A packed auditorium saw Sir Paul Nurse and Denis Noble give talks on the continuing importance of physiology.
Paul Nurse opened the Congress, saying “Physiology, for me, is crucial for biology.” He covered morse code, Shakespeare, John Harrison’s clock and spatial order to engage over three thousand delegates from around the world. His message was simple: we are complex. We must appreciate information flow. We must be optimistic. We must utilise the thinking of systems biologists. And we must venture beyond common-sense into the stranger world experienced by our colleagues in physics.
Denis Noble showed us how physiology is rocking the foundations of evolutionary biology. He asked if the concept of a gene has changed, discussed important consequences for healthcare and demonstrated how ‘selfishness’ is not a testable hypothesis. He inspired with his method to unravel complexity by working in an integrative way at all levels.
The delegates were left thirsty for more physiology, as well as for a cold drink at the welcome reception.
Here’s to a fantastic week of science ahead! Watch some of the biggest names in physiology live at: www.iups2013.org/webcast