Immune
Immune Booster #8: Immunology, metabolism, and exercise physiology with Heather Caslin
Sep 3, 2024
Heather Caslin, an Immunologist at the University of Houston, takes listeners through her inspiring journey from sports to science. She shares fascinating insights into how diet and exercise influence innate immune cells, the complex relationship between exercise physiology and stress, and the challenges of launching a new research lab. Highlighting the significance of science communication, she emphasizes the need for engaging education in immunology while also discussing potential future applications of her groundbreaking research.
26:42
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights how Heather Caslin's research connects metabolic responses and stressors to the modulation of immune functions, especially mast cell activity.
- It emphasizes the significant negative impacts of weight cycling on immune response and metabolic health, potentially increasing the risk for diseases like diabetes.
Deep dives
Journey into Science and Research
The guest explores her initial journey into science, which began with her passion for physical therapy influenced by a sports injury. While initially pursuing a degree in exercise science, her interest shifted towards research after attending a research conference that opened her eyes to the possibilities of scientific inquiry. This pivot led her to undertake a master’s degree focused on investigating the effects of various types of stress on immunological markers in the blood. Her work involved assessing how factors like exercise and psychological stress impacted levels of hormones such as cortisol, alongside key immunological markers, ultimately fueling her pursuit of a PhD in the field.
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