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

Elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy may result in poorer birth outcomes

Pregnant women in the United States are routinely tested for gestational diabetes, a condition where the body has high blood sugar during pregnancy that can lead to health problems for both mothers and babies. In a recent study led by Penn State researchers, scientists examined records from thousands of births and found that failing the glucose challenge test was associated with babies with higher birth weights — a risk factor for future obesity and diabetes — even when women passed their second glucose test.

Q&A: What should women do to keep their bones healthy?

One in 10 Americans experience osteoporosis, which significantly weakens bones and makes them more prone to fracture. Women comprise 80% of people with osteoporosis, and women approaching or in menopause are at the highest risk, according to Mary Jane De Souza, distinguished professor of kinesiology and physiology. De Souza explained that May serves as both Osteoporosis Awareness Month and Women’s Health Month, making it the ideal time for both women and men to learn how to maintain healthy bones for as long as possible.

Hydraulic brain: Body motion linked to fluid movement in the brain

The brain is more mechanically connected to the body than previously appreciated, scientists reported in Nature Neuroscience. Through a study using mice and simulations, the team found a potential biological mechanism underlying why exercise is thought to benefit brain health: abdominal contractions compress blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and the brain, enabling the organ to gently move within the skull. This swaying facilitates the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid to flow over the brain, potentially washing away neural waste that could cause problems for brain function.

News

Elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy may result in poorer birth outcomes

Pregnant women in the United States are routinely tested for gestational diabetes, a condition where the body has high blood sugar during pregnancy that can lead to health problems for both mothers and babies. In a recent study led by Penn State researchers, scientists examined records from thousands of births and found that failing the glucose challenge test was associated with babies with higher birth weights — a risk factor for future obesity and diabetes — even when women passed their second glucose test.

Q&A: What should women do to keep their bones healthy?

One in 10 Americans experience osteoporosis, which significantly weakens bones and makes them more prone to fracture. Women comprise 80% of people with osteoporosis, and women approaching or in menopause are at the highest risk, according to Mary Jane De Souza, distinguished professor of kinesiology and physiology. De Souza explained that May serves as both Osteoporosis Awareness Month and Women’s Health Month, making it the ideal time for both women and men to learn how to maintain healthy bones for as long as possible.

Hydraulic brain: Body motion linked to fluid movement in the brain

The brain is more mechanically connected to the body than previously appreciated, scientists reported in Nature Neuroscience. Through a study using mice and simulations, the team found a potential biological mechanism underlying why exercise is thought to benefit brain health: abdominal contractions compress blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and the brain, enabling the organ to gently move within the skull. This swaying facilitates the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid to flow over the brain, potentially washing away neural waste that could cause problems for brain function.

Penn State faculty member named American Physiological Society president-elect

Penn State Department of Kinesiology faculty member Lacy Alexander, professor of kinesiology and research professor in charge, has been named the 2025-26 president-elect of the American Physiological Society.