APS Publications Podcast

Interorgan Insights: Microcirculation as the fundamental basis of health and disease

In this podcast, coauthors Yuan Li and Mingming Liu discuss their recently published article, ‘Functional segregation of pancreatic microcirculation reveals sex-dependent microhemodynamic signatures’. The article used a multi-scale approach to investigate pancreatic microhemodynamics in healthy male and female mice. Authors identified sexual dimorphism in pancreatic microhemodynamics that was restricted to the exocrine compartment, where blood vessels expressed different levels of CD31 and estrogen receptor ERβ. These sex-specific vascular patterns were linked to distinct systemic steroid hormone profiles, leading to fundamentally different mechanisms of blood‑flow regulation in males and females. Overall, the work identified pancreatic microvasculature as a key site where hormonal differences shape sex‑specific organ physiology.

 

Yuan Li, Yingyu Wang, Bing Wang, Qin Ouyang, Weiqi Liu, Xiang Xu, Xu Zhang, Mingming Liu, Ruijuan Xiu

Comprehensive Physiology 2026 16:2, e70130

https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70130

Interorgan Insights: Vagus nerve stimulation across disease states

In this podcast, coauthors Yifeng Bu and Imanuel Lerman discuss their recently published review, ‘A Review of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Disease: Comprehensive Theory and Evidence for Mechanisms of Action’. The review overviews VNS mechanisms and their translational relevance, and thus serves as a foundational resource for advancing the science and clinical deployment of precision neuromodulation and bioelectronic medicine.

A Review of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Disease: Comprehensive Theory and Evidence for Mechanisms of Action

Yifeng Bu, Alex Liang, Benjamin U. Hoffman, Dawn M. Schiehser, Oliver Case, Alan Simmons, Ruth Klaming, Andres Gottfried-Blackmore, Ravinder K. Mittal, Christopher Puleo, Hubert Lim, Imanuel Lerman

Comprehensive Physiology 2025 16:2, e70109

https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70109

Interorgan Insights: Improving perimenopausal health through holistic, precision-based approaches

In this podcast, coauthors Yujie Xu, Han Wu, Ru Mu, Lu Yang, Yixuan Li, and Xian Ma discuss their recently published review, 'Kisspeptin Neurons as Integrative Hub: Cross-Talk of HPO–HPT–HPA Axes in Perimenopausal Reproductive Health’. The findings highlight the multi-axis pathophysiology of perimenopausal endocrine disorders and suggest therapeutic potential for treatments targeting kisspeptin neurons as part of individualized, multi-axis approaches.

Kisspeptin Neurons as Integrative Hub: Cross-Talk of HPO–HPT–HPA Axes in Perimenopausal Reproductive Health

Yujie Xu, Han Wu, Ru Mu, Lu Yang, Yixuan Li, Xian Ma

Comprehensive Physiology 2026 16:1, e70115 

https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70115

Interorgan Insights: Modulation of AQP1 and TGFB1 to Disrupt BMP/TGF-β Signaling in Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells

In this podcast, coauthors Chrysi Keskinidou and Nikolaos S. Lotsio discuss their recently published research article, ‘Disrupting BMP/TGF-β Signaling: Modulation of AQP1 and TGFB1 in Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells’. The article describes the authors' deep dive into the interactions between AQP1 and TGFB1 in human pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, and and provide a novel perspective on the interactions of the BMP/TGF-β signaling pathway. 

Disrupting BMP/TGF-β Signaling: Modulation of AQP1 and TGFB1 in Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Chrysi Keskinidou, Nikolaos S. Lotsios, Kostas A. Papavassiliou, Athanasios G. Papavassiliou, Ioanna Dimopoulou, Anastasia Kotanidou, David Langleben, Stylianos E. Orfanos, Alice G. Vassiliou

Comprehensive Physiology 2025 15:6, e70066

https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70066

Interorgan Insights: Insulin and the Secret to Healthier Aging

In this podcast, corresponding author Yuan-Yuan Zhang discusses the recently published review, ‘Insulin as an Accelerator and Brake of Aging: From Molecular Landscape to Clinical Interventions’. Here, Dr. Zhang describes key findings, key takeaways, and key gaps that relate to our understanding of the role of insulin in aging and how it can be leveraged for anti-aging therapies. Listen here to learn why her and her co-authors argue that the secret to healthier aging lies with insulin and in helping it find the perfect rhythm. 

Shi-Cheng Chen, Xiao-Dong Sun, Yuan-Yuan Zhang

Comprehensive Physiology 2025;15(6):e70079

https://doi.org/10.1002/cph4.70079 

Navigating the frontier of AI-assisted student assignments: challenges, skills, and solutions

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, coauthors Suzanne Estaphan, David Kramer, and Harry Witchel discuss their recently published article, “Navigating the frontier of AI-assisted student assignments: challenges, skills, and solutions.”

This paper presents a framework to effectively design take-home assessments in the generative artificial intelligence (AI) era with four key recommendations to navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by generative AI. From codeveloping AI literacy to fostering human-AI collaboration, the strategies empower educators to promote authentic learning, critical thinking, and ethical AI use. Adaptable to various contexts, these insights help prepare students for an AI-driven future while maintaining academic rigor and integrity.

Navigating the frontier of AI-assisted student assignments: challenges, skills, and solutions

Suzanne Estaphan, David Kramer, and Harry J. Witchel

Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:3, 633-639

The chick embryo model as an educational tool to explore the effect of alcohol on cardiovascular development

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, featuring an article from Advances in Physiology Education, authors Declan McLaughlin, Aisling Keane, and Joe Quinn discuss their recently published article, “The chick embryo model as an educational tool to explore the effect of alcohol on cardiovascular development.” This study explores the use of the chick embryo model as a teaching aid to illustrate connections between anatomy and physiology during development. Providing direct observation opportunities, the model allows students to witness organ formation and the impact of teratogens, focusing on cardiovascular abnormalities associated with fetal alcohol syndrome. The paper outlines practical methodologies to assess developmental outcomes. Its adaptability, affordability, and ability to spark discussions make the model a valuable resource for diverse educational environments.

The chick embryo model as an educational tool to explore the effect of alcohol on cardiovascular development

Declan McLaughlin, Aisling Keane, Joe Quinn, and Nuala Tipping

Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 438-460 

Associations between heart size and anthropometric and cardiovascular indicators: an undergraduate physiology teaching laboratory

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, coauthors Madyson Hintz and Aisya Ahmad Zamri discuss their recent article, “Associations between heart size and anthropometric and cardiovascular indicators: an undergraduate physiology teaching laboratory.” They share how a hands-on undergraduate lab lets students observe heart measurements with ultrasound, collect body and cardiovascular data, and explore how factors like age, sex, body size, and hand palm diameter relate to heart health.

 

Associations between heart size and anthropometric and cardiovascular indicators: an undergraduate physiology teaching laboratory

Madyson O. Hintz, Aisya S. Ahmad Zamri, Elizabeth W. Erickson, Frosina Barlev, Sean Coffey, and Regis R. Lamberts

Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 508-516