Artist's rendering of human body and large-scale DNA molecule.

Integrative and Biomedical Physiology

Reduce disease and improve the health of individuals through research ranging from molecular and cellular physiology to human organ systems

Program Overview

The Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Integrative and Biomedical Physiology—ranked among the top-10 physiology programs in the country—trains students to advance society’s understanding of how body systems work at all levels—molecular, cellular, tissues, and organs—and to apply that knowledge toward reducing disease and improving the health of individuals. The program’s recently awarded NIH Predoctoral Training Program in Stress Physiology includes a cutting-edge interdiscliplinary curriculum that prepares students to enter the 21st century biomedical workforce. To learn more, view a short video about our program.

Program Benefits

Aging, Exercise, and Muscle Biology

Biophysics

Immunology and Inflammation

Cardiovascular Regulation and Disease

Nutrient Regulation, Obesity, and Metabolic Diseases

Reproductive Biology

News

Huck associate director elected fellow in American Academy of Microbiology

Andrew Patterson, John T. and Paige S. Smith Professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, has been elected as a fellow in the American Academy of Microbiology. Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology, an honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology, are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process, based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology.

Skeleton ‘gatekeeper’ lining brain cells could guard against Alzheimer’s

Brain cells are constantly swallowing material from the fluid that surrounds them — signaling molecules, nutrients, even pieces of their own surfaces — in a process known as endocytosis that is essential for learning, memory and basic neural upkeep. New research by Penn State scientists has revealed this vital process may be governed by a previously unknown molecular gatekeeper: a lattice‑like structure just beneath the surface of neurons called the membrane‑associated periodic skeleton.

Too many saturated fats may be more harmful than too many refined carbohydrates

In recent years, many media reports and social media influencers have emphasized the dangers of eating too many carbohydrates. Though a carbohydrate-heavy diet can be harmful, consuming too many fats may cause more health problems, according to a study in mice led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences.

News

Huck associate director elected fellow in American Academy of Microbiology

Andrew Patterson, John T. and Paige S. Smith Professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, has been elected as a fellow in the American Academy of Microbiology. Fellows of the American Academy of Microbiology, an honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology, are elected annually through a highly selective, peer-review process, based on their records of scientific achievement and original contributions that have advanced microbiology.

Skeleton ‘gatekeeper’ lining brain cells could guard against Alzheimer’s

Brain cells are constantly swallowing material from the fluid that surrounds them — signaling molecules, nutrients, even pieces of their own surfaces — in a process known as endocytosis that is essential for learning, memory and basic neural upkeep. New research by Penn State scientists has revealed this vital process may be governed by a previously unknown molecular gatekeeper: a lattice‑like structure just beneath the surface of neurons called the membrane‑associated periodic skeleton.

Too many saturated fats may be more harmful than too many refined carbohydrates

In recent years, many media reports and social media influencers have emphasized the dangers of eating too many carbohydrates. Though a carbohydrate-heavy diet can be harmful, consuming too many fats may cause more health problems, according to a study in mice led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences.

Targeting the 'good' arm after stroke leads to better motor skills

Traditional stroke rehabilitation therapy focuses on restoring strength and movement to the more impaired side of the body, but a new randomized clinical trial has revealed that targeted therapy for the less-impaired arm significantly improved movement and control for stroke survivors. The trial, led by researchers from Penn State and the University of Southern California (USC), compared the new approach to the standard best-practice therapy currently in use.