You've heard the word telecomm? In this episode, we are going to coin a new word:elecomm, shorthand forelephant communication. Caitlin O'Connell-Rodwell is a Stanford University professor and the author ofThe Elephant's Secret Sense, published by the University of Chicago Press. Dr. O'Connell-Rodwell discovered that elephant vocalizations travel through the ground, sometimes for great distances. Other elephants pick up these seismic communications and understand them. There are links to videos of three of Dr. O'Connell-Rodwell's elephant communication experiments on her website, www.utopiascientific.org or by clickinghere,here andhere. (Begins at 2:44)From the Buzz in Physiology (Begins at 1:13):Divers who held their breath for several minutes had elevated levels of S100B (a protein found after cell injury) in their bloodstream, which suggests that holding one's breath for a long time disrupts the blood-brain barrier. However, the appearance of the protein was transient and leaves open the question of whether lengthy breath holding can damage the brain over the long term, according to the Lund University researchers.And drinking beetroot juice boosts stamina and could help you exercise for up to 16% longer, according to a study from the University of Exeter. The study shows how the nitrate contained in the juice leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, making exercise less tiring.You can read the press releases on these studies:FreedivingBeetroot
Life Lines is a general interest science podcast of The American Physiological Society dedicated to conveying the "phizz" in physiology. Physiology is the study of how the body works, from all the body's major systems and functions to the molecules and cells that work in such remarkable ways to keep us healthy. Each episode includes three segments: - An interview with the author of a recent physiological study - An answer to a question about how the body works - A feature interview with a physiologist about his or her work If you would like a summary of the recent physiological studies featured on the program, please visit www.lifelines.tv. To ask Life Lines a question about physiology please skype "Physcast" or call 301-637-5634.