Explore how our physiology allows us to visit other worlds, climb the highest mountains and swim in Arctic waters at the University of Portsmouth next month.
The 'Extreme Environmental Physiology: Life at the Limits' conference, organised by The Physiological Society and endorsed by the British Association of Sports and Exercise Sciences (BASES), runs from 2 to 4 September in the University's Portland and Richmond buildings.
The conference is a celebration of cutting edge research investigating the physiological responses to extreme environments, both on earth and in space, in animals and humans. Over the three days, sessions will explore themes such as how do we improve the performance of athletes, learn from other animals and help patients survive against all the odds?
Professor Mike Tipton MBE, Professor of Human and Applied Physiology and organiser of the conference: said: "Extreme Environmental Physiology (EEP) research continues to examine the responses of humans to environmental stressors such as heat, cold and altitude; these remain important areas in themselves with, for example, at least 1,000 people dying from drowning every day around the planet.
"But EEP research is now also providing insights into a wide range of other conditions such as responses to hypoxia in intensive care; ageing; peripheral vascular disease; osteoporosis; and debilitation caused by bed rest in critical care patients.
"In addition, as we take greater and greater control of our environment through technology, it is becoming increasingly apparent that we need to challenge our basic bodily control mechanisms in order to remain functional. At one time we did this naturally by exercise and exposure to the natural world, now we have to employ thermal therapies for a wide range of physiological and mental health pathologies, from microvascular function through autonomic function to depression."
The conference is open to researchers at all career stages, with an interest in extreme environmental physiology and its many applications. It will be an opportunity to meet other researchers in similar fields, make new connections and hear from international experts.
To book your place, register here.
