Physiologia: A Progressive Open Access Journal Publishing New Horizons in the Physiology of Life

Physiologia (the Latin origins of Physiology, ISSN 2673-6772), is a new journal aimed at publishing original and review articles demonstrating conceptual advances across the realms of physiology [1]; from humans, to animals, to plants and cells. With a focus upon integrating molecular, cellular, systems and whole organismal function, the field of physiology has very long been recognised as one which advances our understanding of the constructs of life across all species. Charles Darwin, a famed observer of animal physiology and a core founder of principles of evolution, even at that time proclaimed “permit me to assure you that I honour, and shall always honour, everyone who advances the noble science of physiology”, when speaking in relation to physiological research as it pertains to human, animal, plant health, and their interrelations.

Since these early, largely observational days, various divisions of physiology have emerged, e.g., comparative, integrative, evolutionary/environmental and cellular physiology (to name a few). This has occurred alongside molecular revolutions underpinned by theoretical and technological advances, e.g., gene sequencing, genetic/cell manipulation and “physiolOMICs” (linking data-rich physiology to complex phenotypes). While helping to shape physiology into the booming field it is today, it has also fractured physiology by creating a blurring of lines across disciplines. On this basis, Physiologia, and I, as founding Editor-in-Chief, intend to retain an all-inclusive remit and to recognise contemporary inter-disciplinary physiology, all while maintaining founding principles relating to discovery in the science of life in robust experimental settings.

Reflecting this, research of interest to Physiologia includes, but is not limited to, the following: Human and Animal: muscle physiology, respiration, the circulatory system, neuromuscular function, digestion, endocrine physiology, sport and exercise physiology, reproduction, development, disease, ageing and nutrition; Cellular physiology: using in vivo/in vitro cell biology approaches aimed at positioning cellular physiology in a broader context such as human and animal health and disease; Comparative physiology; to recognise cross-species approaches; and Plant physiology: biochemistry, growth and development, photosynthesis and respiration, transport and translocation, biotic and abiotic stress. All the above areas will also be considered in the context of Evolutionary and Environmental influences, and also while adopting “discipline-hopping” approaches to address complex physiological problems.