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An individual may be restricted to a certain range of physical activities which they can participate in. Individuals are usually reliant on the surrounding environment and the maintenance of facilities. If they are not kept well maintained, individuals are usually discouraged. Go back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Influence of different environmental factors on exercise Last updated: 25/02/26 Published: 10/02/23 The characteristics of environmental factors: - Chemical safety - Air pollution - Climate change and natural disasters - Diseases caused by microbes - Lack of access to health care - Infrastructure issues - Poor water quality - Global environmental issues What are the impacts of these environmental influences on physical activity? An individual may be restricted to a certain range of physical activities which they can participate in. Individuals are usually reliant on the surrounding environment and the maintenance of facilities. If they are not kept well maintained, individuals are usually discouraged. The physiological effect on training: Climate change will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our populations, including the very young, the very old, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Training adjustments to compensate for the influence of environmental factors on training: - Treatments for heat stress- stop exercising / move to a shaded or air-conditioned area / remove excess clothing or equipment / drink cold beverages / sit in front of a fan / put a cool piece of cloth around neck / place entire body in cool water e.g. cool bath or shower - Treatments for cold stress- move to a warm environment / remove cold and wet clothes / find access to warm air such as heaters, or fireplace / use electric or non-electric blankets / drink warm beverages There is also the concept of blue and green exercise. This refers to physical activity performed in natural environments, specifically in areas with vegetation (green) or water (blue). Combining both, such as running along a coastal path, maximises benefits, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mood, self-esteem and cognitive function. Written by Kushwant Nathoo Related articles: Impacts of negligent exercise on physiology / Physical and mental health / Environmental impact of EVs

Psychology delves into the human mind and behaviour. Read on for compelling articles ranging from reward sensitivity to evolutionary, and empathy-altruism theories. Discover the psychology of emotions: embarrassment, and aggression. Psychology Articles Psychology delves into the human mind and behaviour. Read on for compelling articles ranging from reward sensitivity to evolutionary, and empathy-altruism theories. Discover the psychology of emotions: embarrassment, and aggression. You may also like: Biology, Medicine Motivating the mind Effect of socioeconomic status on reward sensitivity The evolutionary theory by Darwin vs empathy-altruism Explaining altruism through different theories A perspective on well-being Hedonic vs eudaimonic: based on the principles of Aristotle and Aristippus Nature vs. nurture in childhood intelligence What matters most? The psychology of embarrassment Why do we feel this emotion? Models and theories A primer on the Mutualism theory of intelligence A detailed review on different studies Unmasking aggression Is this fierce emotion the result of personal, or social triggers? Mental health strategies Raising awareness to look after mental health Imposter syndrome in STEM Have you ever had this feeling in your STEM education or job? Mental health in the South Asian community Why is it not yet such an open discussion? The cognitive orchestra How music can manipulate emotional processes The attentional blink An exploration of this concept in rapid serial visual presentation studies Postpartum depression in adolescent mothers An analysis of risk and protective factors Can we really 'rewire' our brain? What is neuroplasticity?

Elements, compounds, and mixtures make up the building blocks of materials that shape our world. Read on to uncover the latest contributions in chemistry, such as advances in mass spectrometry and quantum chemistry. Chemistry Articles Elements, compounds, and mixtures make up the building blocks of materials that shape our world. Read on to uncover the latest contributions in chemistry, such as advances in mass spectrometry and quantum chemistry. You may also like: Medicine , Pharmacology Advances in mass spectrometry Analytical chemistry Bioorthogonal chemistry Chemical reactions with high yields Polypharmacy Multiple medications Plastics and their environmental impact The same property that makes plastics so strong endangers the environment Quantum chemistry A relatively new field of chemistry Nanomedicine and targeted drug delivery An overview as to why nanoparticles are suitable for drug delivery Nanogels Smarter drug delivery The importance of symmetry in chemistry Symmetry in spectroscopy, reaction mechanisms and bonding Not all chemists wear white coats Computational organic chemistry Molecular blueprints: the art of synthetic planning Article #1 in a two-part series on retrosynthesis. Looking at the rare earth elements These comprise the lanthanide series as well as scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y), and are characterised by the similarity of their chemical properties. Molecular blueprints: the synthesis of ibuprofen Article #2 in a two-part series on retrosynthesis. Diels-Alder reaction A reaction that shows the importance of symmetry in chemistry The heteroelements Heteroelements, defined as elements other than C or H, frequently include the p-block elements The world of inorganic NMR NMR is far more elementally diverse and is applicable to any nucleus with a spin quantum number (I) greater than 0 Previous

Peruse through the current treatment discoveries for one of the deadliest diseases in the world. With key breakthroughs in research, take a deep dive into specific cancers like bone, breast, and ovarian cancer. Learn about cancer biomarker evolution. Cancer Articles Peruse through the current treatment discoveries for one of the deadliest diseases in the world. With key breakthroughs in research, take a deep dive into specific cancers like bone, breast, and ovarian. Learn about cancer biomarker evolution. You may also like: Biology, Medicine Cancer biomarkers What does cancer evolution mean to cancer diagnosis and prognosis? Breast cancer and asbestos A collaboration with the Mesothelioma Centre (Asbestos), US Bone cancer How bone cancer forms Breast cancer in men How this killer disease affects the male population. Article #2 in a series on Rare diseases. Secondary bone cancer What is secondary bone cancer? Cancer treatment A breakthrough drug discovery process Liquid biopsies A novel diagnostic tool Cancer on the move Metastasis Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma A rare type of cancer. Article #4 in a series on Rare diseases. Ovarian cancer A deep dive Prostate cancer A breakthrough in treatment for this disease African-American women in cancer research Celebrating trailblazers in skin cancer, chemotherapy and cervical cancer cells Polly Matzinger A summary of the influential cancer immunologist's works The Hippo signalling pathway Also known as the Salvador-Warts-Hippo (SWH) pathway Illuminating thyroid cancer Shedding light on this disease Canines and cancer What can our canine friends tell us about cancer? Apocrine carcinoma A rare form of breast cancer. Article #9 in a series on Rare diseases. Metastasis caused by immue signals Chromosomal instability initiates immune signals, which lead to metastasis The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee Book review The MAPK/ ERK pathway The mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase pathway Next

Recognising the remarkable contributions in the vast field of engineering, including silicon hydrogel contact lenses, wireless electricity, hydrogen cars and many other innovations. Engineering Articles Recognising the remarkable contributions in the vast field of engineering, including silicon hydrogel contact lenses, wireless electricity, hydrogen cars and many other innovations. You may also like: Maths , Physics , Technology Pioneers in biomedical engineering An International Women's Month collab with Kameron's Lab; looking at hydroxyapatite polyethylene, imaging and therapeutic tools for cancer and cancer-cell surfaces Silicon hydrogel contact lenses A case study on this latest innovation in eye vision correction Nikola Tesla and wireless electricity Tesla's dream of Wardenclyffe Tower: why did it not become a reality? Hydrogen cars Are they the future model of cars in the UK? The Titan Submersible Investigating its failure due to its design and engineering

Elements, compounds, and mixtures make up the building blocks of materials that shape our world. Read on to uncover how atoms, molecules, and reactions are fundamental to life on Earth. Chemistry Articles Elements, compounds, and mixtures make up the building blocks of materials that shape our world. Read on to uncover how atoms, molecules, and reactions are fundamental to life on Earth. You may also like: Medicine , Pharmacology The role of chemistry in medicine Medicinal chemistry and its uses Metal organic frameworks And their potential use in cancer drug delivery The biochemistry of cancer And how integrins can be desirable targets Metal compounds In anti-cancer drugs Female Nobel prize winners What were their contributions? Drug chirality Why is it important? Green chemistry And sustainability for the future Chemistry in space exploration What is its role? Environmental impact of electrical vehicles A chemical perspective From botulism to beauty Botulinum toxins Chemistry of an atomic bomb What is the key process behind these explosions? Vitamins Discussing their importance in the body The story of pigments and dyes The chemistry in an artist's palette Zinc fingers Transcription factors regulating gene expression Emotional chemistry On a molecular basis Nuclear safety The silent protectors Modern-day chemistry And its related challenges The story of the atom The history of the atomic model Nanoparticles A probable treatment for diabetes Exploring food at the molecular level Gastronomy Next

Explore artificial intelligence, a technology that has taken the world by storm. Learn how it is used in fields like agriculture, drug discovery, and outer space. Elsewhere, get to grips with semi-conductor manufacturing, quantum computing, and biotechnology. Technology Articles Explore artificial intelligence, a technology that has taken the world by storm. Learn how it is used in fields like agriculture, drug discovery, and outer space. Elsewhere, get to grips with semi-conductor manufacturing, quantum computing, and biotechnology. You may also like: Maths , Physics , Engineering Fake science websites Ways fake science websites misinform and misguide readers The evolution of artificial intelligence And its greater role in natural language processor technologies Medical biotechnology Technology in the medical sciences Quantum computing What are its applications? Improving agriculture Revolutionising sustainable agriculture through AI AI in drug discovery Using this technology in drug research Digital disinformation With the use of IT cells Digital innovation in rural farming What are the benefits? AI in space What is artificial intelligence used for in outer space? Radiation therapy to treat cancer Revolutionising patient setup in cancer treatment AI: the good, the bad, and the future A Scientia News Biology group collaboration Photonic integration In semiconductor manufacturing Nanomedicine Tiny solutions for big health problems NHS clinical computer scientist Exploring the day-to-day routine in this new field in healthcare Semi-conductor laser technology The recent advancements Code to cure How bioinformatics and technology helped to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 Virtual reality in healthcare Its potential Mauritius's rise as African leader of mobile networks An in-depth look at the rollout of 5G on the island, and the factors enabling this

This page features articles which tackle imminent health problems such as smoking, childhood obesity and depression, and pre-diabetes. Skin disease, Crohn's disease, anaemias, and endometriosis are also explored.  Medicine Articles This page features articles which tackle imminent health problems such as smoking, childhood obesity and depression, and pre-diabetes. Skin disease, Crohn's disease, anaemias, and endometriosis are also explored. You may also like: Dentistry , Biology Interventions for smoking cessation Public smoking health interventions The problem with childhood obesity What is childhood obesity? How many does it affect, and what can we do to tackle this? Pre-diabetes Pre-diabetes is the period before the onset of diabetes Anaemias Anaemia is a blood disease. Article #1 in a series about anaemia. Endometriosis breakthrough The latest breakthrough in endometriosis: the bacterium theory AI in medicinal chemistry How can it help the field? Depression in children And how we can help them Iron-deficiency anaemia Anaemia is a blood disease. Article #2 in a series about anaemia. The power of probiotics And how they are effective Blood: a vital fluid The role and importance of blood Smart bandages What are they and how can they be better than traditional bandages? Why whales don't get cancer Discussing from Peter's Paradox perspective Anaemia of chronic disease The second most-common anaemia. Article #3 in a series about anaemia. Erasing memory Is it possible to wipe your memories clean? Herpes vs. skin disease From foe to ally: a Herpes-based gene therapy treats dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Article #3 in a series on Rare diseases. The foremothers of gynaecology An International Women's Month collab with Publett Healthcare serial killers A disturbing reality The gut microbiome Also known as: the microbiota, gut microflora Crohn's disease A summary of the condition Sideroblastic anaemia A problem synthesising haem. Article #4 in a series about anaemia. Next

Conservation, diseases, animal behaviour, adaptation and survival. Expand your knowledge on the incredible diversity of life on Earth with these articles. Zoology Articles Conservation, diseases, animal behaviour, adaptation and survival. Expand your knowledge on the incredible diversity of life on Earth with these articles. You may also like: Biology , and Ecology Deception by African birds The species Dicrurus adsimilis uses deception by flexible alarm mimicry to target and carry out food-theft attempts An experiment on ochre stars Investigating the relative fitness of the species Pisaster ocharceus Orcinus orca A species report Rare zoonotic diseases We all know about COVID-19. But what about the other zoonotic diseases? Article #1 in a series on Rare diseases. Marine iguanas Their conservation The cost of coats 55 years of vicuna conservation in South America. Article #1 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Conserving the California condor These birds live on the west coast of North America. Article #2 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Emperor penguins Kings of ice. Article #6 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Protecting rock-wallabies in Australia A group of 25 animal species, and subspecies related to kangaroos. Article #7 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Do other animals get periods? Looking at menstruation in non-human animals e.g. monkeys, bats Same-sex attraction in non-human animals SSSB in birds, mammals, and invertebrates Changing sex in fish Why some fish change sex during their lifetimes

Psilocybin's active metabolite, psilocin, acts as a serotonin receptor agonist Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The promising effects of magic mushrooms for depression Last updated: 05/04/26, 14:37 Published: 19/02/26, 08:00 Psilocybin's active metabolite, psilocin, acts as a serotonin receptor agonist This is Article 3 in a series on psychiatric disorders and the brain. Previous article: Inside out: the chemistry of depression . Next article coming soon. What is psilocybin? Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic tryptamine alkaloid found in over 200 species of mushrooms (Psilocybin mushrooms), commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms. Upon ingestion, the body converts psilocybin into its active metabolite, psilocin, which acts as a serotonin receptor agonist, primarily impacting 5-HT2A receptors. What is psilocybin useful for? In recent years, clinical research has shown that psilocybin-assisted therapy, can quickly and meaningfully reduce symptoms of depression, often within days rather than weeks, when given in a safe, controlled medical setting with psychological support. Importantly, these studies don’t just look at mood while someone is under the influence. They measure long-term changes weeks or months after treatment. Studies, such as Gukasyan et al. , 2022 and Goodwin et al. , 2022, have shown that 1-2 doses of psilocybin plus therapy have led to sustained reductions in depressive symptoms that last at least 8-12 weeks, and in some cases 12 months later. Research has also demonstrated potential benefits for individuals whose depression has not responded to conventional antidepressant treatments. A large phase II double-blinded trial, by Griffiths et al. , 2016, involving people with treatment-resistant depression found that those given a therapeutic dose (25 mg) of psilocybin had noticeably greater improvement in their depression scores compared with a very low dose (10 mg). Scientists, for example Daws et al. , 2022, believe psilocybin works differently from standard antidepressants. It appears to temporarily increase connections between different parts of the brain and may help break rigid patterns of negative thinking that are typical in depression. If psilocybin is effective, why is it not currently used in treatment for depression? Psilocybin remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the United Nations 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, meaning it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. For psilocybin to become an approved clinical treatment for depression, it must be rescheduled through formal regulatory review, a process that involves extensive clinical testing and bureaucratic steps. In many countries, including the United States, rescheduling controlled substances can be slow and complex. For example, in 2022-2023, the U.S. government reviewed the scheduling of marijuana (cannabis) after presidential direction to federal agencies, but a final rescheduling decision was still pending as of late 2025. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Schedule III drugs are defined as substances with moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, whereas Schedule I substances are defined as having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Because psilocybin is still Schedule I in most jurisdictions, it cannot yet be prescribed as a mainstream treatment for depression, despite promising clinical trial results. Written by Chloe Kam Related article: What does depression do to your brain? Project Gallery