehrwein examines the causes of this workforce gap and calls for renewed efforts to strengthen integrative physiology education and support the next generation of health professions training. Who will teach physiology? The growing shortage of physiology generalists Erica A. Wehrwein Advances in Physiology Education 2026 50:2, 361-362 10.1152/advan.00321.2025

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, coauthors discuss their recently published article, "Sources of Stress and Coping Strategies Employed by Undergraduate Students Over a Semester: Motivations and Implications for Academic Success." How do first-year university students cope with the pressures of academic life? Drawing on research with undergraduate students, this conversation explores the sources of stress students face, how their coping strategies evolve throughout a semester, and the motivations behind their choices. The authors discuss why a diverse range of coping approaches—from time management and study skills to exercise, meditation, and work–life balance—can support both academic success and student well-being. Tune in for practical insights into helping students thrive inside and outside the classroom. Sources of stress and coping strategies employed by undergraduate students over a semester: motivations and implications for academic success E.S. Louise Faber, Jemma Campbell, and Laura Carniel Advances in Physiology Education 2026 50:2, 341-351 10.1152/advan.00292.2025

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Prof. Laura Machín-Galarza discusses her recently published article, “Making Immunology Memorable: Resilience-Inspired Pitch Stories to Launch Lectures.” Learn how creative, resilience-based storytelling can make complex immunology concepts more engaging, memorable, and effective for students. Making immunology memorable: resilience-inspired pitch stories to launch lectures Laura Machin-Galarza Advances in Physiology Education 2026 50:2, 338-340 10.1152/advan.00274.2025

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, Dr. Emmanuel Dugrenot discusses his group’s Research Article, “Changes in liver and lung antioxidant and mitochondrial biogenesis gene expression in decompression sickness resistant rats.” This study analyzed genes related to antioxidant defense and mitochondrial biogenesis in the lungs and liver of rats bred for resistance to decompression sickness (DCS). In resistant rats, no change was observed in lung gene expression, whereas both gene groups were downregulated in the liver (P < 0.0083, Bonferroni correction), except Pgc1α. These findings, along with previous ones, suggest that hepatic mitochondrial function and reduced reactive oxygen species production may contribute to DCS resistance. Dugrenot E, Orsat J, Gouin E, Guerrero F, Guernec A. Changes in liver and lung antioxidant and mitochondrial biogenesis gene expression in decompression sickness resistant rats. Physiol Genomics. 2026 Jun 1;58(6):243-251. doi: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00218.2025. Epub 2026 Apr 23. PMID: 42024651.

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, coauthors Derek Bass, Ayush Gupta, and Daniela Terson de Paleville explore their innovative study using guided virtual reality to bring complex anatomy to life. From engaging, immersive learning to real-world IT hurdles, they share what works—and what's next. Implementing a guided VR for neuroanatomy in neurology residency: acceptability and practical considerations Derek Bass, Ayush Gupta, Laura Weingartner, and Daniela Terson de Paleville Advances in Physiology Education 2026 50:1, 314-322 10.1152/advan.00019.2025

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, coauthors Michael Leung and Dasuni Alwis discuss their recently published article, “Enhancing Engagement and Confidence in Male Reproductive Physiology Through an Escape Room Activity.” They explore an innovative response to declining classroom engagement in higher education, highlighting a flipped learning escape room workshop developed at Monash University. Centered on diagnosing the infertility of a fictional medieval king, the activity demonstrates how immersive, gamified approaches can drive high engagement and significantly improve student confidence across all levels of preparedness. Enhancing engagement and confidence in male reproductive physiology through an escape room activity Michael C. M. Leung, Claire Huang, Joanne Caldwell Odgers, Dasuni Alwis, and Craig A. Harrison Advances in Physiology Education 2026 50:2, 384-391 10.1152/advan.00166.2025

In this podcast, coauthors Mingdao Mu, Yunuo Jiang, Guo Han, and Zixu Zhang discuss their recently published review, ‘Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Receptor: A Master Integrator of Gut-Brain-Liver Communication in Metabolic and Cognitive Health'. The review highlights GLP-2R as a systematic hub for metabolic and cognitive health, and a critical player in gut-brain-liver communication. Authors also discuss pharmacological innovations and highlight gaps in the current knowledge. Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Receptor: A Master Integrator of Gut-Brain-Liver Communication in Metabolic and Cognitive Health Yunuo Jiang, Guo Han , Zixu Zhang , Shengru Hu , Mingdao Mu Comprehensive Physiology 2026 16:2, e70144 https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70144

In this podcast, author Kuihua Zhan discusses the recently published article, ‘Vascularization Is Driven by Sprouting and Subsequent Splitting: Mechanisms of Physiological Angiogenesis in a Porous Biomaterial Scaffold and Intervention Insights’. The article describes engineering interventions to support the physiological vascularization of large-scale tissue scaffolds. Vascularization Is Driven by Sprouting and Subsequent Splitting: Mechanisms of Physiological Angiogenesis in a Porous Biomaterial Scaffold and Intervention Insights Kuihua Zhan , Lun Bai Comprehensive Physiology 2026 16:3, e70170 https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70170

In this AI generated episode of The APS Publications Podcast featuring Function, we will dive into exciting new research that is shaping our understanding of how the body works at its most fundamental level. We spotlight the article “Short-term time-restricted feeding improves metabolic rhythms and liver mitochondrial bioenergetic function in high-fat diet-fed mice,” by Valcin et al. published recently in Function. Across the U.S. and the world, more people are developing fatty liver disease—now often called metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. About one in three adults are affected. What causes it? Often, long-term high-fat diets and disrupted metabolism. Inside the liver, tiny structures called mitochondria—the cell’s power plants—stop working efficiently. When that happens, the liver struggles to burn fat, energy levels drop, inflammation rises, and damage spreads to other organs. But here’s the surprising part: It’s not just what we eat that hurts these mitochondria. It’s when we eat. Ready to learn more? Listen now. Jennifer A. Valcin, Telisha Millender-Swain, Jodi R. Paul, Brandon K. Collins, Fatme Ghandour, Sameer Al Diffalha, Jennifer S. Pollock, David M. Pollock, Scott W. Ballinger, Karen L. Gamble, Shannon M. Bailey Short-term time-restricted feeding improves metabolic rhythms and liver mitochondrial bioenergetic function in high-fat diet-fed mice Function, published February 25, 2026. DOI: 10.1152/function.082.2025

In this podcast, author Arun Jose discusses the recently published article, ‘Lactobacillus Is Associated With Disease in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study.' The prospective cohort study linked the gut microbiome, gut-derived metabolites, and disease severity in patents with pulmonary arterial hypertension undergoing right heart catheterization. Authors found that the presence of Lactobacillus was associated with less severe disease. Lactobacillus Is Associated With Disease in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study Arun Jose , Senu Apewokin , Nicholas J. Ollberding , Qing Duan , Jennifer Trannguyen , Sasha Z. Prisco , Thenappan Thenappan , Anna R. Hemnes , Jean M. Elwing Comprehensive Physiology 2026 16:3, e70161 https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70161