Re-watch this meeting below:

 

 

Thursday 27 August, 15:00 – 16:00 BST

 

Organised by Mike Tipton, University of Portsmouth, UK and Carolyn Greig, University of Birmingham, UK

 

The basic responses of animals to their environment can be changed by alterations in cognitive function. The first major organ to be deleteriously affected by hyperthermia, hypoxia and hypothermia is the brain: as a result, memory and decision making are impaired and risk-taking behaviour increases, often resulting in greater physiological strain. Changes in cognitive function, as a result of the physiological responses to extreme environments, are often ignored by physiologists because they are “not physiology” or “too difficult”. However, not only are the changes in cognitive function caused by changes in the physiology of the body, they are part of an important loop that can go on to worsen and threaten the physiological state of the body.

 

It follows that physiologists should include the investigation of the impact of their interventions on the “cognitive physiology” of the brain, in the same way as they would the function of the heart, liver or muscles. In this webinar, Joe Costello (University of Portsmouth, UK) and Matt Wilkes (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and University of Portsmouth, UK):

 

1. Highlighted the strategic and scientific importance to physiology and physiologists of considering the “cognitive physiology” associated with different interventions.
2. Considered the best methods for assessing cognitive function in different conditions.
3. Described independent original research work:i.  Investigating the mechanisms responsible for the decline in cognitive performance following acute exposure to hypoxia
   ii. Discussed how to address complex applied problems like the prevention of accidents in paragliding