Researchers led by a University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine team offer highly compelling evidence that an elegant, nature-inspired solution lies in ultra-tiny, bubble-like structures called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). These metabolic messengers refined over millions of years of evolution carry RNA – a nucleic acid that is a chemical cousin of DNA – and other molecules between cells. In a nutshell, the research team’s new findings show that not all sEVs are alike: their cell of origin determines where they travel, with certain vesicles naturally targeting specific tissues in the body. 

In a clinical trial, researchers studied how aerobic exercise shapes the biology of stress. The study showed that adults who engaged in the American Heart Association’s recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week for a year significantly reduced cortisol, which is a major stress hormone. Lowering cortisol may help protect against heart disease, as well as improve sleep and mood. Results from this clinical trial highlight the importance of physical activity for stress and health.