Physiology

Key research areas

Cardiovascular electrophysiology

The Cardiovascular Electrophysiology Laboratory specialises in research into the mechanisms leading to sudden cardiac death in the young due to genetic mutations in the heart muscle and coronary artery disease that leads to heart attack.

Key staff contacts

• Professor Livia Hool
• Dr Helena Viola

Neonatal physiology

Preterm birth is a serious neonatal disorder causing death and long-term ill health for surviving infants. This multidisciplinary research program strives to understand and reduce the morbidity associated with preterm birth.

Key staff contacts:

• Associate Professor Jane Pillow
Jane Pillow is co-director of the NHMRC Preterm Infants Centre of Research Excellence and a member of UWA's interdisciplinary BioZone research group, bringing an transdisciplinary approach to biomedical research to solve complex challenges, leading to improved patient care.
• Dr Nathanael Yates

Respiratory physiology

This research program examines the underlying mechanisms of common obstructive airway diseases reducing the quality of life and life expectancy. The tracheobronchial tree is a physiological piping system that supplies the alveoli where gas exchange occurs with the pulmonary circulation. Airway passages are susceptible to disease processes which present early, for example asthma, and later in life, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Key staff contacts

• Dr Peter Noble
• Dr Peter McFawn
• Dr Donna Savigni
• Dr Kimberley Wang

Skeletal muscle physiology

Skeletal muscles are essential for all aspects of movement as well as heat generation and metabolism. Our research looks at the physiology of skeletal muscle under healthy, aged and diseased conditions. We are particularly interested in the molecular processes underlying muscle contraction, the mechanisms of contractile dysfunction associated with injury and ageing, and the evaluation of medical treatments for sarcopenia and muscular diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Key staff contacts:

• Associate Professor Anthony Bakker
• Dr Gavin Pinniger
• Emeritus Professor Miranda Grounds
• Dr Vidya Krishnan

Thermal and comparative physiology

The Thermal and Comparative Physiology Laboratory specialises in research into the mechanisms and ecological consequences of temperature regulation and the physiological adaptation of birds and mammals, including humans, to different environments. Our research has implications for native animal conservation, production animal systems, and the ability of humans to maintain active lifestyles.

Key staff contacts:

• Professor Shane Maloney
• Dr Kristine Vesterdorf