11 comparative physiology findings on climate change, stress and more

Abstracts available on request from the American Physiological Society comparative physiology conference.

Comparative researchers are discussing the latest science in animal physiology at the 2026 Comparative Physiology conference. Here are the highlights. Contact us to request an abstract.

Climate Change

Heat Gives Bees a Hot Start

Short, nonlethal exposure to excessive heat in the alfalfa leafcutting bee's development can lead to detrimental effects later in adulthood, including shorter lifespan in males and ovarian damage in females. Request the abstract.

Heat Waves Change How Fish Breathe

Air-breathing freshwater fish species, including the bristlenose pleco suckerfish and bronze corydora catfish, breathe air more frequently when water temperatures rise-and oxygen concentrations drop-during a heat wave. Request the abstracts.

Wildfires: Not Just a Terrestrial Problem>

Wildfire ash, sediment and other debris change water chemistry and overall quality in ways that may stress aquatic animals. Studies of native Australian freshwater fish exposed to wildfire ash showed varied responses in metabolism, swimming performance, heat tolerance and the ability to tolerate low oxygen conditions. Request the abstract.

Obesity

Males and Females Show Different Responses to Obesity

Obesity-related impairment, including glucose regulation, endurance, muscle strength and muscle size affects male rats more than females, possibly due to evolutionary adaptation. Understanding these sex-specific differences could lead to more targeted approaches to exercise. Request the abstract.

Keeping Canine Companions Sharp

Overweight dogs are more likely to develop diseases affecting their mobility and heart but also have a higher risk of age-related cognitive decline. Weight management can increase canine companions' healthspan. Request the abstract.

Rethinking Ketones

Ketones Are More Than Just Fuel

Ketone bodies-molecules the liver produces when fats break down-are a form of backup fuel during fasting, starvation or low-carb eating. A new study in frogs finds ketone bodies also help nerve cells communicate and drive neuroplasticity, independently of their function as an energy source. Request the abstract.

Are Ketones Necessary for Survival?

Research suggests adult northern elephant seals may turn off or limit the ability to produce ketone bodies when food is scarce to help their bodies adapt to prolonged starvation. If confirmed, this strategy challenges the theory that ketones are required for survival.Request the abstract.

Decoding Stress

Stress: A Whole-body Experience

Research in rats found exposure to stress caused weight loss and increased markers of inflammation. These results suggest even short periods of stress can have measurable effects throughout the body. Request the abstract.

Targeting a New Stress Pathway

Sulfur-containing molecules called reactive sulfur species respond differently to mental stress in male and female mice and may be linked to changes in cardiovascular function. These findings point to a potential new connection between psychological stress and cardiovascular health.Request the abstract.

Unlocking Nature's Mysteries

Pythons Reveal Metabolic Secrets

Dramatic, tissue-wide molecular changes Burmese pythons undergo after feeding could help researchers identify new regulators of metabolism and potential therapeutic targets. Request the abstract.

Clues to Longer Reproductive Life

Researchers are uncovering how naked mole-rats, which live and maintain fertility for decades, defy typical age-related decline in ovarian function. Findings may offer clues to reproductive longevity and healthy aging in people. Request the abstract.

Extras

Beneath the Scales

What can alligators, turtles and other nontraditional animal models reveal about human health? Physiologists are learning how early-life environments shape physiology-and are uncovering surprising clues about how those effects can continue into adulthood. Read more in The Physiologist Magazine.

Gone Fishing for Signals in the Gut-brain Connection

Zebrafish are helping researchers uncover how gut bacteria communicate with the brain and influence blood pressure. These findings offer new clues about the gut-brain connection and cardiovascular health. Read more on the I Spy Physiology blog.

About the American Physiological Society

Physiology reveals how life works, from cells to body systems, and drives the scientific discoveries that transform health and save lives. It provides the foundation for every medical advancement. The American Physiological Society champions physiology-the science life depends on. It connects a global, multidisciplinary community of more than 10,000 biomedical scientists and educators as part of its mission to advance scientific discovery, understand life and improve health. Learn more about physiology's crucial role in science through APS' Physiology: The Science Life Depends On campaign.

Contact Us

For more information about any of the science presented at the Comparative Physiology conference, contact APS Media Relations or call 301.634.7314. Find additional research in our Newsroom.