Robert Menzies
University of Edinburgh, UK

https://doi.org/10.36866/pn.112.20

26 May 2018, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK

The Experimental Models in Physiology meeting at the University of Exeter was a truly unique event. Over the course of these few days I learned not only from speakers within my field of cardiovascular and renal (patho)physiology but from many other physiologists investigating models and mechanisms that were thought-provoking and entertaining, sometimes giving me cause to ponder my own research questions with a fresh perspective.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the insights I gleaned from this unique conference:

• Stuart Egginton gave us an honest account of the challenges you will be confronted with should you be planning to measure heart rate variability in fish in the coldest oceans on the planet. I can hardly imagine transporting my equipment by land for any great distance, let alone an entire lab across an ice ocean. Did you know that Antarctic icefish are so adapted to the cold that their hearts cannot function above ~15°C? Now you do.
• Some adults have holes in their necks, and guess what – it’s all the fault of our internal fish. Anthony Graham shared his fascinating studies into Hox control of the fish ‘neck’, orgill-area, I suppose. I found myself checking my neck, wondering if my darned Hox genes had been doing the right thing all those years ago when my preterm-self realised I wouldn’t be spending forever underwater. Thanks to developmental biology for closing the right parts!
• This one was a visual treat: the magnificent madness of insect flight. Simon Walker has been developing some stunning X-ray approaches with the Swiss Light Source to capture insect flight in real-time. It was interesting to ponder other applications of his technology, but honestly it was all just so enjoyable to take in:

‘At conferences, I rarely have the chance to learn about something completely outside my field, let alone something hugely enjoyable and mind expanding. Simon Walker’s @ThePhySoc #experimentalmodels talk on insect flight was just that!’ bit.ly/2vm2pe1

• We learned about ‘Frankenstein’ computational models and that increasingly trodden path that binds mathematics with biology from Jeroen Jeneson and Emily Roashan. Can a biologist construct a radio? Do our parameters really matter when modelling with 10 –100x range in our sensitivity analysis? Is life all differential equations? If your answers are ‘yes’ then great – let’s talk.

All of this was in a beautiful setting of green, fresh air and walkability. There were sculptures and beautifully kept gardens. It was a real treat to wake up early and run in the sun. The social calendar was also importantly thought through to ensure folks actually had the time to meet, chat and reflect on each other’s work.

I was surprised to hear many attendees state ‘I’m not a physiologist, but…’ before sharing their work which was almost always centred in physiology or pathophysiology. Maybe we need to reflect more on the vital role that physiology plays in our respective research. We’re clearly all working in this area and have the support of a truly active and vibrant Society right on our scientific doorsteps!