Chirag M Vaswani , Sandra Pereira , Helen Miliotis , Nohjin Kee , Michelle B French
{"title":"Fostering interpersonal skills in the age of artificial intelligence","authors":"Chirag M Vaswani , Sandra Pereira , Helen Miliotis , Nohjin Kee , Michelle B French","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100917","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100917","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As new digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), reshape education, the interpersonal dimensions of learning, how students communicate, collaborate, empathize, and reason ethically, remain central to meaningful human interaction in the classroom. We examine how physiology educators can respond to a shifting landscape shaped by the emergence of generative AI and the disruptions of the pandemic. Drawing on current research, institutional responses, and practical classroom strategies, we highlight how human-centered pedagogy is being reimagined to foster interpersonal growth. From peer-led case studies and flipped labs to escape rooms and structured reflections, we showcase how educators are creating space for empathy, decision-making, and teamwork. Rather than sidestepping AI, we explore how it can be leveraged to enhance these interpersonal skills. The result is a practical framework for designing learning environments that prepare our graduates for an AI-shaped future while deepening their human connections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100917"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Engaging students in physiology beyond the lecture","authors":"Barbara E Goodman","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100908","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100908","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review has been designed to update readers on experiential/active learning ideas for teaching physiology under the theme of ‘Teaching and Learning in Physiology’. We will begin with a short history of active learning in physiology teaching that highlights adding active learning activities into lecture-based courses; however, most of this review will provide resources for physiology educators to design and implement innovative active learning strategies with their students outside of didactic lectures. Evidence for various approaches of working in teams, incorporating theatre, gaming, social media, and new technologies, is included for modifying physiology teaching globally and with different types of students. The variety of options has been shown to enhance student learning and make difficult concepts relevant and fun. Advances in Physiology Education (<span><span>https://journals.physiology.org/journal/advances</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>) has published a number of these resources. The author of this paper is completing a six-year term as Editor-in-Chief of Advances.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100908"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unraveling the role of the pulmonary renin–angiotensin system in inflammatory lung injury and hypertension","authors":"Chuanming Xu , Ying Zhu , Mengzhi Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100876","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100876","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inflammatory lung injury involves pulmonary renin–angiotensin system (RAS) imbalance, manifested as excessive activation of the ACE/AngII/AT<sub>1</sub>R axis and reduced activity of the ACE2/Ang/1–7/MasR axis. This imbalance may serve as an important bridge connecting hypertension and inflammatory lung injury. Multiple pathological conditions, including respiratory virus infections, acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, activate the ACE/AngII/AT<sub>1</sub>R axis and inhibit the ACE2/Ang/1–7/MasR axis in the lungs. Restoring dual-axis balance reduces blood pressure and mitigates inflammatory lung injury, making the pulmonary RAS a promising therapeutic target. This review outlines the existing evidence regarding the role of pulmonary RAS in the context of inflammatory lung injury and hypertension, emphasizing mechanistic insights and potential therapeutic implications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100876"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145739257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Inclusive education in the biosciences: what do we mean and how can we achieve it?","authors":"Katharine Hubbard","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100906","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100906","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inclusive education is essential to dismantling structural biases and creating equitable academic environments. Genuine inclusion must go beyond meeting individual needs, but empower all to be ethical and responsible members of a diverse Global community. This article focuses on inclusive education within the biosciences. It explores issues such as inequitable student outcomes, access to practical work, scientific racism, ableism and global exploitation. Bioscience education research demonstrates that inclusive pedagogies improve student experience and student outcomes. I present an inclusive education framework to guide the transformation of structures, curriculum, assessment, community and student success. I call on bioscience educators to reflect and take action to ensure all bioscientists can thrive and contribute ethically to a diverse global society.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100906"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420997","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ornella Conte, Ezequiel Bruna-Haupt, Felicitas de Tezanos Pinto, Mariela M Gironacci
{"title":"Crosstalk between the renin–angiotensin system and the dopaminergic system in inflammation","authors":"Ornella Conte, Ezequiel Bruna-Haupt, Felicitas de Tezanos Pinto, Mariela M Gironacci","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100905","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100905","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inflammation is a common feature of many chronic disorders, including cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has emerged as a major regulator of inflammatory processes. Its classical pressor axis promotes pro-inflammatory and oxidative responses, thereby contributing to the progression of various inflammatory diseases, while the counter-regulatory axis exerts anti-inflammatory and protective effects. Dopamine (DA), traditionally recognized as a neurotransmitter involved in motor activity, cognition, and reward, also functions as an immunomodulatory agent acting in both central and peripheral systems. Low-affinity DA receptors mediate anti-inflammatory actions, whereas high-affinity receptors enhance immune responses. This review outlines current evidence for RAS–DA crosstalk in inflammation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100905"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147421098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Gamification for assessment in medical education: exploring current evidence and future directions from broader educational contexts","authors":"Krishna Mohan Surapaneni","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100907","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2026.100907","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Assessment is central to medical education, shaping both learner behavior and professional identity. Traditional examinations and structured evaluations provide rigor, but they are often criticized for being stressful and narrowly focused. Gamification, the integration of game design elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards, has emerged as an innovative approach to reshape assessment. While widely applied to teaching and simulation, its role in assessment is only beginning to be explored. This review synthesizes the available evidence on gamification in assessment within medical education and, given the limited number of medical-specific studies, incorporates findings from broader educational contexts. It evaluates how assessment approaches tested in these wider settings may translate to, and inform, assessment design in medical education. Gamification is best supported as a formative assessment that promotes practice, motivation, and feedback-rich learning, and effective implementation requires thoughtful alignment with educational objectives rather than superficial use of game elements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100907"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147420995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Unlocking therapies for neurodegeneration: targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease","authors":"Jia Hui Wong, Kei Onn Lai, Anna M Barron","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100874","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100874","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Alzheimer’s disease (AD) arises not only from protein aggregates but also from a breakdown in cellular energy and redox balance. Early mitochondrial defects cause excess reactive oxygen species, undermining neuronal synapses, while microglia shift into a glycolysis-driven, proinflammatory state that hinders amyloid clearance. Cutting-edge imaging and single-cell profiling now reveal these metabolic derangements before hallmark plaques emerge. This review synthesizes recent insights into mitochondrial oxidative stress, microglial metabolic reprogramming, and neurovascular redox imbalance, highlighting evidence that restoring mitochondrial function improves disease outcomes. We also examine how artificial intelligence accelerates the identification of oxidative-stress biomarkers and mitochondria-targeted therapeutics through integrative analyses of omics, imaging, and clinical datasets. Together, these mechanistic and computational advances point toward mitochondria-centered, data-driven strategies for precision therapy and early intervention in AD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100874"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145705539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Circadian physiology changes with aging: age is just a number, but circadian physiology keeps time","authors":"Natalie J Bohmke, Karyn A Esser","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100875","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100875","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Circadian rhythms are inherent cycles of physiology and behavior that occur over approximately 24 h and are modulated by the cell-autonomous molecular clock. The molecular clocks throughout the body are aligned by the suprachiasmatic nucleus to contribute to robust daily variation of physiology, including core temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Alterations to the alignment of circadian clocks and changes to circadian rhythms of behavior and physiological processes are contributors to parameters that impact health and disease. In this review, we summarize what is known about changes to circadian rhythms of human behavior and physiology during older adulthood and the opportunities for future investigation of circadian physiology in older adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100875"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145705827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christopher L Schaich , Ashish K Khanna , Mark C Chappell
{"title":"Novel aspects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in septic shock","authors":"Christopher L Schaich , Ashish K Khanna , Mark C Chappell","doi":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100894","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cophys.2025.100894","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sepsis and septic shock are associated with high mortality rates and constitute the primary cause of death in intensive care units worldwide. Activation of the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an early event, and elements of the RAAS, including renin, Angiotensinogen, and ACE2, may be predictive of worse outcomes and higher mortality that reflect a failure to increase the circulating levels of the vasopressor Ang II. Emerging evidence suggests that dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP3) is involved in the metabolism of Ang II, and higher DPP3 in septic shock may contribute to lower Ang II tone. The current review considers the role of a dysfunctional RAAS to maintain blood pressure and adequate tissue perfusion in septic shock.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":52156,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Physiology","volume":"47 ","pages":"Article 100894"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}