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 

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

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 

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

In this podcast, Dr. Rashmi Chandel discusses the recently published article, "Jigsaw technique: Will it help Gen Z nursing students?" This study examines the effectiveness of the jigsaw technique (JST) as a student-centered learning strategy for engaging Generation Z undergraduate nursing students. Recognizing Gen Z learners’ distinct cognitive styles and preferences, the research compares JST with conventional lectures across four physiology modules using a crossover design. Results showed significantly higher pretest, posttest, and retention scores with JST in most modules, along with strong positive student feedback regarding engagement, understanding, communication, and peer interaction. Overall, the findings suggest that integrating JST into nursing education can enhance learning outcomes while fostering essential interpersonal and professional skills in future nurses.

Jigsaw technique: will it help Gen Z nursing students?

Rashmi Chandel, Anumeha Bhagat, Anita S. Malhotra, Ravi Rohilla, Gurjit Kaur, and Kiran Prakash

Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 304-313

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, Stephen Fitzjohn and Frances MacMillan discuss their recently published article, “Active learning to improve numeracy skills and confidence using quizzes in first-year biomedical science undergraduates.” They share how thoughtfully designed, gamified quizzes in Blackboard helped students practice numeracy skills, build confidence, and achieve significant improvement. The conversation highlights a practical and adaptable teaching approach that can be easily applied to subjects beyond numeracy, offering valuable insights for educators looking to enhance student learning and confidence.

Active learning to improve numeracy skills and confidence using quizzes in first-year biomedical science undergraduates

Stephen M. Fitzjohn, Alice M. Semenenko, and Frances M. MacMillan

Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:3, 680-685

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, James Davis discusses their recently published article, “From anonymity to engagement: the benefits of early-semester student-instructor meetings.”

This study shows that brief, early-semester student-instructor meetings foster stronger connections, increase student participation, and improve self-reported academic performance in large lecture courses. The following article demonstrates how a simple, scalable strategy can transform student-instructor relationships and enhance learning outcomes.

From anonymity to engagement: the benefits of early-semester student-instructor meetings

James T. Davis, Abigail P. Sondreal, Frederick Bauer, and Joseph T. Cornelius

Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:3, 605-610

In this podcast, co-first author Jonathan Hyde discusses the recently published article, ‘Pulmonary Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction is Induced by Nonpulsatile Pulmonary Blood Flow in an Ovine Classic Glenn Model’. The study used an in vivo large animal model combined with ex vivo and in vitro studies to investigate pulmonary vascular endothelial cell dysfunction associated with the Glenn procedure. The results suggest that low, non-pulsatile flow associated with Glenn physiology plays a pivotal role in development of endothelial cell dysfunction.

Pulmonary Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction Is Induced by Nonpulsatile Pulmonary Blood Flow in an Ovine Classic Glenn Model

Jonathan Hyde, Michael A. Smith, Naveen Swami, John H. Hwang, Yenchun Chao, Jason Boehme, Gary W. Raff, Casper Noah Nilsson, Wenhui Gong, Gail H. Deutsch, Eric G. Johnson, Ting Wang, Stephen M. Black, Sanjeev A. Datar, Emin Maltepe, Jeffrey R. Fineman

Comprehensive Physiology 2025 15:6, e70071  

In this episode of the APS Publications Podcast, Dr. Ralph Rühl discusses his team’s new article in Physiological Genomics, “Transcriptome-driven Health-status Transversal-predictor Analysis for health, food, microbiome and disease markers for understanding of lifestyle diseases.” The article outlines the development of a novel artificial intelligence approach based on machine-learning to predict general health and food-intake parameters. This novel technique, which is based on PBMC transcriptomics from human blood, can predict a wide range of health-related markers.

Todt T, van Bussel I, Afman L, Brennan L, Ivanova DG, Kiselova-Kaneva Y, Thomas EL, Rühl R. Transcriptome-driven Health-status Transversal-predictor Analysis for health, food, microbiome and disease markers for understanding of lifestyle diseases. Physiol Genomics. 2025 Nov 19. doi: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00026.2025. PMID: 41259124.

In this episode of The APS Publications Podcast, featuring Advances in Physiology Education, David Van Reyk discusses their study on "The use of AI large language models by university students for assignment preparation." Over 50% used AI for idea generation and drafting. PRC students showed improvements in their grades with the use of AI, while Australian students’ grades remained unchanged. Students support institutional guidance and access for responsible AI use.

The use of AI large language models by university students for assignment preparation

Hui Chen, David Van Reyk, and Brian G. Oliver

Advances in Physiology Education 2025 49:2, 517-525