Medical Science

The field of knowledge is interdisciplinary and includes several subjects. It can be in both basic and applied research, with collaborations in both the national and international arena. The overall aim is to provide new knowledge that leads to an increased understanding of how the body works, both from a physiological and pathophysiological perspective. This can be anything from studies on specific bodily functions or studies at the molecular level, to studies on entire populations. Currently, research is mainly conducted in the following areas: 

Integrative Physiology 

The research is mainly focused on integrative physiological responses based on cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters linked to both short- and long-term hypoxia, as well as other forms of physiological stress such as physical activity and various environmental factors. Pathophysiological hypoxia occurs in many different disease processes, with applications in, for example, respiratory insufficiency and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Involuntary apnea occurs in cases of drowning or various types of suffocation, but also in sleep apnea and sudden infant death syndrome. Voluntary apnea is therefore an effective method to study various defense mechanisms linked to hypoxia, such as the cardiovascular diving response. We also study the spleen as a dynamic blood reservoir with its ability to contract to temporarily increase circulating red blood cells. The spleen, along with other functions, plays an important role in the defense against various forms of physiological stress. 

Based on this, projects are underway in Himalayan Nepal to study physiological responses linked to high altitude and the acclimatization process, both in hypobaric and normobar hypoxia. Several collaborative projects are also underway with Lund University on various cardiovascular mechanisms and the potential role of the spleen in blood pressure regulation. But also, about physiological responses to various respiratory parameters, its initiating factors and chemoreceptor sensitivity. 

Effect of female sex hormones on the brain 

Some of the breakdown products of progesterone have a major impact on the brain's electrical activity through their effect on the neurotransmitter GABA. Furthermore, this has been linked to effects on behaviors and states of mind such as food intake, learning, depression and anxiety. 

Lifestyle program for people with mental illness

This project is carried out in collaboration with nursing science. The lifestyle program emphasizes interpersonal relationships, health education, and cognitive support to individual lifestyle changes. The goal of the program is to improve both physical and mental health. 

All activities in the subject of Medical Science take place at the Department of Health Sciences.