Health

From the earliest stirrings of movement within the womb to the modern-day surge in marathon participation, humans possess an innate drive to move. The popularity of endurance events like marathons and fun runs isn’t a recent phenomenon; it’s deeply rooted in millions of years of evolution that shaped the human body for survival through sustained physical activity. Understanding why humans are uniquely suited for long-distance running offers a fascinating glimpse into our ancestral past and the biological adaptations that define our species.

The ability to run long distances wasn’t simply a recreational pursuit for our ancestors; it was a crucial survival strategy. Scientists have long explored the “endurance running hypothesis,” which proposes that the anatomical characteristics of Homo evolved to support long-distance running, rather than short bursts of speed. This capability played a vital role in a hunting technique known as persistence hunting, offering a significant advantage in acquiring food and ensuring the continuation of the species.

The Endurance Running Hypothesis and Ancient Hunting Strategies

The endurance running hypothesis suggests that early hominins utilized persistence hunting – a method of pursuing prey over vast distances until the animal succumbed to exhaustion. While animals like deer and antelope can achieve greater speeds in short sprints, humans excel in sustained endurance. This allowed our ancestors to relentlessly pursue prey, capitalizing on the animal’s inability to regulate its body temperature during prolonged exertion. As explained by researchers, this strategy relied on consistency, chasing animals for hours under the harsh sun until they were overcome by heat stress and fatigue. The endurance running hypothesis posits that this selective pressure drove the evolution of key anatomical features.

Unique Anatomical Adaptations for Endurance

The human body boasts a remarkable array of biological features that facilitate efficient long-distance running, setting us apart from other mammals. These adaptations aren’t accidental; they are the result of millions of years of evolutionary refinement.

• Efficient Cooling System: Humans possess millions of sweat glands and relatively sparse body hair, enabling optimal heat dissipation during prolonged activity. This allows us to maintain a stable core body temperature even during strenuous exercise in warm environments.
• Elastic Achilles Tendon: The long and elastic Achilles tendon functions like a spring, storing energy as the foot strikes the ground and releasing it for forward propulsion, enhancing running efficiency.
• Powerful Gluteus Maximus: The large gluteal muscles are highly active during running, providing stability and preventing the body from pitching forward with each stride.
• Bipedalism: Walking upright on two legs separates the mechanisms of respiration from locomotion, allowing humans to regulate breathing independently and maintain efficient oxygen intake during running.

These features, combined with other physiological adaptations, contribute to our exceptional ability to cover long distances without overheating or experiencing debilitating fatigue. UC Davis research highlights the dominance of slow-twitch, fatigue-resistant muscle fibers in human locomotor muscles, further supporting our aptitude for endurance.

From Survival Tool to Cultural Phenomenon

Over the past decade, running has transitioned from a fundamental biological function to a widespread cultural phenomenon and a defining aspect of lifestyle identity. Running shoes are no longer confined to athletic tracks; they’ve develop into integrated into everyday fashion, reflecting the personality and values of the wearer. The activity is now viewed as a health ritual, a community-building activity and a means of self-reflection amidst the bustle of urban life. The increasing sophistication and stylish design of running gear further blur the lines between athletic performance and artistic expression.

Celebrating Running Culture in Jakarta

The cultural significance of running is being celebrated at “The Art of Fast,” an event hosted by Adidas Indonesia on February 14–15, 2025, at Mbloc, Jakarta. The exhibition features a collaboration between photographers Alif Ghifari and Bill Satya, capturing the essence of running from diverse perspectives. Ghifari focused on the physical intensity of national runner Atjong Tio Purwanto, while Satya documented the collective energy of the Adidas Runners Jakarta community. Through this exhibition, running is reaffirmed as an integral part of the human story, from the ancient savannas to the modern city streets.

As running continues to evolve, its enduring appeal lies in its fundamental connection to our evolutionary history. The future will likely see further innovations in running technology and a growing emphasis on the holistic benefits of endurance activity, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of human health and culture.

What are your thoughts on the connection between our evolutionary past and our modern-day running habits? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about the biological basis of running and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

We often leverage the terms “virus” and “bacteria” interchangeably, but they are fundamentally different. Understanding these differences is crucial for comprehending illness, treatment, and preventative measures. While both can cause infection, their structures, how they reproduce, and how we combat them vary significantly.

Bacteria are single-celled, living organisms capable of surviving and reproducing independently. They are ubiquitous, inhabiting our bodies, the environment, and playing vital roles in ecosystems. Not all bacteria are harmful; many are essential for human health, contributing to gut function, skin health, and even bolstering the immune system. However, when pathogenic bacteria cause infections – such as strep throat or certain types of food poisoning – they are typically treated with antibiotics.

Viruses, are not considered truly “alive.” They are much simpler in structure than bacteria and lack the ability to reproduce on their own. Instead, viruses invade host cells and hijack their machinery to replicate, often causing cellular damage in the process. Since of this fundamental difference, antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like the flu, the common cold, or COVID-19. The size difference is also notable; viruses are significantly smaller than bacteria, contributing to their distinct behavior within the body.

The distinction between bacteria and viruses extends to how we address infections. Antibiotics target specific mechanisms within bacterial cells, disrupting their growth and reproduction. Because viruses utilize host cell machinery, antiviral medications often focus on inhibiting viral entry into cells or blocking viral replication, rather than directly killing the virus. Understanding the cause of an infection is key to effective treatment.

The Role of Bacteria in Our Health

While often portrayed negatively, bacteria are essential for maintaining human health. The human microbiome – the collection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms living in and on our bodies – plays a critical role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system development, and protection against harmful pathogens. A healthy gut microbiome, for example, aids in breaking down complex carbohydrates and synthesizing essential vitamins. Disruptions to this delicate balance, often caused by antibiotic use, can lead to various health issues.

How Viruses Operate

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they require a host cell to survive and reproduce. They invade cells, injecting their genetic material (DNA or RNA) and commandeering the cell’s resources to create more viruses. This process often leads to cell death, triggering the symptoms associated with viral infections. Different types of viruses target different cells within the body, leading to a wide range of illnesses.

Why Antibiotics Don’t Work on Viruses

Antibiotics work by interfering with essential bacterial processes, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production. Viruses, lacking these structures and processes, are unaffected by antibiotics. Using antibiotics to treat viral infections not only is ineffective but also contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve to become less susceptible to these drugs. Proper hygiene practices are essential to prevent both bacterial and viral infections.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. Staying informed about the differences between bacteria and viruses can empower you to make informed decisions about your well-being and seek appropriate medical care when needed.

As research continues, our understanding of the complex interplay between bacteria, viruses, and the human immune system will undoubtedly evolve. Future advancements in antiviral therapies and strategies to modulate the microbiome hold promise for more effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

What questions do you have about protecting yourself from infections? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For many cancer patients, immunotherapy offers a powerful fresh weapon in the fight against the disease. But this treatment, which harnesses the body’s own immune system, isn’t without its challenges. Increasingly, doctors are seeing immune-related adverse events – side effects caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissues – and one of the most debilitating is arthritis. Now, a new clinical trial in the UK is investigating whether an existing arthritis treatment can alleviate these symptoms and improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.

The trial, known as REACT, focuses on patients experiencing arthritis triggered by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a common type of immunotherapy. Researchers are comparing the effectiveness of standard steroid treatment with adalimumab, an anti-TNF drug often used to manage rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. This research addresses a critical need for better management of ICI-induced arthritis, a condition that can significantly disrupt cancer treatment and severely impact a patient’s well-being.

Rebecca Smith, 53, from Solihull, knows firsthand the devastating impact of this side effect. Diagnosed with eye cancer in early 2020, she initially responded well to treatment. However, when the cancer spread to her liver, she began immunotherapy. “I started immunotherapy last year, and although it offered hope, the side effects were brutal,” Smith explains. “I developed colitis, meningitis, and severe arthritis that attacked 90% of my joints. I couldn’t climb stairs, get dressed, or even get out of bed without help. It was devastating.”

Smith’s experience highlights the difficult trade-off many cancer patients face: the potential benefits of immunotherapy weighed against the often-severe side effects. Standard steroid therapy, while commonly used to manage inflammation, often provides limited relief and can interfere with the effectiveness of the immunotherapy itself. “Every cycle of treatment left me in hospital with side effects. It was a vicious circle,” Smith recalls. She was forced to take a year off operate due to the debilitating pain and fatigue.

A New Approach to Managing Immunotherapy Side Effects

When her consultant suggested the REACT trial, Smith eagerly enrolled. The trial, funded with more than £1 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), aims to recruit 70 patients with ICI-induced arthritis across multiple centers in the UK. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either standard care – initial treatment with prednisolone, a type of steroid – or adalimumab injections every two weeks. The research is supported by the NIHR UK Musculoskeletal Translational Research Collaboration and the NIHR/Wellcome Trust Birmingham Clinical Research Facility.

For Smith, the results have been transformative. “It’s been a godsend,” she says. “My pain has eased, I can walk, I’ve returned to work, I can even wear heels again! My quality of life is back to what it was before.” While she still experiences mild aches before her next dose, the improvement has been dramatic. She shares her journey on Instagram (@one_eye_survivor_living_life) to inspire others facing similar challenges.

The trial isn’t just about symptom relief; it’s about optimizing cancer treatment. Researchers will monitor participants for up to a year, comparing arthritis activity, quality of life, the amount of immunosuppressive drugs needed, the number of missed immunotherapy doses, new immune-related side effects, cancer outcomes, and overall survival. Treatments will be adjusted as needed to control arthritis symptoms, with the goal of minimizing steroid leverage.

Looking Ahead: Improving Cancer Care Through Collaborative Research

The REACT trial is being conducted at the University of Birmingham’s Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU), a globally recognized center for innovative research in both cancer and inflammatory diseases. The trial is scheduled to run until August 2028. The findings from this study could significantly impact how immunotherapy-related arthritis is managed, potentially allowing more patients to continue their cancer treatment without debilitating side effects.

As Smith emphasizes, trials like REACT offer more than just potential medical benefits. “Trials like this give people hope – and that’s priceless,” she says. “Don’t lose hope. Cancer and its side effects aren’t the finish of the world. If you get the chance to join a trial, take it. It might change your life – it’s certainly changed mine.”

The results of the REACT trial are eagerly anticipated by the medical community and cancer patients alike. Further research will be crucial to refine treatment strategies and personalize care for individuals experiencing immune-related adverse events during cancer immunotherapy.

Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

What are your thoughts on the challenges of immunotherapy side effects? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.