Lab missionThe THERMOSENSELAB specializes in mechanistic research in human skin sensing in health and neurodegeneration.
Our original research programme investigates: i) the biophysical and physiological mechanisms that allow humans to sense changes in the temperature and wetness of their skin; ii) the role of these mechanisms in body temperature regulation and the initiation of thermal behaviours; iii) the impact of neurodegeneration (as induced by diseases like multiple sclerosis) on optimal skin sensing and body temperature regulation. |
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Research ApplicationsOur research has a strong enterprise ethos, and we believe that major advances in skin and health care can arise from bridging the gap between academia and industry.
We have a strong track-record of industrial collaborations. For example, we have collaborated with leading sport clothing manufacturers to map regional differences in skin sensing across the body, to inform the design of sport clothing that improve thermal comfort for female athletes. Also, we have co-operated with global goods manufacturers to model the biophysics and physiology of wetness on the skin, to improve the design of absorbency products for babies and adults. |
Some examples of thermosensory mapping (i.e. determining temperature sensitive skin regions)
[from Filingeri, Zhang, Arens, 2017] 
Integration of skin wetness sensory feedback for neuroprostetic development
[from Filingeri, Ackerley, 2017] |
Location
The THERMOSENSELAB is part of the Skin Health Research Group at the University of Southampton, UK