research projects in physiology

Research in physiology

Discovering new treatments to fight disease and improving lifelong health is at the heart of research. Physiologists investigate every aspect of the way that human and other bodies function, and how various parts of the body work together.

Research areas you could pursue

You can really let your passion lead the way in choosing what you study – whether it is whole organs, such as the kidney and the lungs, or body systems such as the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Reproduction, ageing, respiration, neuroscience, genetics, cell signalling, exercise and extreme environments such as space are just some of the areas where research is growing. Use the links below to find out more and get inspired by the scientists making valuable contributions to their fields.

Reproduction and development

Impact of exercise on health

Microbiomes in the gut

Respiration and lung function

Sleep science

Extreme environments

Space survival

Conservation of life

Where do researchers work.

Research scientists work in universities, research institutions and hospitals all over the world. Researchers also work within industry at pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms.

Get inspired!

Gülşen Sürmeli

Gulsen Surmeli is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow at the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Her research looks at how long-term memory is generated and maintained.

Jade Bearham

Jade Bearham is a PhD student (partnered with AstraZeneca) at St. George’s, University of London, UK. She talks about her research studying glucose in the airways to help people with cystic fibrosis and diabetes.

Sogol Salamipour

Sogol Salamipour is a PhD student at King’s College London, UK, where she studies the vaginal epithelium with an aim to develop clinical applications to stop women delivering babies too early.

To find out more about specialising in this area visit our reproduction and development section .

Kasope Lucy Wolffs

Kasope Lucy Wolffs is a Research Assistant at Cardiff University, UK. She discusses how the study of physiology has led her to the research of lung diseases.

To find out more about specialising in this area visit our respiration and lung function section .

Yousef Alqurashi

Yousef Alqurashi is a Respiratory Therapist and PhD student at Imperial College London conducting sleep research.

To find out more about specialising in this area visit our sleep and circadian rhythms section .

Bradley Elliot

Bradley Elliot runs the Translational Physiology Group at the University of Westminster, UK. His research focuses on how the external environment (diet, exercise etc) affects the internal physiology with a particular interest in healthy ageing.

To find out more about specialising in this area visit our impact of exercise on health section .

How do I get involved in research?

An undergraduate degree in any life science subject (including physiology, biomedicine, medicine, sports science, neuroscience, genetics etc.) will open the door to a career in physiology research.

Following your degree, you will most likely have to undertake further study, particularly if you wish to purse a research career within a university (i.e. academic research).

The graphic below shows how a career in research could advance after an undergraduate degree.

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is essential for a career in academic research. This involves a substantial research project, typically 3-4 years in length, and training in scientific as well as transferable skills. These are usually fully funded by Research Councils, charities or  industry . It is also possible to move between academia and industry several times in a career.

Graduates often complete a MSc (Master of Science) before undertaking a PhD in order to develop a greater understanding of a particular scientific area. This will give them a better grounding and make them more competitive for PhD positions.

Physiology Careers Booklet

Our new careers booklet, Understanding Life , is now available online and to order in print.

Aimed at undergraduates and 16-19 year-olds, this resource is an update of an earlier version and showcases some of the latest and most exciting areas of physiological research, reflecting the evolving nature of this discipline and why we study it. By continuing to develop our understanding of normal body processes, physiology can provide useful insights into how we can maintain our health on Earth and in extreme environments such as space.

The topics covered are:

• Healthy ageing and development
• Exercise physiology
• Microbiome physiology
• Pathophysiology of asthma
• Sleep and circadian rhythms
• Life at the limits
• Space physiology
• Conservation physiology

The booklet also includes profiles of early career physiologists working in an exciting variety of research areas; these case studies illustrate the career opportunities that are open to students who graduate with physiology or a related degree.

If you would like to order any hard copies of this booklet for careers events, open days or outreach activities, please email [email protected]

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Current Research Projects

Frailty assessment tools in mice.

Frailty is highly prevalent in the elderly, increasing the risk of poor outcomes that include falls, incident disability, hospitalization, and mortality. Thus, a great need exists to characterize the underlying mechanisms and ultimately identify strategies that prevent, delay, and even reverse frailty.

Dr. Thompson’s research team pioneered the measurement of frailty with a “frailty index” in aging mice, a major advance that will help translate scientific discoveries in aging research into meaning clinical interventions.

The Skeletal Muscle Physiology lab is further developing the mouse frailty index and using the strategies to predict poor health outcomes in mice. The frailty index is being used to provide insight into physiologic mechanisms underlying frailty.

Identifying the mechanisms underlying muscle dysfunction with aging

Sarcopenia is characterized by the complete loss of muscle fibers; atrophy and weakening of remaining muscle fibers; and degeneration of neuromuscular junctions. Age-related loss of muscle mass and function is found in all vertebrates; however, our understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of sarcopenia is still poorly understood.

Dr. Thompson’s research team was one of the first to fully characterize age-related changes in contractility by muscle-type and single-fiber type, to demonstrate age-related changes in protein structure and function , to identify protein expressions alterations , and to show it is possible to reverse age-related muscle dysfunction.

The Skeletal Muscle Physiology lab seeks to reveal the role of protein translation of key muscle proteins with age.

The role of senescence in age-related muscle weakness

While cellular senescence is widely believed to play some role in aging and in many of the diseases associated with aging, there has been little interest in the possibility that senescence could play a role in sarcopenia. In fact, skeletal muscle fibers are terminally differentiated post-mitotic cells. Interestingly, there are other cell types (e.g., fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes), which are known to accumulate in muscle tissue with age, and have been shown to exhibit senescence. Hence, it is possible that these cell types within skeletal muscle tissue trigger an inflammatory response leading to muscle contractility dysfunction.

The Skeletal Muscle Physiology lab is investigating biomarkers of senescence within skeletal muscle.

Multiple training positions in skeletal muscle research are available on our research team. Postdoctoral, Ph.D. students, and undergraduates interested in working with the Skeletal Muscle Physiology Lab should contact Dr. LaDora V. Thompson directly at [email protected].

218 Anatomy & Physiology Topics to Research

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Anatomy and physiology research topics delve into the detailed exploration and explanation of the structure and function of biological systems. They include studies on cellular processes, tissue structures, organ functions, and system interactions in various life forms. Key themes encompass neurophysiology, cardiovascular dynamics, endocrinology, musculoskeletal anatomy, respiratory physiology, and digestive mechanisms. Advanced subjects include genetic influences on anatomy, the impact of disease and aging on physiological function, and the role of modern imaging techniques in anatomical research. The research also focuses on comparative and evolutionary aspects of anatomy and physiology, opening new frontiers in understanding life processes. Hence, anatomy and physiology research topics enhance human health and animal welfare, contributing to biological knowledge.

Best Anatomy and Physiology Research Topics

• Exploring the Biological Clock: Impact on Human Behavior and Health
• The Mysteries of Human Memory: A Neurophysiological Approach
• Roles of Microglia in Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Physiology of Aging: Unveiling the Cellular Mechanisms
• Effects of Physical Exercise on Cardiovascular Health
• Science Behind Muscle Hypertrophy: Physiology and Adaptation
• Interlinkages between Gut Microbiota and Human Health
• Nutrition and Digestive System: Impact on Overall Health
• The Incredible Journey of Red Blood Cells in the Human Body
• Unveiling the Secrets of the Human Brain: Neuroanatomy Insights
• Skeletal System Disorders: Causes, Implications, and Treatment
• Investigating the Interplay Between Hormones and Human Emotions
• Impacts of Chronic Stress on Physical Health
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Its Role in Metabolic Disorders
• Endocrine System and Homeostasis: An Essential Balance
• The Human Eye: Unraveling the Complexity of Vision Mechanisms
• Unpacking the Biochemistry of Human Metabolism
• Intricate Design of the Human Nervous System: An In-Depth Study
• Respiratory System: Understanding Its Efficiency and Limitations
• The Complex Dynamics of the Renal System and Electrolyte Balance
• Human Reproductive System: A Focus on Fertility Issues
• Roles of Autophagy in Cellular Health and Disease
• The Biomechanics of Human Movement: A Detailed Analysis
• Skin: The Body’s Protective Barrier and Its Roles

Easy Anatomy and Physiology Research Topics

• Physiology of Pain: Perception, Pathways, and Management
• Investigation into the Lymphatic System: The Body’s Silent Guardian
• Maternal-Fetal Exchange: Exploring the Placenta’s Role
• Effects of Space Travel on Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Alcohol and Its Impact on Liver Function: A Detailed Examination
• Vascular System Adaptation during Exercise: An In-Depth Analysis
• Tackling Obesity: Unraveling the Role of Leptin and Ghrelin
• Analyzing the Physiology of High Altitude Adaptation
• Understanding the Biochemistry of Hair and Nail Growth
• Exploring the Endocannabinoid System and Its Physiological Roles
• How Does the Body Respond to Hypoxia?
• The Human Ear: Deep Dive Into the Mechanism of Hearing
• A Comprehensive Analysis of Human Reflexes and Reaction Times
• Telomeres and Aging: Unraveling the Connection
• Exploring the Function of Astrocytes in the Central Nervous System
• The Physiological Impact of Meditation on the Human Body
• Oxytocin: Its Role in Bonding, Birth, and Beyond
• Functions and Disorders of the Pituitary Gland: An Overview
• Study on the Neurobiology of Addiction
• Understanding Somatic vs. Germ-Line Mutations: Implications for Human Health

Interesting Anatomy and Physiology Research Topics

• Nitric Oxide in the Body: A Potent Messenger Molecule
• Insights Into the Physiology of Human Growth and Development
• The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems: A Comparative Study
• Roles of Adipose Tissue Beyond Energy Storage: A Detailed Review
• Unraveling the Complexities of the Human Vocal Apparatus
• Investigating the Role of Antioxidants in Cellular Health
• Delving Into the Intricacies of Bone Remodeling
• The Influence of Temperature on Human Physiology
• The Role of Probiotics in Gut Health: An Exploration
• Hemostasis and Thrombosis: Understanding the Delicate Balance
• A Look Into the Biological Mechanisms of Fever Response
• Human Microbiome: Understanding Its Impact on Health and Disease
• Physiology of Human Hydration and Dehydration
• Dissecting the Biochemical Pathways of Drug Metabolism
• Anatomy of the Human Foot: Exploring Its Complex Structure
• Implications of the HPA Axis Dysregulation in Stress-Related Disorders
• Unfolding the Mysterious Mechanisms of Wound Healing
• Analyzing the Intricacies of the Blood-Brain Barrier
• Genetic and Environmental Influence on Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Delving Into the Mysteries of Human Taste and Smell
• Decoding the Human Genetic Code: Implications for Health and Disease

Anatomy Research Topics for High School

• Exploring the Neurological Basis of Human Memory
• Significance of Blood Types and Transfusion Compatibility
• Roles of the Endocrine System in Human Mood Regulation
• Anatomical Differences and Similarities Between Primates and Humans
• Heart’s Electrophysiology: Understanding the Cardiac Cycle
• Evolution and Function of the Human Vestigial Structures
• The Effect of Exercise on Lung Capacity
• Effects of Aging on Bone Density and Strength
• Sleep’s Impact on Cognitive Function: A Neurological Analysis
• Autonomic Nervous System and Its Role in Body’s Homeostasis
• Examining the Mechanisms of Pain Perception
• Lymphatic System’s Functionality in Immune Response
• Understanding the Digestive System: From Ingestion to Excretion
• Roles of Hormones in Adolescent Body Changes
• Detailed Analysis of the Human Olfactory System
• Human Skin: More Than Just a Covering
• Photoreception in Humans: Decoding the Visual System
• Muscle Fiber Types: Their Role in Exercise and Movement
• Genetics and Human Eye Color Variation
• Cellular Process of Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review

Physiology Research Topics for High School

• Importance of the Circadian Rhythm in Health and Disease
• Relationship Between Diet, Metabolism, and Body Weight
• Roles of ATP in Energy Transfer Within Cells
• Function and Structure of the Human Ear
• Cardiovascular System’s Role in Maintaining Homeostasis
• The Genetic Basis of Inherited Metabolic Disorders
• Analyzing the Structure of the Human Spinal Cord
• Decoding the Function of the Hypothalamus in Hormone Regulation
• Evolutionary Significance of Bipedalism in Humans
• Interactions Between the Nervous and Muscular Systems
• Roles of Neurons in Transmitting Signals Across the Body
• Links Between Hydration and Kidney Function
• Understanding the Biological Clock and Its Impact on Sleep
• Mechanisms of Human Growth and Development
• Influence of Stress on the Human Immune System
• Examining the Complexity of the Human Hand’s Anatomy
• Investigating the Biological Processes of Aging
• Roles of Blood in Nutrient and Oxygen Transport
• Anatomy of the Human Eye and Vision Disorders
• Functions and Disorders of the Human Immune System
• Understanding the Body’s Electrolyte Balance and Its Importance

Anatomy Research Topics for College Students

• Exploring the Complexities of the Human Immune System
• Decoding the Structure and Function of the Human Brain
• Assessing the Physiological Impact of Stress on the Cardiovascular System
• Roles of DNA and RNA in Cell Division and Growth
• Chronic Diseases: The Impact on Organ Functioning and Structure
• The Role of Gut Microbiota in Digestion and Overall Health
• Understanding the Reproductive System: An In-Depth Study on Fertility
• Importance of Nutrition in Muscle Growth and Regeneration
• Neurobiology of Sleep: Examining Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Disorders
• Exercise Physiology: Impact of Physical Activity on the Human Body
• Sensory Systems: Unraveling the Mechanics of Perception and Response
• Roles of the Endocrine System in Homeostasis and Stress Response
• Anatomy of Aging: Physical and Physiological Changes in Elderly Individuals
• Regenerative Capabilities of Different Tissue Types in the Human Body
• Mapping the Human Genome: Implications for Disease Susceptibility
• Human Metabolism: Understanding Energy Production and Consumption
• Molecular Mechanisms in Cancer Development and Progression
• Intricacies of Wound Healing: A Cellular and Molecular Perspective
• How Does the Respiratory System Respond to High Altitude Conditions?
• Obesity: Effects on the Cardiovascular and Digestive Systems
• Uncovering the Secrets of the Human Microbiome
• Bone Density and Osteoporosis: A Closer Look at Bone Physiology
• Hematopoiesis Process: Understanding Blood Cell Formation and Maturation
• Neurotransmitters and Their Role in Human Behavior and Emotions
• Lymphatic System: Understanding Its Role in Immunity and Disease

Physiology Research Topics for College Students

• Thermoregulation in the Human Body: A Detailed Examination
• Physiology of Vision: How Does the Eye Interpret Light and Color?
• Roles of Hormones in Human Growth and Development
• Functions and Disorders of the Nervous System
• Prenatal Development: Tracing the Journey From Fertilization to Birth
• Roles of Neurons in Memory Formation and Retrieval
• Physiology of Pain: Understanding Pain Perception and Response
• Genetic Disorders: Impact on Organ Functioning and Anatomy
• Influence of Diet on Gut Health and Digestion
• Study of the Skin: Anatomy, Function, and Related Disorders
• Exploration of the Role of Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration
• Roles of Proteins in Cell Structure and Function
• Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction: Implications for Health and Disease
• The Human Heart: Anatomical Structure and Physiological Function
• Physiology of Fear and Anxiety: A Neurological Examination
• Respiratory Physiology: Gas Exchange and Breathing Mechanics
• Pathophysiology of Diabetes: An In-Depth Study
• The Liver: Understanding Its Functions and Related Diseases
• Understanding the Genetics of Human Height
• Vestibular System: Examining Balance and Spatial Orientation
• Roles of Glial Cells in the Human Nervous System
• Study of Connective Tissue: Structure, Function, and Disorders
• The Impact of Dehydration on Human Physiological Function
• Investigating the Causes and Consequences of Inflammation in the Body

Anatomy Research Topics for University Students

• Exploring the Biochemical Processes of Digestion in Humans
• The Physiological Impacts of Long-Term Space Travel on the Human Body
• Unraveling the Mystery of Human Memory: Anatomical and Physiological Aspects
• Examining the Role of Circadian Rhythms in Human Physiology
• Human Cardiovascular System: A Detailed Examination of Heart Functions
• Implications of the Human Nervous System on Cognitive and Sensory Functions
• Researching the Influence of Hormones on Behavior and Mood
• Effects of Aging on Muscular Strength and Bone Density
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Its Role in Degenerative Diseases
• Understanding the Physiology of Pain: The Role of Nociceptors
• How Neurons Communicate: An Investigation Into Synaptic Transmission
• Lymphatic System and Its Crucial Role in Immunity
• Comparative Study on Human and Animal Respiratory Systems
• Relationship Between Physical Activity and Metabolic Rate: A Physiological Perspective
• Cellular Regeneration: An In-Depth Look Into Stem Cell Biology
• Physiological Adaptations in Animals Living in Extreme Environments
• Sensory System of Insects: A Comparative Study to Human Physiology
• Autonomic Nervous System: The Interface Between Emotional States and Physiology
• The Complexity of the Endocrine System: A Focus on Hormonal Regulation
• Functions and Mechanisms of the Human Reproductive System

Physiology Research Topics for University Students

• Roles of Glial Cells in Neurological Health and Disease
• Importance of pH Balance in the Human Body and Its Regulation
• Genetic Disorders and Their Impact on Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Renal Physiology: A Comprehensive Study of Kidney Functions
• Mechanisms of Thermoregulation in Homeothermic Animals
• Unveiling the Intricacies of the Human Visual System
• How Does the Auditory System Decode Sound Waves Into Information?
• Physiology of Taste: Understanding the Mechanisms of Flavor Perception
• Examining the Physiological Responses to Hypoxia
• Skeletal System: An Investigation Into Bone Growth and Development
• The Role of the Liver in Metabolism and Detoxification
• Unpacking the Physiological Impacts of Chronic Stress on the Body
• Impacts of Nutrition on Human Growth and Development
• Telomeres and Aging: An In-Depth Analysis
• The Molecular Mechanisms Behind Muscle Contraction
• Understanding the Biological Clock: An Overview of Chronobiology
• Olfactory System: Decoding the Physiology of Smell Perception
• The Interplay Between the Digestive System and Microbiome Health
• Comparative Analysis of Bird and Mammal Cardiovascular Systems
• Effects of High Altitude on Human Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems
• Investigation into the Physiological Adaptations of Deep-Sea Creatures

Anatomy & Physiology Project Ideas

• Exploring the Biological Clock: Understanding Circadian Rhythms
• Human Brain Plasticity: Neurogenesis and Learning
• Lung Capacity Differences: Factors Influencing Breathing Volume
• Investigating the Blood-Brain Barrier: Nature’s Biochemical Shield
• Unlocking Autophagy: The Body’s Recycling System
• Muscles and Movements: Kinetics of Human Motion
• Impacts of Nutrition on Bone Health: A Calcium Study
• Mystery of Sleep: Impact of REM and Non-REM Stages
• Cardiovascular Fitness: Exploring Heart Rate and Exercise
• Digestive System Efficiency: The Science Behind Metabolism
• Pain Perception: Understanding Neural Pathways
• Vision Variations: How Does Light Affect Sight?
• Studying Skin: The Human Body’s Largest Organ
• Hormones and Emotions: Impact on Human Behavior
• Lymphatic System: Body’s Silent Defender Against Diseases
• Roles of Enzymes: Catalysts in Digestion
• Fascinating Nervous System: Synapses and Signaling
• Human Microbiome: Impact on Health and Disease
• Taste and Smell: Exploring Sensory Perception
• Aging and Physiology: Changes in Organ Function Over Time
• Power of Regeneration: Comparative Study Between Species
• Endocrine System: The Influence of Hormones on Growth and Development

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Laboratory Experiences in Human Physiology

Undergraduate Experiences in Human Physiology Laboratory: Biology 256L

The Biology 256 Fundamentals of Human Physiology Laboratory course complements the Biology 256 lecture course and was designed to provide students with hands-on access to modern techniques in human physiological analyses using the course-based research pedagogical approach. In this course, students will learn how to perform literature searches; generate research questions and hypotheses; design experiments; collect, analyze, visualize and interpret data; and present scientific findings to others. Students gain scientific process skills by conducting experiments and/or clinical investigations each week. Around midterm, students write a series of short research proposals. The best proposal is orally presented to the class and peer reviewed in preparation for a final, original experiment. During the last week of class, findings from the student research projects are presented to the class. 

The Biol 256L curriculum offers a high-impact human physiology experience that fosters the critical thinking skills required to be a successful citizen in a modern world filled with misinformation. This goal is achieved by:

• Creating a learning environment that relies on collaborative work and emphasizes communication among staff and peers.
• Placing emphasis on collaborative assignments where students participate in experiments as experimenters and subjects.
• Focusing on course-based undergraduate research (CURE) where the literature may not be conclusive on physiological outcomes of experiments. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop the skills necessary to examine and interpret issues related to human physiology from an evidence-based perspective.
• Synthesize ideas to make connections between the knowledge of anatomy, physiology and real-world problems involving human health and medicine. 

Learning Goals:          

• Learn how to use common tools and procedures of a physiology laboratory, including how to use data collection hardware and analysis software.   
• Understand how to make accurate measurements of physiological phenomena, including determining sources of error.
• Use knowledge of physiology concepts from lecture and the scientific method to propose, hypothesize about, and design experiments to test physiological phenomena.  
• Apply knowledge of graphs and charts to visually represent data.
• Write and make presentations about experimental conclusions using appropriate physiological terminology. 

Biology 256 Course Modules:

Course modules are delivered online in Canvas. Each Canvas module contains a pre-lab quiz and lab report. 

Module 1: Introduction to experimental methods in human physiology research. Homework assignment: obtaining credible information from literature searches. 

Module 2: Introduction to iWorx & LabScribe. Homework assignment: statistical analysis of human body temperature.Module 3: Properties of blood. Homework assignment: data analysis & visualization.

Module 4: Effects of temperature on peripheral blood oxygen saturation determined by pulse oximetry. 

Module 5: Clinical techniques: performing the neurological assessment.

Module 6: Factors affecting reflex times of the Achilles and patellar stretch reflexes. 

Module 7: Human nerve conduction: the nerve conduction velocity test and variables affecting conduction. 

Module 8: Auditory and visual pathways and reaction times. Homework: research proposal 1. 

Module 9: Electromyography (EMG) of voluntary muscle movement. Homework: research proposal 2.

Module 10: Reading the electrocardiogram (ECG) and correlation with heart sounds. Homework: research proposal 3.

Module 11: Breathing and gravity: factors affecting lung volumes.

Module 12: Modern uses of electrooculography (EOG) and eye tracking technologies. Homework: develop oral proposal presentation. 

During the last three weeks of the course, students present final research proposals for peer review, conduct their original experiments, and present the final experimental results. 

Undergraduate Experiences in Human Physiology Laboratory: BIOLOGY 491 Undergraduate Teaching Assistantship

Motivated students who are high-achieving in Biology 256L may apply for Biology 491 to be an undergraduate teaching assistant in the physiology laboratory. Please contact Aron Nakama, [email protected] , for more information. 

Fundamentals of Human Physiology: Honors Component

The honors project for the BIOL 256 lecture course consists of a clinical and experimental techniques in physiology discussion group that meets 4-5 times before students make a choice to proceed with one of three possible projects in the physiology laboratory: 1.) electrooculogram (EOG) communication assistive device design challenge; 2.) a human nerve conduction velocity (NCV) experiment; or 3.) a prosthetic arm design challenge. Students meet for an hour once a week to discuss the techniques and fundamental physiological theory that are pertinent to each project. After a project is selected, students meet in the laboratory for several weeks to learn laboratory techniques, research and design assistive devices, develop experimental protocols, and conduct experiments or test prototypes. Summative meetings or lab sessions will be held to write the final project findings as a lab report.

Students will share the results of their project as a lab report detailing experimental and/or engineering design protocols required to complete the project and final outcomes of the project. The report will highlight the iterations of the project design and how testing of prototypes resulted in the final outcome(s). Finally, the lab report will include relevant background research and potential future work on the project.

Week 1: one hour meeting (introductory)

Week 2: one hour meeting (EOG)

Week 3: one hour meeting (NCV test)

Week 4: one hour meeting (prosthetics)

Week 5: laboratory meeting 1 (introduction to data collection)

Week 6: laboratory meeting 2 (experimental methods)

Week 7: laboratory meeting 3 (experimental methods/prototype testing)

Week 8: laboratory meeting 4 (prototype testing)

Week 9: summative laboratory meeting

Week 10: final report due

Honors 290: Build a 3D-Printable Prosthetic Device  &  BIOL 499: Bionics Research

All engineering is about solving societal needs through design, but rarely is the societal need so visceral, life or death, or impactful on the human condition as the frontiers of biomedical engineering. As the world enters into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a time when emerging technologies blur the boundaries of the physical, digital and biological, and as both the world’s human population and the average human lifespan continue to increase, engineering of personalized healthcare will be at the forefront of the next-generation innovations. 

One challenge facing biomedical engineers is the existence of major health disparities in the United States and globally. Health disparities are “the preventable differences in the incidence, prevalence and burden of disease” (Vazquez 2018) among communities targeted by gender, age, geographic location, race, ethnicity or socio-economic status. The biomedical engineer is in key position to explore new paradigms and innovate technologies that reduce disparities in access to healthcare resources, particularly through individualizing healthcare for communities or individuals.

The 3D-printing community has made substantial progress in reducing the costs and wait time associated with the acquisition of the traditional prosthetic device, making prosthetics affordable and available across socioeconomic boundaries. The surge in interest in democratizing prosthetics through 3D-printing has led to a symbiotic burst of creativity in prosthetic design and vast opportunity for social entrepreneurship. In this group project led by Dr. Haen Whitmer, honors students will learn about 3D printing methods and will build a body-powered prosthetic hand. Basic neurophysiology concepts will be reviewed at the start of the project. Previous biomedical engineering experience is not required. 

Biology 255 Fundamentals of Human Anatomy Honors Component: Neuroimaging

The honors component for BIOL 255 centers on utilizing fundamental human anatomy and physiology principles to explore clinical lab techniques relating to central nervous system disorders. The honors project consists of learning background fundamentals and clinical techniques in a discussion group that meets 4-5 times before students start laboratory work providing hands on practice using the technique. Summative meetings or lab sessions will be held to write a final lab report.

Students will share the results of their project as a lab report detailing the clinical protocols. The lab report will detail sufficient information about the technique so that other students may accurately use it in a practice diagnostic setting. The lab report will include relevant background research and potential future work using the technique.

Course timeline 2021

Week 1:  introduction to neural cells and their functions

Week 2: synaptic functioning

Week 3: activation of skeletal muscle

Week 4: neuromuscular disease

Week 5: methods for recording neural activity

Week 6: methods for recording neural activity 2

Week 7: EEG setup 

Week 8-10: EEG analysis 

Pre-College Outreach:

The Human Anatomy & Physiology laboratories host a range of exceptional pre-college students for experimental and exploratory work during the summer session.

OPPTAG (Retired Program)

Course: Introduction to the Human Body & Neuroengineering

Course location: 1233 Bessey Hall Laboratory

This summer course for pre-college students introduces human body structure and function. Morning sessions concentrate on developing a deeper knowledge of basic human anatomy, including learning the structure of human cells, tissues, organs and organ systems. Afternoon sessions are mostly devoted to understanding how these structures function by performing clinical measurements with laboratory-grade human physiology sensors placed on the surface of the body. This course places emphasis on engineering artificial devices for augmenting the functions of the human body, particularly neuroprosthetics and other human-computer interfaces.

Upward Bound

This course introduces human body structure and function. Sessions concentrate on developing an introductory knowledge of basic human anatomy, including learning the structure of human cells, tissues, organs and organ systems.  

Most Monday-Thursday class sessions end with a homework assignment, lab report, or written summary. On Fridays, students take an exam covering the material from that week. Exams are a combination of structure identification questions on anatomy pictures or models and short answer essay questions. During Week 4, students work on short presentations that they will present to the class on the last day. These presentations will cover an approved topic related to the previous weeks’ materials.

For more information on these courses please contact Karri Haen Whitmer at [email protected]  

Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics

This page offers a comprehensive list of anatomy and physiology research paper topics , expert advice on choosing a topic, guidance on how to write a top-notch anatomy and physiology research paper, and introduces iResearchNet’s custom writing services that can assist students in creating impeccable research work. Navigating the vast sphere of anatomy and physiology becomes less daunting with a well-chosen topic, a structured research approach, and expert guidance, all of which this resource provides. Aspiring researchers in health sciences can rely on this guide to embark on their academic journey.

100 Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics

Choosing the right research topic is vital as it sets the stage for your study. Therefore, we have carefully compiled a comprehensive list of diverse anatomy and physiology research paper topics to ignite your scientific curiosity and inspire your research.

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1. Human Anatomy

• Exploring the impact of genetic variation on human skeletal structure.
• The role of the lymphatic system in maintaining human health.
• Investigating the anatomical differences between athletes and non-athletes.
• The evolution of the human brain: A comparative study.
• Anatomical changes during pregnancy and their impact on maternal health.
• The influence of aging on muscular strength and structure.
• Understanding the anatomical basis of common congenital abnormalities.
• The anatomy of the human heart and its implication in cardiovascular diseases.
• Comparing the human digestive system to other mammals.
• Exploring the link between physical symmetry and attractiveness in humans.

2. Human Physiology

• How does sleep deprivation impact human cognitive functions?
• Understanding the physiological mechanisms of pain.
• The impact of stress on the human immune system.
• The role of gut microbiota in human health and disease.
• The physiology of wound healing and tissue regeneration.
• Understanding the physiological changes that occur during acclimatization to high altitude.
• The physiological effects of caffeine on the human body.
• Investigating the physiological basis of hunger and satiety.
• The effect of exercise on human brain function.
• Understanding the physiological basis of memory and learning.

3. Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology

• Exploring the neuroanatomical changes in Alzheimer’s disease.
• The neurophysiological basis of anxiety and depression.
• Understanding the role of mirror neurons in empathy and social cognition.
• The impact of traumatic brain injuries on neural structure and function.
• The neuroanatomy of the visual system and its role in perception.
• The neurophysiological effects of meditation and mindfulness.
• Exploring the neuroanatomical differences between males and females.
• The role of the brain’s reward system in addiction.
• Investigating the neurophysiology of sleep and dreams.
• The neuroanatomy of language and speech processing.

4. Histology

• Investigating the histological changes in diabetic patients.
• The role of histological analysis in cancer diagnosis.
• Exploring the histology of different types of skin in humans.
• The histological basis of common dermatological conditions.
• Investigating histological changes during the aging process.
• The histology of the human lung and its role in respiratory diseases.
• Understanding the histological differences between normal and cancerous tissues.
• The impact of smoking on lung histology.
• The histological characteristics of the human retina.
• The role of histology in forensic science.

5. Cellular Physiology

• Understanding the cellular physiology of cancer.
• The role of mitochondria in cell energy metabolism.
• Exploring the process of cell differentiation during development.
• Investigating the cellular physiology of neurodegenerative diseases.
• The role of cell membranes in maintaining homeostasis.
• Understanding the cellular mechanisms of apoptosis.
• The cellular physiology of the immune response.
• Exploring the impact of oxidative stress on cellular function.
• The physiological mechanisms of hormone action at the cellular level.
• Investigating the role of stem cells in tissue regeneration.

6. Pathophysiology

• Understanding the pathophysiology of asthma.
• The pathophysiological mechanisms of autoimmune diseases.
• The role of inflammation in disease pathophysiology.
• Exploring the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.
• Investigating the pathophysiological changes in heart failure.
• Understanding the pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes.
• The impact of obesity on health: a pathophysiological perspective.
• The pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock.
• Investigating the pathophysiological mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease.
• The pathophysiology of stroke and its implications for treatment.

7. Comparative Anatomy

• Comparing the skeletal systems of humans and primates.
• The evolution of the vertebrate heart: a comparative study.
• Comparative analysis of mammalian nervous systems.
• Exploring the anatomical adaptations of deep-sea creatures.
• Investigating the anatomical basis of flight in different bird species.
• Understanding the anatomical adaptations of carnivorous and herbivorous mammals.
• The anatomy of venomous animals: a comparative study.
• Comparative study of the digestive systems in ruminant and non-ruminant herbivores.
• Understanding the evolution of vision through comparative anatomy.
• Comparative study of reproductive strategies in mammals.

8. Exercise Physiology

• Understanding the physiological changes during anaerobic and aerobic exercises.
• The impact of high-intensity interval training on cardiovascular health.
• Exploring the physiology of muscle growth and development.
• Investigating the role of hydration in athletic performance.
• The effects of aging on exercise capacity and performance.
• Understanding the physiological basis of sports-related injuries.
• The physiological adaptations to endurance training.
• The role of nutrition in exercise performance and recovery.
• Exploring the psychological effects of physical exercise.
• The impact of exercise on immune function.

9. Endocrinology

• Understanding the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in stress response.
• The impact of thyroid disorders on human health.
• Exploring the endocrine regulation of metabolism.
• The role of insulin in the development of diabetes.
• Investigating the physiological effects of growth hormone.
• Understanding the endocrine control of reproduction.
• The impact of endocrine disruptors on human health.
• Exploring the role of melatonin in sleep regulation.
• The endocrinology of obesity: causes and consequences.
• Understanding the endocrine changes during menopause.

10. Developmental Anatomy (Embryology)

• Understanding the process of embryonic development in humans.
• The impact of maternal nutrition on fetal development.
• Investigating the anatomical basis of congenital heart defects.
• The role of genes in human embryonic development.
• Exploring the impact of environmental toxins on fetal development.
• Understanding the process of organogenesis.
• Investigating the embryological origin of birth defects.
• The role of the placenta in fetal development and health.
• Exploring the process of neural tube formation.
• The embryology of the human digestive system.

Each of these anatomy and physiology research paper topics allows you to delve deeper into this fascinating field, explore recent developments, and contribute new insights. We encourage you to consider your interest, available resources, and the scope of the study while choosing a topic.

How to Choose an Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topic

Embarking on a research project in the realm of anatomy and physiology can be an exciting yet daunting endeavor. Choosing an appropriate research topic is a critical step in this journey. A well-chosen topic sets the tone for your research, sparks your interest, and keeps you engaged throughout the project. Here are ten expert tips to guide you in selecting anatomy and physiology research paper topics:

• Align with Your Interests: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Research can be a lengthy and intricate process, and maintaining enthusiasm over time will be easier if you’re passionate about what you’re studying. Your interest will also shine through in your work, making it more engaging for your audience.
• Relevance to Course Material: Pick a topic that aligns with your course content. It’s essential that your research topic is relevant to your studies and enhances your understanding of the subject matter. This not only allows you to use your existing knowledge but also helps you gain a deeper comprehension of your coursework.
• Innovativeness: Consider choosing a topic that is innovative and unique. An original research question can contribute to the existing body of knowledge and possibly pave the way for future research. Be creative and bold in your choice of topic, but also ensure that it is feasible.
• Scope of the Topic: Be mindful of the scope of your topic. A broad topic can be overwhelming and challenging to manage, while a topic too narrow might limit your research. Try to strike a balance – a topic that is specific enough to be manageable, but broad enough to allow a comprehensive investigation.
• Availability of Resources: Before finalizing your topic, ensure that there are enough resources available for your research. Check if there’s sufficient literature, lab equipment, or data sets available depending on your research requirements. A topic with scarce resources might make your research challenging to execute.
• Current Relevance and Trends: Stay informed about current trends and breakthroughs in the field of anatomy and physiology. Choosing a topic that is timely and relevant can make your research more impactful. However, be cautious not to choose a passing trend that might lose relevance over time.
• Real-World Application: Opt for a topic with real-world applications. Research that can be applied to solve a problem or improve a situation can have a significant impact. It will not only make your research more appealing to your audience but also adds value to society.
• Ethical Considerations: Keep ethical considerations in mind while choosing your topic. This is especially important in anatomy and physiology, where research often involves sensitive issues. Ensure your topic adheres to ethical guidelines, respects privacy, and aims to cause no harm.
• Seek Guidance from Mentors: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from your mentors, teachers, or colleagues when choosing a topic. They have valuable experience and can provide you with guidance and insights that you might have overlooked.
• Feasibility: Finally, consider the feasibility of your topic. Considerations like the time you have to complete the research, the cost, and the practicality of the methodology are all important factors. It’s vital to select a topic that you can realistically research and complete within the constraints you have.

In conclusion, remember that choosing anatomy and physiology research paper topics is not a decision to be taken lightly. Invest time in this process, follow the tips provided, and embark on a rewarding journey of scientific exploration. Your choice of topic can set the trajectory of your research, so choose wisely and thoughtfully.

How to Write an Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper

Writing a research paper in anatomy and physiology, like any other scientific writing, requires meticulous planning, careful research, and cohesive presentation of your findings. To help you navigate this process, we present ten expert tips to guide you in writing an impactful and insightful research paper:

• Understand the Assignment: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the requirements of the assignment. Know the paper’s length, format, deadline, and the number of sources required. This understanding will help you plan your research and writing process effectively.
• Start with a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement is the central argument or focus of your research paper. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the research question. Remember, a well-formulated thesis statement guides the direction of your research and writing.
• Thorough Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive literature review on your topic. This will give you an understanding of existing research, help you identify gaps in the current knowledge, and provide context for your study. Make sure you critically analyze and synthesize the information from the literature.
• Rigorous Data Collection: Depending on your research design, collect your data rigorously and ethically. Whether it’s experimental data or secondary data from databases, ensure that your data collection methods are reliable, valid, and ethically sound.
• Organize Your Paper: Structure your paper into clear sections such as Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. Each section serves a specific purpose and should be written concisely and coherently.
• Write a Compelling Introduction: Your introduction should provide background information on your topic, present your thesis statement, and outline the aim and structure of your paper. An engaging introduction sets the tone for your paper and motivates readers to continue.
• Discuss Your Findings: In the results section, present your data in a clear and organized manner. Use tables, figures, or graphs to visualize your results where appropriate. In the discussion section, interpret your findings, relate them to previous research, and address your research question or hypothesis.
• Draw Concrete Conclusions: Your conclusion should succinctly summarize your key findings, explain the implications of your research, and suggest areas for future study. It should restate the research question and demonstrate how your research has contributed to the field.
• Cite Your Sources: Always cite your sources accurately using the style guide recommended by your instructor (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard). Proper citation avoids plagiarism and gives credit to the original authors.
• Revise and Proofread: After completing your draft, revise and proofread it thoroughly. Check for logical flow, clarity, grammar, and punctuation errors. Make sure your arguments are cohesive and your evidence supports your thesis statement. It’s often helpful to have someone else read your paper for a fresh perspective.

Remember, writing a research paper is a process that requires patience, dedication, and critical thinking. Don’t be discouraged by initial challenges; use them as opportunities to learn and grow.

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Human Body Project Ideas

Steve Debenport / E+ / Getty Images

• Cell Biology
• Weather & Climate
• B.A., Biology, Emory University
• A.S., Nursing, Chattahoochee Technical College

Human body science projects allow people to better understand the human body. Not only do these studies help researchers improve their knowledge of anatomical functions, but they also offer insight into human behavior. Scientists and students alike should be well acquainted with human physiology. The following lists provide topic suggestions for simple experiments to conduct that will help you learn more about the complexities of the human body.

Behavioral Project Ideas

Mood and disposition.

• Does the weather affect a person's mood?
• Does smiling affect a person's mood?
• Do colors affect a person's mood?
• Does human behavior change during a full moon?
• Does room temperature affect concentration?
• How does amount of sleep affect a person's concentration?
• Does music affect blood pressure?
• How does fear affect blood pressure?
• How does caffeine affect the body?
• Does exercise affect memory retention?
• Does biological sex affect reaction time?
• How does a person's heart rate respond differently to short bursts of intense exercise vs. long stretches of steady exercise?
• Does your sense of smell affect your sense of taste?
• Which sense (taste, smell, touch) is most effective for food identification?
• Does sight affect the ability to determine the source or direction of sound?
• How do sounds (e.g. music) affect hand-eye coordination?
• Is a person's sight altered (short-term) after playing video games?

Biological Project Ideas

• Does a person's BMI affect their blood pressure?
• What is the average normal body temperature?
• Which types of exercise are most effective for increasing muscle growth?
• How do various types of acid (phosphoric acid, citric acid, etc.) affect tooth enamel?
• How do heart rate and blood pressure vary during the day?
• Does exercise affect lung capacity?
• Does blood vessel elasticity affect blood pressure?
• Does calcium impact bone strength?
• Do food smells affect saliva production?
• Does eye color affect a person's ability to distinguish colors?
• Does light intensity affect peripheral vision?
• Do different stressors (heat, cold, etc.) affect nerve sensitivity?
• How is sense of touch affected by scar tissue?
• What is the highest and lowest frequency that the average person can hear?
• Does the heat of food impact the effectiveness of different types of taste (salty, sour, sweet, bitter, umami)
• Is sense of smell or sense of touch more useful in effectively identifying unknown objects without the use of other senses?

Human Body Information

Need more inspiration for your project? These resources will get you started:

• The human body is made up of several organ systems that work together as a unit.
• Have you ever wondered why certain sounds make you cringe ? Learn about your five senses and how they work .
• The brain is a fascinating organ that directs a multitude of functions in the body. Discover how sweets can alter your brain, why swinging makes you fall asleep faster , and how video games affect brain function .
• Want to learn some interesting facts about the body? Learn 10 Facts About The Heart , 12 Facts About Blood , 10 Facts About Cells , and 8 Different Types of Body Cells .
• Biology Science Fair Project Ideas
• Animal Studies and School Project Ideas
• 10 Great Biology Activities and Lessons
• Top Biology Programs in U.S. Universities
• Introduction to the Human Genome Project
• Biology Homework Help
• Biology Suffixes Phagia and Phage
• What Is Cell Biology?
• Human Anatomy Study Tips
• Difference Between Anatomy and Physiology
• 10 Facts About Cells
• Biology Prefixes and Suffixes: phago- or phag-
• Basic Parts of the Brain and Their Responsibilities
• How to Format a Biology Lab Report
• Types of Cells in the Human Body
• Understanding the Definition of the "Auto" Prefix in Biology

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Hot topics and trends in cardiovascular research

1 Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N1 704, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium

2 ECOOM, Department of Managerial Economics, Strategy and Innovation, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, Leuven, Belgium

Wolfgang Glänzel

3 Department Science Policy & Scientometrics, Library of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Arany János u. 1, Budapest, Hungary

Karin R Sipido

Associated data.

Comprehensive data on research undertaken in cardiovascular medicine can inform the scientific community and can support policy building. We used the publication output from 2004 to 2013 and the 2014 references to these documents, to identify research topics and trends in the field of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and results

Text fragments were extracted from the titles and abstracts of 478 000 publications using natural language processing. Through machine-learning algorithms, these text fragments combined to identify specific topics across all publications. A second method, which included cross-references, assigned each publication document to a specific cluster. Experts named the topics and document clusters based on various outputs from these semi-automatic methods. We identified and labelled 175 cardiovascular topics and 20 large document clusters, with concordance between the approaches. Overarching, strongly growing topics in clinical and population sciences are evidence-based guidance for treatment, research on outcomes, prognosis, and risk factors. ‘Hot’ topics include novel treatments in valve disease and in coronary artery disease, and imaging. Basic research decreases its share over time but sees substantial growth of research on stem cells and tissue engineering, as well as in translational research. Inflammation, biomarkers, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and lipids are hot topics across population, clinical and basic research, supporting integration across the cardiovascular field.

Growth in clinical and population research emphasizes improving patient outcomes through novel treatments, risk stratification, and prevention. Translation and innovation redefine basic research in cardiovascular disease. Medical need, funding and publishing policies, and scientific opportunities are potential drivers for these evolutions.

Introduction

Current policies for public funding of health research increasingly focus on innovation, with a final goal to improve health outcomes. 1 To support policies, roadmaps are established, for example for diabetes 2 and respiratory 3 diseases. In the USA, the joint Academies developed a document to guide national policy in health 4 with a dedicated document for cardiovascular medicine 5 that includes general directions for research. In Europe, building a roadmap for cardiovascular research is one of the tasks of the ERA-CVD network. 6 Expert opinion guides the exercise but a macro and global-level overview of past cardiovascular research can enrich the debate and strengthen the basis for recommendations. The breadth of cardiovascular research is astounding, 7 with research undertaken across a variety of institutions and with each piece of research having its own scope/focus or topic. It is thus challenging to review and summarize all the research that has been undertaken.

Identifying all the relevant research is the first hurdle to overcome, then classifying or identifying topics of research is the next significant hurdle. Journal classification systems offer little assistance, as they are not granular enough to identify more specific topics within broader fields. Thesauri or medical dictionaries, such as PubMed or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), do not offer an overview of time-dependent changes in topics or changing concepts.

Identifying key topics using semi-automatic approaches based on text analysis is an alternative solution that takes advantage of recent developments in high-level informatics. As this is not reliant on a predefined classification, it may result in different outcomes. Various methods use natural language processing (NLP) to extract topics or clusters from text. For example, the bibliometric community has compared the results when varying methods are applied to a set of astronomy publications, focusing on the importance having topic expert input throughout the process. 8 The recent CardioScape project analysed abstracts of 2476 research projects awarded 2010–12 as published by funding bodies. The authors assigned research project to topics, based on the abstract text, using a semi-automatic process that tested and trained the data to more quickly allocate abstracts to a topic than depending solely on expert review. They produced a detailed taxonomy or classification of cardiovascular research based on the list of topics of the European Society of Cardiology, creating a hierarchical list of over 600 topics. 9

Here, we aim to identify topics in published cardiovascular research and their evolution between 2004 and 2013, assessing whether they have appeared, disappeared, or changed over time. In a comprehensive approach, we use a combination of existing methods for text mining, network analysis, and clustering, and further develop these tools to handle a large dataset of >400 000 publications.

In our study, we use two different and complementary approaches. A first one detects topics across the collection of publications, counting number of documents, and relations between topics. A second one maps document networks into clusters with an identifiable subject of research. These approaches are described here in brief, with more detail provided in the Supplementary material online .

Data sources

The dataset includes the reference, abstract, address, and citation data for 478 006 cardiovascular publications from 2004 to 2013, including 2014 references to these documents, using an expert informed search strategy and references to core cardiovascular journals, as previously published. 7 The documents span across >5000 journals, and include cardiovascular publications in leading general journals in medical and life sciences ( Supplementary material online , Table S1 ). We obtained the data from Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection (WoS) through a custom data license held by ECOOM, KU Leuven.

Text pre-processing

We took all titles and abstracts of the above publications, and extracted the noun phrases (text fragments of various lengths) using the NLP framework developed at Stanford. 10 Supplementary material online , Figure S1 illustrates the subsequent data flow for the analysis.

Topic modelling

For this approach, we applied latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) 11 to the above-mentioned text fragments from the titles and abstracts of all publications. This LDA approach groups the text fragments to identify topics and allocates documents to topics. In this approach, a document contributes to several topics. Of note, general terms or terms that are used frequently across the majority of documents are filtered out as part of the methodology, resulting in groups of highly specific text fragments and, consequently, topics, as illustrated in Supplementary material online , Figure S2 .

At least three cardiovascular experts (listed in the Acknowledgements section) named each topic based on a set of the top 40 text fragments representing a topic. Further rounds of cross-review validated and consolidated the naming process. A final review of all topics ensured naming consistency across the topics and allowed for additional expert-based classification as clinical, basic, or population research.

We then calculated the number of documents that contributed to a topic, using probability analysis in LDA. Furthermore, we calculated the co-occurrence of topics in the publications, and visualized the outcome of this network analysis using VOSViewer ( www.vosviewer.com ). 12

Document clustering

For this second approach, the dataset was reduced to two periods, and we analysed the cardiovascular publications from 2006 to 2008 and those from 2011 to 2013, separately. For each time period, we then calculated the similarities between documents based on the noun phrase text fragments from the titles and abstracts of all publications and based on the references in these publications, using adapted cosine calculations and a hybrid document clustering algorithm, as previously described. 13 We then applied the Louvain 14 community detection algorithm to identify clusters of similar documents. For this method, each document is only located in one cluster. Subsequently, we applied the DrL/OpenOrd algorithm 15 to map and visualize the documents and clusters. We used R 16 in a high-powered cloud-based parallelized computing environment for all operations.

We identified and described the core documents, 13 the most common text fragments, as well as, the most highly cited documents and the most productive authors in each cluster, to name the clusters. For each document cluster, we identified the most highly representative topics from the LDA topic model.

Evolution of cardiovascular topics—trends and ‘hot’ topics

We identified 175 topics, listed alphabetically in Supplementary material online , Table S2 . This list groups specific topics within areas such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and their evolution over time.

For a visual and comprehensive overview, we prepared a map of the topics and their interrelation, based on co-occurrence within publications using a network analysis ( Figure ​ Figure1 1 A ). This map identifies different categories of research: population (at the top, blue), clinical (left, green/yellow), and basic research (right, red). Large topics in each category define overarching interests such as Evidence-guided-treatment and Outcomes and prognosis in clinical research, and Epidemiology of CVD and risk factors in population research, topics that have seen large growth in numbers of publications since 2004 ( Figure ​ Figure1 1 B ). Cell signalling and gene transcription is a central topic for basic research, with modest growth ( Figure ​ Figure1 1 B ).

Main areas and organization of research focus. ( A ) Visual presentation of the topics in 2013 and how they relate to each other, based on how often the topics are included in the same publication. Each circle represents one topic and each group of topics is highlighted in a separate colour; the most similar documents and clusters are located closer to each other based on VOSviewer mapping. ( B ) Evolution of overarching topics.

More focused ‘hot’ topics that experienced a large growth in number of publications are presented in Figure  2 .

Topics with large growth. For population research, the eight topics that increased more than two-fold in volume are shown; for clinical research, 27 topics increased more than two-fold and 10 of these are presented; for basic research only two topics had more than a two-fold increase, and the top 8 growers are presented. Overarching topics are shown in Figure ​ Figure1 1 B .

In population research, risk factors with research on metabolic syndrome, lipids, diabetes, physical activity, and mental health are prominent. In clinical research, patient management after myocardial infarction (MI) and outside the hospital are leading topics, but the true ‘hot’ topic was aortic valve disease that saw a surge of interest, related to transaortic valve repair, starting 2008. Though still small in numbers, heart failure research and stem cells saw substantial growth. This last clinical topic complements the major hot topics in basic research, on stem cells and cardiac repair and tissue engineering. In basic research, increasing translational output in metabolic syndrome and diabetes use mostly mouse models. Focused topics are organelle studies on mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.

Table  1 complements the fast growing topics of Figure  2 with additional leading 2013 topics. Most of these also have grown since 2004, but two topics, even if large, seem to have lost momentum, i.e. longitudinal studies on blood pressure, and basic research in cardiac electrophysiology.

Large topics in 2013

PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome.

Only four topics in clinical, and none in population research, saw a decrease, whereas seven topics in basic research saw a decline in output ( Figure ​ Figure3 3 A ). Across all topics, the growth in publication output, measured as the number of documents in 2013 divided by the number of documents in 2004, was significantly larger in clinical and population research topics than in basic research topics ( Figure ​ Figure3 3 B ).

Unequal growth of research output across categories. ( A ) Topics that saw a decrease of >5%, i.e. 4/102 clinical and 7/50 basic research topics. ( B ) Average growth in each category. Each dot presents a topic; the values are the fractional growth, i.e. the number of documents in 2013 divided by the number of documents in 2004. Kruskal–Wallis followed by Dunn’s test for multiple comparisons; *** P < 0.0001 basic vs. clinical and vs. population.

When considering the overall output and growth of publications across the categories of population, clinical and basic research, the data suggest that the share of basic research publications is declining.

Document clusters define large research areas and trends

The size of topics represents the activity within each of these—documents contribute to more than one topic. In a complementary approach, we examined how documents group together based on the similarity of their text and of their references, whereby each document can belong to one cluster only, effectively dividing the total publication output into different areas. The hybrid clustering algorithm was applied to two datasets, i.e. the publications from 2006 to 2008 and 2011 to 2013.

In each period, 10 large clusters emerged, accounting for >90% of all documents.

To identify trends, we compare the two periods and examine the evolution over time ( Figure  4 ). In the graph legends, emerging areas are marked by green triangle, decreasing ones with a red triangle. Risk scoring in the population and related patient management are the leading areas, growing over time (top position). In 2011–13, a large cluster emerges that relates to gene and stem-cell therapy, including research on inducible pluripotent stem cells. Documents within this cluster include research on ischaemic heart disease and arrhythmias. Haemodynamics and biomechanics are another emerging area that includes documents on atherosclerosis and vascular diseases such as aneurysms, but also heart failure and assist devices. Aortic valve disease is a newly defined area in 2011–13. Imaging also becomes very prominent as an area in its own right. Whereas in 2006–08, hypertension was a defined area, this is no longer identifiable in 2011–13.

Distribution of document clusters in 2006–08 and in 2011–13. ( A ) In 2006–08, the 10 largest clusters represent 93% of the total publication output in this period. ( B ) In 2011–13, the 10 largest clusters represent 92% of the total publication output in this period. The colour codes for similar clusters are maintained across the periods. However, some clusters are present in only one period. The clusters are arranged by size, reading clockwise from the top, and the legends arranged accordingly. Red triangles mark clusters that disappeared and green triangles emerging clusters.

For the last period, we also examined the structure and interrelation of clusters, using a graphical rendering, giving insight in the size, composition, and presence of subclusters ( Figure  5 ).

Document clusters’ map 2011–13. A visual presentation of documents in clusters and subclusters: the most similar documents and clusters are located closer to each other, based on the DrL two-dimensional mapping layout technique.

In this force-directed DrL graph layout, the documents and clusters are mapped to minimize the distance between the most similar documents and maximize the distance between non-linked documents. This produces a two-dimensional co-ordinate layout where the documents closest to each other share the most similarities since they share common text fragments and references. Conversely, documents and clusters on the edges of the graph have the least similarity to other documents or clusters.

Cluster 2 on gene and stem cells is dense and separate, yet touches and interacts with Cluster 5 [acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and MI]. Cluster 9 on imaging is spread out in subclusters at different locations, including one near Cluster 5 (ACS and MI), and one near Cluster 4 (heart failure). Cluster 8 (arrhythmias) is also split with one part closer to heart failure, another to anticoagulation and atrial fibrillation.

Further naming the subclusters is presently beyond reach, as it would require a lot of expert input and resources. However, linking the clusters and the topics adds granularity to the larger research areas and provides internal methodological validation of the cluster naming.

Table  2 presents the most highly associated topics in the ten largest document clusters in each period. Overall, agreement with the LDA topics is high and provides more detail on the research contained in the clusters. E.g., the cluster ‘Haemodynamics’ is now showing different areas of focus, i.e. in congenital disease, aortic, and valvular diseases; the topic ‘Arrhythmias’ is more populated with device research in the second time period compared to the first.

Cluster names and topics present within clusters

AF, atrial fibrillation; ANS, autonomic nervous system; BP, blood pressure; CABG, coronary artery bypass grafting; CRT, cardiac resynchronization therapy; CT, computed tomography; CV, cardiovascular; DES, drug-eluting stent; ECG, electrocardiogram; HF, heart failure; LV, left ventricular; NOAC, new oral anticoagulant; PTCI, percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention; RV, right ventricle; STEMI, ST elevated myocardial infarction.

The method for identification of topics in cardiovascular publication output allowed the visualization and evaluation of trends in cardiovascular research. Over a 10-year period significant shifts occur.

Identification of cardiovascular research topics through natural language processing

In cardiovascular research, topics are generally predefined in a taxonomy that can be hierarchical and/or matrix structured. The CardioScape project approach (see Introduction section) was well suited to its purpose of the analysis of 2476 project abstracts in a single time period and using an existing taxonomy has the advantage of recognizable areas of research. The bottom-up approach used here lent itself well to analysis of much larger numbers of documents and generated a topic list that represents the interests from the community during the period under study.

A recent study by the WHO working to identify cardiovascular disease research output from random sets of publications from PubMed required a significant amount of expert-based review of only a small proportion of the published articles. 17 The current approach was more comprehensive in coverage of the field, but despite reliance on advanced automated analysis, experts still had an important role in interpreting and linking concepts to validate the results.

In the current naming of topics and clusters, experts frequently used terms that connect to a classic hierarchical list in the field, including major diseases, and recognizing clinical, population, and basic discovery research. Nevertheless, the approach uncovered specific emerging areas of research such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), topics consistent with broad trends, such as risk stratification and evidence-based guidance, and innovation (gene and stem cell research). Some of these terms would not appear in a classic taxonomy and thus the NLP approach offers novel insights.

The present study was not attempting to classify all research but to capture and identify the most common and evolving topics over time in the cardiovascular field by using a comprehensive set of cardiovascular publications across some 5000 journals.

Emphasis on improving clinical care and risk assessment

The most represented and fast growing topics across the documents are evidence-based guidance for treatment and research on outcomes and prognosis. These result underscore the attention given to guidelines and evidence based medicine (EBM). 18–23 Part of this research is likely to represent the large number of clinical trials taking place in the cardiovascular field, 24 which over time have had a significant effect on the reduction of mortality from CVD due to establishing the effectiveness and safety of a number of drugs and medical interventions in cardiovascular disease. 25 The presence of policy related topics, such as the topics on quality of care and health economics likewise supports the focus on implementation research and a shift of focus from reducing acute mortality to care in chronic disease.

Growth of research on risk factors emphasizes the importance of preventative medicine, evident in both the topics analysis and the document cluster analysis. However, some specific blood pressure studies declined over time, perhaps reflecting the change in focus on the single risk factor of ‘blood pressure’ to a multivariable spectrum and newly identified risk factors. We have also previously shown that hypertension has moved more closely to clinical cardiovascular research over time. 26

Smaller topics illustrate crosstalk with non-cardiovascular diseases, because of shared risk factors or common methods used in research or occurrence of cardiovascular complications. The latter is particularly evident in two topics that focus on cardiovascular complications in pregnancy and in cancer.

Innovation and translation in clinical and basic science

Major diseases such as ischaemic heart disease and arrhythmias, remain present over time but shifts can be seen. There is for example, a larger focus on atrial fibrillation, in particular embolic risk, on novel treatments, such as stem cells in heart failure, and transcatheter aortic valve interventions as a dominant element within the topic of valvular heart disease. 19 Imaging is present in several topics but emerges as a cluster in its own right in the document analysis. Many of these changes are driven by technological innovation and translation.

Basic research as a whole saw its share decline, but with interesting shifts in content. Although the topic analysis and mapping identifies basic research topics as a category, there are complementarities across categories. Stem cell research, tissue engineering, and biomechanical factors saw rapid growth and are also present in clinical topics. This also applies to inflammation and diabetes. Animal models for disease are rapidly growing topics consistent with growth of translational research.

An analysis of the countries of authorship of the publications in the emerging clusters of discovery research shows that the USA leads in the number and share of publications (30%+), followed mostly by Germany, or the UK or Italy. However, for the large document cluster on genes and stem cells in 2011–13, the second most productive country is China, contributing 17.5% of the publications in this cluster (Supplementary material online, Figure S3 ).

Interestingly, inflammation, biomarkers, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and lipids are hot topics with growing research output in population, clinical and basic research, indicating integration and crosstalk across the spectrum of cardiovascular research.

Drivers of change

Technology and opportunity-driven scientific interest, but also strategic choices and funding policies are likely to influence trends in research. CardioScape studied public and charity funding in the years 2010–12 and describes major investments in clinical research. Yet the share of publication output globally for clinical research appears to be substantially larger than the share of funding for clinical research reported in CardioScape. This could be explained by clinical research funded by other sources, such as industry or local funding, which are not included in the CardioScape analysis. Also, the present data represent global output. Major research investments in China, and the emphasis on clinical research in the USA, can contribute to some of the global trends.

The slower growth in basic science could reflect a slower growth in investment. This can be absolute or relative towards the increasing costs of advanced research methodology. Another reason could be editorial pressure for more comprehensive papers that may reduce quantity to the benefit of rich content in individual papers.

Finally, growing translational research may blur the boundaries between basic and clinical research and lead to an apparent slower growth in discovery research.

Policy perspectives

Policy development is a forward looking exercise. In health research, medical needs identified by health data and expert opinion, are an important consideration. 27 Past research output helps to identify areas that may need more investment. Research funders also use input from society. 28 When assessing current priorities in cardiovascular research for the Dutch 28 and British 29 Heart Foundations we can see that research into heart failure and arrhythmias are common across their top priorities. Focus on healthy lifestyles is a top priority in the Dutch Heart Foundation as well as in the US vision and strategic agenda. 4 , 5 At the macro-level, the data presented here indicate that some of the main issues presented in these research agendas are actively pursued but others less so.

Study limitations

Limitations of studying research topics have been addressed in the bibliometric field. 8 The reliance of expert input is a limitation and potential source of bias that we tried to minimize by using mixed panels.

The current approach was not sufficiently granular to extract recent emerging topics that contain a limited number of documents. In addition, publication output is somewhat delayed vs. actual research and experts may be aware of ongoing research with still limited output. In this case, the method and dataset can be used to interrogate about specific developments (see Supplementary material online , Table S3 for data on micro-RNA and personalized medicine).

As the data set ends in 2013, very recent developments are not covered. This relates to the methodological complexity. Web of Science data including 2014 references were available mid-2015, the cardiovascular publications dataset was complete in 2016 and algorithms for analysis including re-iterative expert review required another 18 months. A similar time lag is seen in other studies that rely on data mining and processing. 9 Congress abstracts could be considered as a source to identify emerging topics but have several limitations. They are of a different nature than papers and the scope of a congress shapes content of selected abstracts. We provide a complementary survey of 3000 abstracts from the 2018 congress of the European Society of Cardiology, illustrating the strong presence of clinical research at this event, within the topics of Clusters 1 and 3–7 of Table  2 ( Supplementary material online , Figure S4 ). Two emerging topics were cardio-oncology and digital health, each representing however <25 abstracts.

In the present analysis, quality and impact of studies in a particular domain were not evaluated, though highly cited papers were part of the cluster identification. In their analysis of poorly cited papers covering 165 000 papers in 1997–2008, Ranasinghe et al . 30 noted the highest percentage of poorly cited papers in the clinical and population research category. Nevertheless, as they and others 31 have noted, citations are not the only parameter to assess impact, in particular in clinical medicine.

Conclusions

Identification of leading research topics and trends illustrates the emphasis on improving clinical medicine, and the growing interest in risk stratification and preventive medicine. Translation and innovation redefine cardiovascular research. Linking the present data with the insights of the professional community and of funders and society, may contribute to the building of a future research roadmap.

Supplementary Material

Ehz282_supplementary_data, acknowledgements.

The authors thank to the following experts for their review of the text fragments and input into the names of the topics: Dr Matthew Amoni, Dr Peter Haemers, Prof Sian Harding, Dr Frederik Helsen, Prof Gerd Heusch, Prof Tatiana Kuznetsova, Prof Tobias Op‘t Hof, Prof Frank Rademakers, Dr Sander Trenson, Dr Bert Vandenberk, and Dr Maarten Vanhaverbeke.

D.G. had a PhD Fellowship through KU Leuven.

Conflict of interest: K.R.S. is Past Editor-in-Chief of Cardiovascular Research (2013–17). W.G. is Editor-in-Chief of Scientometrics .

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Ph.D. in Physiology

In the Physiology Ph.D. program, you’ll lead a novel dissertation project in the field of physiology, and work closely with your research advisor and professors to deepen your scientific knowledge. Exploring topics like endocrinology, neurophysiology and cardiac failure, you’ll become well versed in the most relevant areas of physiological science. Through individually planned programs of coursework, tutorials and seminars, you’ll gain expertise and thoroughly learn the structure, function and regulation, of cells and organs.

Ph.D. graduates in physiology have a number of career options. Physiologists are needed in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, government agencies and the healthcare field. With a Ph.D., you’ll qualify for senior research positions, and will also be prepared to work in management and leadership roles. In addition, a Ph.D. allows you to find research, leadership and senior teaching positions in academia, where your specialized knowledge will be well sought after.

As part of your journey as a Ph.D. candidate, you will complete original laboratory research under the guidance of a graduate faculty mentor, and write a doctoral dissertation that you will have to defend based on this work.

Topics in the Physiology Ph.D. Program

• Cellular neurophysiology and electrophysiology
• Regulation of sleep and wakefulness
• Function of the Vascular and microvascular systems
• Neural, endocrine and local control of circulation and microcirculation
• Cardiac dynamics
• Cardiac and Cardiomyocyte Electrophysiology
• Cardiac metabolism
• Cardiac hypertrophy and failure
• Neuroendocrinology
• Renal physiology
• Oxygen metabolism

Program Curriculum

Whether you’re entering through the Integrated Ph.D. Program (IPP) or with advanced standing from one of our master’s programs, the course requirements are the same. Aside from the core didactic coursework, the main focus of the Ph.D. program is research. You’ll have the opportunity to enroll in up to three laboratory rotations early in the program, which allows you to discover where your research interests lie.

The program curriculum begins with a broad overview of the basic concepts of cellular physiology and the function of major organ systems including the cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. These topics provide a broad background in all areas of physiology before developing in-depth studies of research interests. Specific courses on the different organ systems will give you in-depth knowledge on how each system operates.

You will study scientific research techniques. In the last years of the program, you'll use what you've learned in lectures, tutorials and labs, to pursue an investigation in your chosen area under the guidance of a graduate advisor. Visit the Physiology curriculum page for detailed descriptions of our courses and lab rotations.

Earning your Ph.D. is a multi-step process that includes a qualifying examination and meetings with your dissertation committee. For a detailed overview of Ph.D. requirements over the length of the program, visit our Ph.D. Program Requirements page.

Admission into the Physiology Ph.D. Program

The admissions committee for our Ph.D. program views each application holistically. A master’s degree or GRE is not required to enter the program. Although we consider students from a variety of academic backgrounds, we recommend that Ph.D. applicants have a foundation in the sciences and some prior wet lab research experience. An interview will be conducted as part of the admission process into the program. Please review the Ph.D. admissions & application requirements.

Physiology Department Faculty

All faculty members in the Department of Physiology have their Ph.D. and/or M.D. degrees, and pursue advanced research in areas of physiology and biomedicine. Some of the fascinating research interests of our faculty include studying how neurons communicate, the neurophysiology of the auditory system, the relationship between mitochondrial function as well as the diabetic cardiomyopathy and regulation of the microcirculation. Because physiology intersects with every other biomedical research discipline, our faculty experts have a wide breadth of scientific understanding and engage in significant collaborations with faculty throughout the GSBMS. In our program, graduate faculty mentors provide guidance for your original laboratory research, and our 2:1 student-faculty ratio allows for plenty of individual attention. Learn more about our knowledgeable and experienced biomedical sciences faculty .

Program Director: Carl Thompson, Ph.D. Basic Sciences Building, #647 [email protected] (914) 594-4106

222 Best Anatomy Research Paper Topics To Discuss

Human anatomy and physiology are undoubtedly among the most complex areas of study. This is a field that is ever-growing in terms of new discoveries, changes, and understanding of certain processes. Needless to say, the scope for research is high with these subjects as well. If you are a student of medicine, genetics, or any other field of study that is related to the human body, chances are that you will have to present an interesting human anatomy essay as part of your course.

Given the complex nature of the subject, it is hard to narrow down on topics that give you enough information without becoming too overwhelming. Whether you are looking for research paper topics or anatomy and physiology project ideas, here are over 200 topics that will help you write a crisp, concise, yet informative paper for the best grades.

Simple Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics

These anatomy and physiology topics for research papers will help you get the best ideas to write a detailed paper.

• The role of the cell structure in studying human anatomy
• Detailed investigation of the human body cavity
• The primary systems of the human body
• Scientific evolution and the changes in the understanding of human anatomy and physiology
• Why is Andreas Vesalius known as the father of human anatomy?
• The first-ever dissection of the human body and the aftermath
• The effects of dehydration on human metabolism
• The in and outs of the human digestive system
• The complex network of the human cardiovascular system
• The harmful effects of toxic chemicals on the health of humans
• The evolutionary history of the nervous system
• The evolutionary history of the human brain
• Physiology of the reproductive system
• Mitochondria and why it is called the powerhouse of the cell
• Functional architecture of the human skeletal system
• The cerebellar artery and its relationship with cerebellomedullary fissure
• Causes for degenerative rotator cuff tear
• Treatment of hepatic veins
• Chemical messengers in the human body
• 5 methods of maintaining homeostasis in the human body
• The evolutionary history of the appendix
• The mechanism of hearing
• Instances of extreme temperature sustenance by the human body
• Changes in the human body with age
• The role of the internal body temperature
• Physics of the human skeletal system
• The different enzymes in the human body and their roles
• The role of iron in the human body
• Parts of the human body that continue to grow with age
• The human body is an open system. Comment on this statement.

Top Anatomy Research Topics

These are some popular anatomy research paper topics that have been used by students successfully. These topics allow you to collect ample data and present interesting papers that can help you get better grades:

• Components of the human body
• Why is the human body unable to digest sucralose
• The design of the body that allows it to conduct electricity
• The role of the endocrine system in metabolism.
• The advantage of the human body being maintained at a constant temperature of 37 degrees
• What is the reason for the human body being made of water mostly?
• The difference between the body composition of men and women
• Compare the nucleus of the cell to the brain
• The microbiota of the human body
• Provide examples of absorption in the human body
• The meninges around the brain and their role in the human body.
• The purpose of the Schwann cells in the human body
• Describe the structure of the DNA molecule and its evolutionary history
• Physiology and how it is affected by exercise
• The primary differences between physiology and pathophysiology
• Negative feedback and its physiology
• What does systemic physiology mean?
• The importance of physiology in modern medicine
• What is the difference between physiology and anatomy
• The evolution of human neurobiology
• Ceruminous glands and their purpose in the human body
• Describe the major branches of physiology.
• Difference between environmental, evolutionary, cellular and developmental physiology
• The evolution of Kinesiology and how is it different from physiology
• Different planes of the human body
• The division of the human body into systems
• Compare the adrenal body in frogs and adrenal glands in the human body
• How do physiology and anatomy complement each other?
• What are the principles of physics that are studied in physiology
• The importance of osmosis in the human body
• The composition of the matrix of the bone.
• History and discovery of the human anatomy
• Studying the anatomy of other species helps understand human anatomy better. Provide examples to prove this statement.
• The relationship between healthcare, anatomy, and science.
• Changes in the human anatomy during pregnancy
• Explain the proximal and distal parts of the human body with reference to one organ.
• Write a paper on the study of abnormal anatomy
• What are buffers? And the need for buffers in the body
• Explain the process by which the human body obtains energy from food.
• What are the basic things that the body needs in order to survive?
• The role of silicon in the human body
• Examples of the resilience of the human body
• The effects of cortisol in the body
• Does stress change the physiology and anatomy of the human body?

Topics For a Great Human Anatomy Research Paper

Here is a list of anatomy paper topics that open up several questions as you research in-depth about them. This allows you to write a paper that is detailed and full of interesting information to keep the reader engaged.

• Is the DNA the same in each cell of the human body? Provide examples to prove this statement.
• The human body is not an intelligent design. Support or argue against this statement with examples
• The different receptors in the human body and their roles
• The structure of different types of muscles in the human body and the function of each type of muscle.
• The process of active transport and its importance to the survival of a cell.
• The human anatomical position and its significance.
• Physiology is a life science. Write in detail about this statement
• How does the study of anatomy cross over with the arts?
• 100 most interesting facts about the human body
• Foods that the human body cannot digest. Explain this with reference to physiology and anatomy
• The importance of maintaining pH within a given range in the human body
• The physiological and anatomical changes that occur in the body after death.
• The major role of the RNA in the human body
• Write a paper on the communication system within the human body and how it is so efficient.
• Provide a detailed analysis of the body systems affected by schizophrenia
• Provide a detailed analysis of the body systems affected by meningitis
• Why is it important to study physiology and anatomy to understand psychology better?
• Name the body systems responsible for the reflex action and explain the process in detail.
• Write a paper on the human immune system and its functions
• What are some “useless” organs or parts of the human body?
• The role of sugar in the human body
• Are there any internal organs that are cold? If so, why?
• The two systems responsible for coordinating various body functions and the systems that regulate them.
• The physiological and anatomical changes in the body during adolescence.
• The role of carbon dioxide in the human body
• A detailed note on the 10 major muscles in the human body
• The anatomical and physiological changes in the body of a heroin addict
• What is the role of water in the human body?
• The need for sodium in the human body
• Explain the physical act of shivering from a physiological point of view
• The role of the kidneys in maintaining an acid-base balance
• Explain the anatomy of the human reproductive system and its evolutionary significance.
• What are some similarities between the male and female reproductive systems?
• Is the female reproductive system more complex than the male reproductive system? Explain with examples
• The anatomical and physiological changes that take place at puberty
• The effect of zinc on the human reproductive system.

Interesting Anatomy Topics For College Essay

Human anatomy and physiology are extremely interesting in general. There are some specific subjects that are particularly interesting. Here is a list of some of these anatomy and physiology research paper topics that are ideal for your next assignment.

• What are the environmental factors that affect the human reproductive system?
• The five hormones of the female reproductive system and their significance.
• The effect of oral contraceptives on the physiology of the female reproductive system
• The function of the female fallopian tubes and their evolutionary history
• Common diseases of the human reproductive system
• Discuss in detail the design of the sperm and its function in fertilizing the egg.
• The importance of pH in the human reproductive system.
• The four secondary sexual characters of females
• A detailed anatomical perspective of sexual reproduction in humans.
• The base pairs in the DNA molecule contain nitrogen.
• The detailed functions of the human skeletal system
• Evolutionary study of the human skull
• The role of the human skeletal system in the production of blood
• The differences between tendons, ligaments, and cartilages with examples of their function and structure
• The physiology of a fracture and how it heals over time
• The cartilaginous joints of the human body and how they are different from other joints.
• The role of the synovial fluid in the joints and how the body maintains the levels consistently.
• The five primary options to keep the skeletal system healthy
• The major components of the skeletal system besides the bones.
• The 3 major functions of the muscular system and how it is designed to carry out these functions?
• The relationship between the skeletal system, muscular system, and the nervous system
• Common degenerative disorders of the human skeletal system
• How calcium plays an important role in the human skeletal system.
• The common infectious diseases of the skeletal system
• The anatomical differences between the muscular structure of different races
• Are there any major anatomical differences between the structure of the brain of people from different ethnicities?
• The effect of obesity on the skeletal system
• Common lifestyle issues that affect the muscular and skeletal system
• What are the anatomical and physiological implications of poor posture?
• The cranial bones and their evolutionary history.
• The anatomical details of human blood.
• The physiology of the production of blood cells in the human body.
• Changes in the structure of the bones after pregnancy.
• Anatomical changes in the human muscular system as a result of weight training.
• Anatomical changes in the human muscular system as a result of the cardiovascular system
• A detailed study of the evolution of the human vertebral column.
• The changes in the human skeletal and muscular system from infancy to adulthood.
• The relationship between tendons, muscles, and bones.
• Relationship between the respiratory system, circulatory system, and the muscular system
• An anatomical comparison of the male and female muscular systems.
• The common types of muscle contractions with examples.
• Myosin and its significance to the human muscular system
• The importance of smooth muscles in the human body
• The physiology of the movement of food in the esophagus and the different movements of the muscles during the process.
• The process of muscle atrophy
• How do involuntary muscles function? Explain in detail.
• The effect of the muscular system on the other systems of the human body.
• How do neurotransmitters in the body function? Explain with examples of the most common neurotransmitters in the body.
• Technological development and how it helps in repairing damaged muscles
• The role of protein in the structure and development of the human muscles
• The anatomy of the human eye and its unique features
• The physiology of human vision
• The physiology of adaptation of vision in the dark.
• The physiology of cataracts.
• The function and unique features of the optical nerves
• What are the features of the retina that make it possible for us to see
• Difference between aerobic and anaerobic movement and its impact on the muscular system.
• The physiology of the production and storage of energy in the cells.
• The physiological changes that occur as a result of vitamin deficiency. Choose one type of vitamin to provide details.
• The role of the integumentary system in the human body
• The relationship between the immune system and the integumentary system.
• Examples of genetic disorders of the integumentary system.
• How does the integumentary system prevent dehydration of the body?
• The layers of the skin and their protective function.
• The evolutionary advantage offered by fingerprints
• The process of keratinization and its importance
• The anatomical function of tears
• How is the human hair formed?
• The body systems that are affected by acne.

Anatomy Project Ideas For College

An important anatomy project coming up? Here is a list of project topics in human anatomy that are perfect for developing a college project that is interesting and informative at the same time.

• Explain body odor from a physiological point of view.
• The synthesis of vitamin B in the skin.
• The role of the sweat glands in maintaining the body temperature.
• The six principal functions of the human integumentary system.
• The effect of a burn on other parts of the body besides the skin.
• The process of eliminating waste from the body and the physiological changes that take place.
• The types of glands in the human body.
• The skin is an organ. Explain with examples
• The body systems are engaged when you are swimming.
• A detailed understanding of the formation of the epidermis
• How does the human skin stay waterproof? Why is this significant?
• The response of the body to trauma or a wound. Provide step-by-step details.
• The importance of inflammatory response
• The physiology of common allergies
• The function of anti-inflammatory medication and how it works on the human body
• The role of antibiotics in inflammatory response
• The physiology of the immune response of the human body.
• The physiology of cancer
• What is an auto-immune disease? How is the body affected by it?
• The anatomical and physiological changes as a result of AIDS.
• The production and function of the human growth hormone
• The physiological significance of the human thyroid gland
• Common issues of the thyroid gland and the physiological changes.
• The role of alcohol and inflammation in the body
• The changes in the brain as a result of consumption of narcotics
• The meaning of histamine and what does it do to the body?
• The function of the human lungs with respect to the circulatory system
• The exchange of various gases between the body tissues and the lungs.
• The role of the lungs in maintaining homeostasis in the human body
• The physiological repercussions of pneumonia
• Quadriplegia and the ability of involuntary muscle function.
• The role of squamous epithelial cells in the human lungs.
• The development of scar tissues and why it is important.
• The anatomical significance of the alveoli of the lungs
• Physiological changes that lead to asthma
• How does the novel coronavirus affect the physiology of the human body?
• Interactions between the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system.
• The process of delivery of oxygen by the circulatory system.
• The role of visceral fat in the body
• The physiology of fat metabolism
• A detailed understanding of the autonomic nervous system and its evolutionary significance
• Examples of evolutionary changes in human anatomy.

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UToledo Receives More Than $3.8 Million for Novel Hypertension Research

The drug market is awash with hypertension medications, but even with dozens of options available some people find it difficult getting their blood pressure under control.

Researchers at The University of Toledo believe one solution to overcoming uncontrolled hypertension may come from a seemingly unlikely target: the gut.

Dr. Bina Joe, a Distinguished University Professor and chair of the UToledo Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, received a $3.85 million federal grant to study how bacteria-driven changes to bile acids in the gut affect blood pressure.

“There is unquestionably a link between what happens in our gut and how well our blood pressure is regulated,” said Dr. Bina Joe, Distinguished University Professor and chair of the UToledo Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. “As we dig deeper and learn more, we are getting closer to the potential of totally new methods for treating hypertension.”

Joe recently received a five-year, $3.85 million grant from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to investigate how bacteria-driven changes to bile acids in the gut affect blood pressure.

A pioneer in the field of hypertension research, Joe’s lab previously found that lower levels of conjugated bile acids correlated with higher blood pressure readings in both animal models and humans.

Bile acids are produced in the liver and delivered to the gut, where they play an important role in digestion. Bile acids are naturally conjugated — or joined — with the amino acids taurine and glycine when they are released to the gut.

In a study published last year in the Journal of Hypertension , Joe’s lab detailed how bacteria can rearrange the chemical structure of those conjugated bile acids in the gut, changing them to unconjugated bile acids.

Not only did the research show that more unconjugated bile acid was predictive of hypertension, but it also found higher populations of a particular bacterium in hypertensive test subjects that is known to deconjugate bile acids.

By feeding hypertensive animal models taurine or taurocholic acid supplements, Joe’s team was able to increase the amount of conjugated bile acid in their gut and in turn reduce their blood pressure.

The new NIH-supported research seeks to build on those earlier findings.

“The overarching hypothesis of this proposal is that conjugated bile acids are novel antihypertensive metabolites,” Joe said. “Our research will focus on uncovering why conjugated bile acids depleted in hypertension and identifying the mechanism by which those conjugated bile acids protect against hypertension.”

Working with a special line of germ-free animal models that completely lack microbiota, Joe and her team will be able to zero in on the role specific gut bacteria play in depleting or enhancing the conjugated bile acids.

UToledo researchers also will study the specific pathways by which taurocholic acid lowers hypertension. That knowledge, Joe said, is critical before using taurine/taurocholic acid as potential treatment for hypertension can be advanced beyond animal studies.

If that treatment were to move forward, it would be the first anti-hypertensive medication that targets the gut-liver axis.

There are several classes of available blood pressure medications, but in general they target the brain, heart or kidneys to prevent blood vessels from narrowing, lower the heart rate or remove excess water and sodium from the body.

“Despite all of the available medications, the prevalence of hypertension is on the rise and treatment-resistant hypertension remains a real issue,” Joe said.

Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, now defined as blood pressure at or above 130/80. Of those being treated for hypertension, between 10% and 20% did not have their blood pressure under control despite aggressive measures.

“We at The University of Toledo are attacking this problem with a new thought,” Joe said. “The gut and the bacteria that call it home are targets that science has missed in the past. This is an exciting area of research and we are at the forefront of it.”

Engineering faculty member builds new research project aimed at exploring how AI acquires and understands information

Michael zuzak awarded nsf eager grant to apply large-language models to cybersecurity.

Assistant professor Michael Zuzak works with students like Sydale John Ayi ’24 (computer engineering) on projects and research.

Chat GPT still has a lot to learn.

Michael Zuzak, a faculty-researcher at Rochester Institute of Technology, is working to improve how the popular, large-language model acquires and understands information.

While large-language models such as Chat GPT are sophisticated, there are still issues with performance because the system does not intuit the way a human can—yet.

“These systems are data hungry, and data is extremely valuable. But the quality of the data determines the quality of your outcomes,” said Zuzak , an assistant professor of computer engineering in RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering . “We are looking to first, consider how we can adapt these models to work in a cybersecurity context and ensure they are constantly updated to the latest cybersecurity vulnerabilities.”

Improvements to the model will come about through Zuzak’s research and participation by students who will become the next generation of cybersecurity workers furthering platforms such as Chat GPT. Zuzak received a grant of nearly $300,000 from the National Science Foundation for “EAGER: Towards crowd-sourced artifact curation for cyberattacks through a leaner-centered AI co-pilot.” The project team will develop an artificial intelligence platform to provide interactive guidance for students in cybersecurity scenarios and will seek to improve overall performance of large-language models in relation to cybersecurity.

Improving the way the language model takes in information can be a means to ensure that the data being used is reliable, current, and relevant. One key area that will be explored is curating high-quality data sets so that researchers can better train systems to detect cyberattacks, at the same time creating a constantly updating tool to train students and professionals.

Data set improvement involves tackling several challenges to the way systems process information. Open-ended questions or tasks can be difficult to quantify. In cybersecurity, terms are ambiguous. For example, the word oracle can mean a seer or, in cybersecurity, it indicates a trusted information source. With new exploits, or hacks, they may not be understood when the models are trained, leading to the model providing poor or even incorrect information.

“People interact with the system and understanding how members of the community do this can be aggregated and used to develop mitigations. That is what we refer to by the term crowd sourced,” said Zuzak, an expert in computer hardware security , design automation, and artificial intelligence. 

The research team will use Chat GPT, because of its familiarity to current students, and Meta’s Llama , an Open Source AI model, which encourages the research community to share knowledge about system and model improvements. Zuzak will work with undergraduate and graduate students to develop interactive education tools to emulate the latest cybersecurity findings.

Access to open-source tools to emulate interactive cybersecurity experiences for students can be a good teaching opportunity—to learn about real-world cybersecurity challenges and to contribute solutions to them, experiences Zuzak believes could be a career asset.

“That is the hope. The last number I saw, it was over three million expected cybersecurity positions open worldwide. There are always new exploits. This is not a field that you can train in once, then work your whole career in it. You must be constantly learning,” he said.

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Global Engagement

Contracts for services, research, and goods in international research projects.

By Office of Global Engagement

The University’s Procurement Department is the responsible department to negotiate contracts for goods and services on behalf of the University, including those that support research in a foreign country. ORPA supports the University’s sponsored programs and subawards issued from sponsored funding, as well certain types of research-related agreements that do not involve sponsored funding. This guidance is intended to provide a general overview of the procurement and contracting process in the context of international research projects, particularly as they relate to research-related services.

Contracts for Services

Generally, service providers to the University must complete the Supplier Qualification Process through University Procurement. This includes situations where an entity provides a service, task, or function that supports a University research project. Typically, international service providers have not participated in the design of the research itself but are supporting a research plan under the direction of the University Principal Investigator. For more information on this process, please visit the Procurement website .

Since the Supplier Qualification Process can be challenging for some service providers located in foreign countries, University Procurement and University Accounts Payable may be able to facilitate contracts and transactions outside of the customary Supplier Qualification Process under certain circumstances. For example, for purchases of services that would occur in a foreign country in support a research project that do not involve the expenditure of federal funds, Procurement is able to facilitate those agreements through a standard form of a research services agreement that does not involve completion of the Supplier Qualification Process. Note that for purchases involving expenditure of $25,000 or more involving the use of federal funds, or in “sole source” request situations, departments will be required to complete the Supplier Price Justification Conflict Information Form (SPJCI. For more information, please contact University Procurement.

Certain payments to foreign service providers that are determined to be low risk by University Procurement may be made through the Supplier Invoice Request (SIR) through Accounts Payable. For more information, please first contact University Procurement who will determine whether the Supplier Qualification Process or SIR payment method is acceptable.

Note that if the University contracts with a foreign entity or person to provide services, and those services are performed in the U.S. (and not performed in a foreign country), the University will likely be required to report or withhold taxes.

Researchers and departments should also understand that if federal funds are being used for the purchase, those purchases are subject to compliance with 2 CFR Part 200 (the Uniform Guidance). As a result, purchases of services that include expenditures of federal funds must follow the requirements of 2 CFR Part 200 and the University’s related purchasing policies.

Contracts with Services Involving Independent Contractors

An independent contractor generally refers to an individual who provides services to businesses, institutions, or the general public, and who does not have the legal status of a University employee. Please refer to the University’s Worker Classification: Employee vs. Independent Contractor policy for more information on employee and independent contractor classification issues. Independent contractors generally follow the University Procurement process described for “Contracts for Services.” The independent contractor onboarding process also includes an assessment form completed by the requesting department, and a certification by the independent contractor that is signed by the requesting department. For more information, please consult University Procurement resources .

Contracts for Research Performed on the University’s Behalf

University researchers may engage a foreign entity to perform research on the University’s behalf, such as in support of a University grant or contract. In some situations, the research work conducted by the foreign entity is independent of the University and directed by an on-site investigator who proposed the scope of work being conducted. In other circumstances, the entity performing work may have little or no independent decision-making in the design and conduct of the research work being completed, such as a clinical site conducting a University sponsored clinical trial. However, the research is still considered substantive programmatic work in the context of sponsored projects.

For projects involving sponsored funds, ORPA will assist departments with issuing a subaward to the foreign entity if the entity is performing substantive programmatic work associated with the project. For more details on what constitutes substantive programmatic work, please consult the Policies and Procedures for the Administration of Subagreements to a Third Party .

If the foreign entity is not performing substantive programmatic work, such as UR specified services in support of the research program under the direction of the University Principal Investigator, or the contract does not involve sponsored funds, the arrangement for research performed on the University’s behalf will be processed similarly to contracts for services described above. University Procurement may be able to facilitate the contract outside of the customary Supplier Qualification Process under certain circumstances, including the use of the University’s standard research services agreement. University Procurement may also consult with ORPA during agreement negotiations to help ensure that contract terms which are unique to research (such as publication rights, intellectual property rights, and data use) are appropriately addressed.

Research Collaborations

If the arrangement involves a research “collaboration” with a foreign institution and does not utilize federal funds, contact ORPA for assistance with establishing a research collaboration agreement. Research collaborations typically involve research collaborators that will each contribute to the scholarly or scientific conduct of the project, and each will have independent decision-making authority regarding the conduct their work.

Material Transfers and Data Transfers

International research projects may also require the use of a material transfer agreement or data use agreement. A material transfer agreement governs the transfer of tangible research materials between two organizations when the recipient intends to use the materials for their own research purposes. Researchers should contact ORPA to initiate a material transfer agreement, which helps ensure that the University Export Control Officer assesses any potential transfers of material outside of the U.S. for export control compliance.

A data use agreement defines the terms and conditions upon which data is transferred or shared between organizations. Data use agreements are required under HIPAA to transfer certain types of protected health information (PHI), but are also used to protect research data that does not include PHI. Initiating a data use agreement with ORPA helps ensure that the University Export Control Officer can assess data transfers to a foreign institution for export control compliance.

Contracts for Goods

Researchers and departments should contact University Procurement with questions regarding purchases of goods or equipment to support a project occurring in foreign country. If the purchase is for less than $5,000 and otherwise meets the requirements of the University Procurement Card Policy , a University Pcard may be used for purchase.

It is strongly recommended that researchers performing work in a foreign country consult University Procurement or Accounts Payable prior to initiating any (i) request for the purchase of high value property ($10,000 or more for the purpose of this guidance), (ii) vehicles of any value, or (iii) leases of equipment. While these purchases can be appropriate for the work in the foreign country, advanced notice and planning is necessary, especially if the purchase qualifies as capital according to the Guidelines for Capitalization of Assets .

The University maintains finance and accounting policies relating to the capitalization and inventory of assets, which apply whether the asset is purchased for use in the United States or in a foreign country. Note that equipment purchased to support research in a foreign country must follow the University’s capitalization policies.

Certain goods may require a license to export from the U.S. Researchers and departments should contact the University’s Export Control Officer with any questions on export control law compliance in exporting goods outside of the U.S.