News

New insights into how the brain makes sense of our constantly changing soundscape

16 January 2020

We experience a wide range of sounds at varying levels. The brain's auditory neurons constantly adapt their responses to changes in sound level to help us perceive and understand what we hear. King Group researchers have previously demonstrated how these neurons do this and have now produced new evidence for exactly where this happens in the brain and the perceptual consequences of these adaptations.

Malnutrition linked with increased risk of Zika birth defects

15 January 2020

The severity of Zika virus-related deformations in babies has been shown to be affected by environmental factors such as maternal nutrition. The study was partially funded by a joint MRC Grant between DPAG's Professor Zoltán Molnár and Associate Professor Patricia Garcez of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

Understanding the mechanisms driving a major type of immune cell to keep our gut healthy

10 January 2020

A news and views article review published in Nature Immunology by Domingos Group researchers examines significant recent research revealing how group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s), the cells responsible for protecting the gut and maintaining intestinal homeostasis, are regulated. In doing so, they also reveal important new research avenues of ILCs activation in the body.

New target identified to help prevent dangerous heart rhythms after heart attack

8 January 2020

For many years, we have been using beta-blockers to neutralise a specific stress hormone and prevent dangerous heart rhythms following a heart attack. However, a new study led by Associate Professor Neil Herring and published in the European Heart Journal has uncovered evidence for an additional stress hormone acting as a key trigger for dangerous heart rhythms that is not currently targeted by these drugs.

Biomarker predicts which patients with heart failure have a higher risk of dying

7 January 2020

UCLA Researchers in collaboration with DPAG researchers from the Paterson and Herring Groups have identified a biomarker for increased risk of early mortality in patients with heart failure. Associate Professor Neil Herring is senior author.

Prof Robin Klemm is joining DPAG this summer

6 January 2020

Prof Robin Klemm will be joining our department in June 2020 as the Associate Professor of Physiological Metabolism. Research in the Klemm lab focuses primarily on understanding the molecular cell biology of professional fat storing cells called white adipocytes.

Heidi de Wet answers the Big Question: Why do diets fail?

3 January 2020

It's a new year (and a new decade!) and many of us will be looking to turn over a new leaf when it comes to diet and lifestyle. But - as anyone who's tried one will know - diets are very difficult to stick to. In a new episode of the Big Questions podcast, Associate Professor Heidi de Wet answers "Why do diets fail?". She also provides some great tips for a healthier lifestyle along the way!

How the brain learns from making difficult decisions

19 December 2019

A new study led by Dr Armin Lak suggests that we learn best when we make decisions outside of our comfort zone, and sheds light on how the brain might achieve this.

Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre supports charity Christmas pub quiz

13 December 2019

Neuroimmunometabolism identified as a new field of research

11 December 2019

A new review from the Domingos Lab, authored by Chelsea Larabee, Oliver Neeley and Ana Domingos, examines the intersection between neuroimmunology and immunometabolism, and in doing so reveals the existence of an exciting new area of study.

Leptin is the missing piece in the immunometabolism puzzle

10 December 2019

Associate Professor Ana Domingos reviews the identification of the hormone leptin and explores its significance in the function of immune cells in obesity.

Oxford named best for medicine for ninth consecutive year

5 December 2019

Oxford University has been ranked as the world's best institution for medical and health teaching and research for the ninth consecutive year in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Watch J.S. Haldane Lecture: A hundred years on: 21st Century Insights into Human Oxygen Homeostasis

28 November 2019

Event video for the inaugural John Scott Haldane Lecture 2019, delivered by Professor Sir Peter J Ratcliffe FRS on Thursday 21 November 2019 in the Sherrington Large Lecture Theatre.

Neil Herring appointed Associate Professor in Cardiovascular Physiology and Tutorial Fellow at Exeter College

27 November 2019

Nobel Laureate Sir Peter Ratcliffe FRS delivers inaugural Haldane Lecture

22 November 2019

The new series is held in honour of British Physiologist John Scott Haldane, known as the father of oxygen therapy.

Shared Parental Leave Spotlight for Universal Children's Day

18 November 2019

Oxford University's Shared Parental Leave (SPL) scheme enables parents to share a period of leave and pay following the birth or adoption of their child. Several departmental members who have used the scheme report valuable increased bonding with their children.

In Remembrance of distinguished former Oxford Physiology students who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions in the First World War

8 November 2019

On Remembrance Day 2019, 101 years on from the ending of the First World War, we remember two of our former students who were awarded the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system.