In this special episode of the APS Publications Podcast, the founding of Physiological Genomics is discussed in a series of interviews with Drs. Allen W. Cowley, Jr., Bina Joe, and Hilary Coller. These interviews were organized and conducted in September 2025 by Oluwatosin Mautin Akinola (PhD candidate in Molecular Medicine at the University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States; https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Oluwatosin-Akinola-2). Full videos of these interviews are available as Supplemental Material in the article. Joe B, Cowley AW, Garrett MR, Kriegel AJ, Prokop JW, Lee EC, Akinola OM, Coller HA. Connecting Genes to Physiology: The First 25 Years of Physiological Genomics. Physiol Genomics. 2025 Oct 29. doi: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00207.2025. PMID: 41159925.

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Dr. Raju Suresh Kumar discusses a novel, hands-on simulation designed to teach auditory physiology. By experiencing unilateral conductive hearing loss, students gain deeper insight into auditory masking and sound lateralization. This simple, cost-effective method enhances conceptual understanding and clinical skills, offering strong potential for integration into medical education. Enhancing auditory physiology: simulating unilateral conduction defects to improve understanding of Rinne’s and Weber’s tests Raju Suresh Kumar, M. Ganesh Kamath, Rekha Prabhu, and Mohamed Eldigire Ahmed Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:3, 689-695

In this podcast, coauthors Liz Simon, Flavia Souza-Smith, Megan Donovan, Eden Gallegos, Kaitlin Couvillon, and Patricia Molina summarize their recently published review article, "Physiological Mechanisms Vulnerable to Alcohol-Induced Alterations: Role in Chronic Comorbidities." The article describes alcohol's multi-systemic physiological effects on the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and immune systems, as well as on energy metabolism that contribute to multiorgan injury and disease burden.   Physiological Mechanisms Vulnerable to Alcohol-Induced Alterations: Role in Chronic Comorbidities Liz Simon, Kaitlin E. Couvillion, Meagan E. Donovan, Eden M. Gallegos, Flavia M. Souza-Smith, Patricia E. Molina Comprehensive Physiology 2025 15:5, e70057   https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70057

In this podcast, coauthors Simon D. Pouwels and Brady Rae discuss their recently published research article, "Interorgan Communication Between Lung and Colorectal Epithelial Cells Studied Using a Novel Multi-Organ-On-Chip System." The article describes development of a novel unidirectional millifluidic multi-organ-on-chip device to study the communication between human lung epithelial cells and colorectal cells following a toxic stimulus. Authors additionally discuss the versatility of the device to study communication across other cell types.     Interorgan Communication Between Lung and Colorectal Epithelial Cells Studied Using a Novel Multi-Organ-On-Chip System Brady Rae, Verena Bood, Hye-Jin Dijk, Gwenda F. Vasse, Barbro N. Melgert, Anika Nagelkerke, Janette K. Burgess, Dirk-Jan Slebos, Irene H. Heijink, Simon D. Pouwels Comprehensive Physiology 2025 15:5, e70051 https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70051

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring an article from AJP–Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, author Periklis Marnas discusses inhalation exposure of adult D. melanogaster to cigarette smoke and changes in physiological parameters and the expression of COPD-associated orthologous genes. The study found that transcriptomic responses were more profound in females, indicating sex-specific responses to inhaled toxicants. Furthermore, enrichment analyses of the differentially expressed genes in females pointed to biomolecules associated with response to nicotine and detoxification. D. melanogaster thus provides a powerful model system to test the efficacy of new potential drugs for COPD treatment.   Marnas P, Lüpold S, Giannakou L, Giannopoulos AS, Hatzoglou C, Gourgoulianis KI, Zarogiannis SG, Rouka E. Modeling COPD in Drosophila melanogaster by cigarette smoke inhalation: functional changes and alterations in the expression of COPD-relevant orthologous genes. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2025 Jul 1;329(1):R13-R19. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00056.2025

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring an article from AJP–Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, authors Ziba Taherzadeh and Claire Kissell discuss the influence of race and sex and Cardiac autonomic function. Their study found that non-Hispanic Black adults living in the United States are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared with their non-Hispanic White adult counterparts. These results support that reduced cardiac autonomic function does not manifest early in life among young non-Hispanic Black adults, but rather non-Hispanic Black men had greater spontaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability compared with non-Hispanic White men. No differences were found among women.   Taherzadeh Z, Kissell CE, Young BE, Alhalimi TA, Stephens BY, Kaur J, Kao Y, Brothers RM, Fadel PJ. Cardiac autonomic function in young, healthy adults: Influence of race and sex. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2025 May 1;328(5):R611-R618. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00288.2024

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring an article from AJP–Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, authors Andrea Zsombok, Lucie Desmoulins, and Adrien Molinas discuss the role of estradiol treatment in regulating metabolism and glucose homeostasis. In their study with middle-aged, high-fat diet-fed, ovariectomized female mice, the authors found that liver-related neurons in the hypothalamus became more excitable. Estradiol treatment reduced this excitability, suggesting that midlife estradiol therapy may support healthier brain-liver metabolic regulation.   Molinas AJR, Desmoulins LD, Dugas CM, Williams GL, Kamenetsky S, Felintro de Souza V, Maroteaux MJ, Davis RK, Daniel JM, Schrader LA, Zsombok A. Midlife estradiol treatment reduces the firing rate of liver-related PVN neurons in ovariectomized high-fat diet-fed mice. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2025 Aug 1;329(2):R245-R252. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00117.2025

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, coauthors Matthew A. Hadiono, Alexis B. Kazen, Fatima A. Aboulalazm, and John R. Kirby discuss their recent study, "Reutericyclin mitigates risperidone-induced suppression of anaerobic energy expenditure," published in AJP–Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. The authors explore how the gut microbiome, a thermogenic biomass, plays a critical role in regulating energy expenditure. Their study shows that the composition of the microbial community, influenced by both xenobiotics and bacterial metabolites, can impact metabolic function. They found that treatment with reutericyclin counteracts the suppression of anaerobic energy expenditure caused by risperidone. These findings suggest that reutericyclin may offer a new therapeutic approach for managing obesity. Tune in to learn more about the gut microbiome’s role in energy balance and the potential for microbiota-targeted therapies.   Reutericyclin mitigates risperidone-induced suppression of anaerobic energy expenditure Matthew A. Hadiono, Alexis B. Kazen, Fatima A. Aboulalazm, Colin M. L. Burnett, John J. Reho, Tammy L. Kindel, Justin L. Grobe, and John R. Kirby American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2025 328:6, R741-R757

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, coauthors John J. Durocher and Ezra Mutai discuss the Editorial Focus titled "Sleep tight with vitamin D’s might" published in AJP–Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. The conversation centers on a recent study by Culver et al., which examines the relationship between vitamin D levels and reduced sleep variability. Tune in to hear how these findings shed light on the potential link between vitamin D status and consistent sleep patterns.   Sleep tight with vitamin D’s might John J. Durocher and Ezra Mutai American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2025 328:5, R557-R558

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, coauthors Alexander A. Buelow and J. Mikhail Kellawan discuss their recent study, "Inhibition of CYP450 pathways reduces functional sympatholysis in healthy young adults," published in AJP–Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. They explore how functional sympatholysis, which has traditionally been considered independent of nitric oxide and prostaglandins, may actually involve endothelial CYP450 pathways. Their findings show that inhibition of CYP450-2C9 reduces sympatholytic responses during dynamic handgrip exercise combined with lower body negative pressure. This suggests that CYP450 plays an important role in regulating blood flow during exercise in healthy individuals. Tune in for insights into vascular physiology, research methodology, and the broader implications of these findings for cardiovascular research.   Inhibition of CYP450 pathways reduces functional sympatholysis in healthy young adults Alexander A. Buelow, Jacob E. Matney, Sarah M. Skillett, John D. Ashley, Jiwon Song, Chris Mixon, Amir Akbari Fakhrabadi, Matthew Stanford, Debra A. Bemben, Daniel J. Larson, and J. Mikhail Kellawan American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2025 328:6, R642-R650

In this podcast, coauthors Emma Elizabeth Sabu Kattuman, Lakshminarayan Reddy Teegala, Somayeh Darzi, Charles K Thodeti, and Sailaja Paruchuri talk about their recently published review, "Leukotrienes: bridging the inflammatory gap in asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)." The review highlights how altered leukotriene biosynthesis and signaling contribute to the pathogenesis of both asthma and IBD, and considers the therapeutic implications of targeting leukotriene pathways for patients with concurrent asthma and IBD.   Leukotrienes: Bridging the Inflammatory Gap in Asthma and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)Emma Elizabeth Sabu Kattuman, Lakshminarayan Reddy Teegala, Somayeh Darzi, Charles K Thodeti, Sailaja Paruchuri Comprehensive Physiology 2025 15:3, e70022 https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70022 

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, join coauthors Maurizio Costabile and Layla Mahdi as they discuss their study, “Leveraging computer-based simulations and immersive software technologies for enhanced student learning in laboratory medicine.” They share how these digital tools were integrated across a 4-year laboratory medicine degree and how they significantly improved student engagement and understanding. Tune in to hear how this innovative approach can be applied beyond laboratory medicine to benefit a wide range of disciplines. Leveraging computer-based simulations and immersive software technologies for enhanced student learning in laboratory medicine   Maurizio Costabile, Connie Caruso, Chris Della Vedova, Sheree Bailey, and Layla Mahdi Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 338-351

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, join coauthors Helena Carvalho and Patricia Halpin as they discuss DramaZoom is a teaching tool paired with a pretest to activate memory. It promotes learning for both medical students and undergraduate students with different majors in the study cohort. DramaZoom creates an opportunity for a fun learning experience that promotes knowledge gain in physiology regardless of whether the teaching setting is face to face or completely virtual. Future research will be done to investigate the long-term retention of content.   Introducing and validating DramaZoom as a teaching tool for diverse student populations Helena Carvalho, Patricia A. Halpin, Elke Scholz-Morris, Rosa de Carvalho, and Daniel Contaifer Jr. Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 386-393 

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, coauthor Katelyn Cooper highlights the meeting reports titled “Meeting report: an interdisciplinary approach to addressing anxiety in undergraduate active learning biology courses.” She explains that anxiety is a common emotional condition marked by feelings of tension, worry, and physical symptoms like restlessness and fatigue.  Among college students, anxiety is the most reported mental health concern and is linked to lower motivation, engagement, and academic performance. Biology students may be particularly affected due to the rigor and competitiveness of their courses, with high anxiety levels contributing to reduced academic success and increased attrition in the field. Meeting report: an interdisciplinary approach to addressing anxiety in undergraduate active learning biology courses   Katelyn M. Cooper, Sara E. Brownell, Elisabeth E. Schussler, Virginia R. Downing, Logan E. Gin, Kelly K. McDonald, Randolph M. Nesse, Carly A. Busch, Benjamin J. England, LaToya Grigler, Samantha A. Maas, Marco Molinaro, Nicole L. Nieset, Amy L. Pate, Jed Rasmussen, Jessica L. Schleider, Amina Y. Simmons, Shawn L. Spurgeon, Cynthia M. Stonnington, and Michael Trobiano Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 405-415 

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, corresponding author Han-Kyul Kim provides an overview of the study titled "Exercise pressor reflex function is augmented in rats with chronic kidney disease," recently published in AJP–Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. Dr. Kim discusses how the research team uncovered exaggerated blood pressure responses triggered by the exercise pressor reflex (EPR) in a chronic kidney disease (CKD) animal model. The study highlights how both the muscle mechanoreflex, activated through passive stretch and the muscle metaboreflex, stimulated by intra-arterial capsaicin, contribute to this hypertensive effect. Tune in to learn more about how sympathetic overactivation and altered reflex function could play a key role in cardiovascular risk for individuals with CKD.   Exercise pressor reflex function is augmented in rats with chronic kidney disease Han-Kyul Kim, Juan A. Estrada, Ayumi Fukazawa, Amane Hori, Gary A. Iwamoto, Scott A. Smith, Masaki Mizuno, and Wanpen Vongpatanasin American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2025 328:4, R460-R469

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, coauthors Jynx Pigart, Tasneem Mohammed, and Katelyn Cooper discuss their study, “Premed pressure: examining whether premed students experience more academic stress compared to non-premeds.” Their research investigates the common perception that premedical students experience higher levels of academic stress than their non-premed peers. The findings revealed no statistically significant differences in reported academic stress between the two groups. However, the study did show that students with lower GPAs were significantly more likely to leave the premed track than those with higher GPAs.   Premed pressure: examining whether premed students experience more academic stress compared to non-premeds Jynx Pigart, Tasneem F. Mohammed, Theresa Acuña, Shurelia Baltazar, Connor Bean, Michayla Hart, Katelyn Huizenga, Amaris James, Hayleigh Shaw, Kimberly Zsuffa, Carly A. Busch, and Katelyn M. Cooper Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 280-290

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, we hear from coauthor Casey G. Turner about the study, "Oral contraceptive pill phase alters mechanisms contributing to cutaneous microvascular function in response to local heating." Published in AJP–Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, this study investigates the effect of OCP phase on in vivo microvascular endothelium-dependent vasodilation and explores underlying mechanisms. Present findings suggest OCP phase does not affect overall microvascular endothelium-dependent dilation but does affect the underlying mechanisms. In women using OCP, there is a robust reliance on EDHF pathways and the COX pathway moderates basal microvascular blood flow and demonstrates a phase-dependent restraint of the NO pathway.   Oral contraceptive pill phase alters mechanisms contributing to cutaneous microvascular function in response to local heating Casey G. Turner, Anna E. Stanhewicz, Karen E. Nielsen, Jeffrey S. Otis, Rafaela G. Feresin, and Brett J. Wong American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2025 328:3, R374-R385

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education. The authors present their study on the Indonesian Medical Physiology Olympiad (IMPhO). This article outlines key strategies for building a successful team in a physiology competition, including effective use of resources, mentorship, teamwork, and faculty guidance. These approaches not only enhance performance in competitive settings but can also be adapted to strengthen study techniques for medical students. Preparation strategies for physiology competition: lessons learned from participants of Indonesian Medical Physiology Olympiad Mohammad Nizar Maulana, Agde Muzaky Kurniawan, Raden Argarini, Rimbun Rimbun, and Eka Arum Cahyaning Putri Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 352-355

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, we hear from Dr. Himel Mondal about his recently published paper entitled “Evolving resource use for self-directed learning in physiology among first-year medical students in a classroom setting.” This study reports a shift in educational resource use for self-directed learning (SDL) among medical students after introduction of large language model (LLM) chatbots. Students use multiple sources, with digital tools like search engines and LLM chatbots nearly matching each other as the most preferred resources. Despite the accessibility and efficiency of digital tools, traditional resources like textbooks remain relevant, though less frequently chosen.   Evolving resource use for self-directed learning in physiology among first-year medical students in a classroom setting Himel Mondal Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 394-397

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring Physiological Genomics, join coauthors Ibra Fancher and Malak Alradi as they discuss, “A long-term high-fat diet induces differential gene expression changes in spatially distinct adipose tissue of male mice.” This study explores how a long-term high fat diet affects gene expression in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in male mice.   A long-term high fat diet induces differential gene expression changes in spatially distinct adipose tissue of male mice.Malak Alradi, Hassan Askari, Mark Shaw, Jaysheel D. Bhavsar, Brewster F. Kingham, Shawn W. Polson, and Ibra S. FancherPhysiological Genomics 2024 Dec 1;56(12):819-832. https://doi.org/10.1152/physiolgenomics.00080.2024