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Physics of the Human Body

Physics of the Human Body

Richard Ingebretsen 19 Episodes Feb 17, 2026

This podcast comes from the University of Utah Department of Physics and Astronomy and explores how physics governs everyday functions of the human body. Episodes cover topics such as blood pressure, running, vision, breathing, and hearing. It also explains the physics behind strokes, blisters, sunscreen, and diseases. Richard Ingebretsen, MD, PhD, guides listeners through how physical principles help operate our bodies.

Episodes

Heat, Work and the Human Body
Heat, Work and the Human Body Feb 17, 2026 262 In this episode, Dr. Kevin Davenport discusses the human body as a living energy system—breaking down how heat and work drive everything from movement and metabolism to survival itself.
Under Pressure
Under Pressure Aug 19, 2024 731 From a hiatal hernia to varicose veins, pressure abnormalities can cause havoc in our bodies. 
Those Electrons We Eat
Those Electrons We Eat Aug 19, 2024 1353 When was the last time you went shopping to buy electrons at the food store?  Well, it was the last time you shopped.  Listen to find out how our body extracts energy from electrons,. It is after all our metabolism.
Born to Run
Born to Run Aug 19, 2024 1139 From the University of Utah's Department of Biology comes the incredible idea that humans's evolved to stand up right in large part to breathe better, so we can run a long, long time.   They said, "We are born to run." 
Walking - The Physics of Moving Our Legs
Walking - The Physics of Moving Our Legs Aug 19, 2024 598 It is the first milestone of our lives - when we walk.  It is healthy? Is walking faster better?   How do we determine our maximum speed?  All this and more in this podcast on moving. 
Physics, Bones and Trauma
Physics, Bones and Trauma Aug 19, 2024 821 No question that the faster you are going, the more likely you are to get injured.  But what most people don't know, it is how quickly you stop that really matters.  It is all in the physics of trauma. 
Arches and the Physics of Foot Pain
Arches and the Physics of Foot Pain Aug 15, 2024 882 Do you feet hurt after standing or walking?  Do they hurt when running?  The problem is likely how forces are being  unevenly distributed in your feet.  Listen as Dr. Richard Ingebretsen helps us know the physics of foot pain.
Knee Pain - The Physics That Causes Our Knees to Hurt.
Knee Pain - The Physics That Causes Our Knees to Hurt. Aug 15, 2024 1047 Do your knees hurts after doing squats?  Did you have knee pain after running?  All of this is explained by the physics surrounding our knees. 
The Physics Behind Back Pain
The Physics Behind Back Pain Aug 15, 2024 1101 Your back is sore and it's not the first time!   While many things can cause pain in the neck and lower back, in the end the laws of physics play a major role.  Listen and find out how. 
Friction and the Cause of Joint,Tendon and Muscle Pain
Friction and the Cause of Joint,Tendon and Muscle Pain Aug 15, 2024 1099 You hike and the outside of the knee hurts, you play tennis and the outside of your elbow hurts, and sometimes you have pain on the inside of the knee.  What do all of these have in common?  Friction!  This podcast talks about how friction causes pain in our tendons,  muscles and joints.  
The Physics of Blisters
The Physics of Blisters Aug 14, 2024 1223 What role does physics play in the creation of a blister?  Well, it is everything. Listen in as we learn how to prevent blisters by understanding physics. 
How the Body Detects Acceleration: Vertigo and Newton's Laws
How the Body Detects Acceleration: Vertigo and Newton's Laws Aug 14, 2024 808 What do vertigo and acceleration have in common?  How do Newton's laws help  the human body locate itself in space? Listen as Dr. Richard Ingebretsen talks about a very common illness caused by the laws of physics. 

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