Current research projects
Below are some examples of our ongoing reserach projects in the areas of human thermoregulation and skin sensing
Biophysical and perceptual mechanisms of human skin wetness sensing
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Aim:
To identify sensory mechanisms that allow humans to sense wetness on their skin in the absence of hygroreceptors.
Research applications:
To inform the design of more comfortable sport clothing, of more effective absorbent products and anti-perspirant deodorants, of neuroprostetics providing sensory feedback to users.
Recent publications:
Collaborators:
Dr Solaiman Shokur (EPFL, Switzerland)
Dr Rochelle Ackerley (Aix Marseille Universite, France)
Dr Antonino Bianco (University of Palermo, Italy)
Procter & Gamble
To identify sensory mechanisms that allow humans to sense wetness on their skin in the absence of hygroreceptors.
Research applications:
To inform the design of more comfortable sport clothing, of more effective absorbent products and anti-perspirant deodorants, of neuroprostetics providing sensory feedback to users.
Recent publications:
- C Merrick, R Rosati, D Filingeri (2022) The role of friction on skin wetness perception during dynamic interactions between the human index finger pad and materials of varying moisture content. Journal of Neurophysiology 127 (3), 725-736
- C Wildgoose, A Valenza, AB Stella, K Feka, A Bianco, D Filingeri (2021) Ageing reduces skin wetness sensitivity across the body. Experimental Physiology
- Typolt O, Filingeri D (2020) Evidence for the involvement of peripheral cold-sensitive TRPM8 channels in human cutaneous hygrosensation. American Journal of Physiology – Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00332.2019
Collaborators:
Dr Solaiman Shokur (EPFL, Switzerland)
Dr Rochelle Ackerley (Aix Marseille Universite, France)
Dr Antonino Bianco (University of Palermo, Italy)
Procter & Gamble
Sex differences in thermoregulation across the lifespan
Aim:
To characterize sex-specific autonomic and behavioural mechanisms of temperature regulation across the lifespan.
Research applications:
To inform the design of more comfortable sport clothing and of more effective personal comfort systems.
Key publications:
Collaborators:
Prof Ed Arens & Dr Hui Zhang (University of California at Berkeley, USA)
Nike Inc.
To characterize sex-specific autonomic and behavioural mechanisms of temperature regulation across the lifespan.
Research applications:
To inform the design of more comfortable sport clothing and of more effective personal comfort systems.
Key publications:
- Valenza A, Bianco A. & Filingeri D (2019). Thermosensory mapping of skin wetness sensitivity across the body of young males and females at rest and following maximal incremental running. J. Physiol. 13, 3315–3332 (2019).
- Filingeri, D., Zhang, H. & Arens, E. A. (2018) Thermosensory micromapping of warm and cold sensitivity across glabrous and hairy skin of male and female hands and feet. J. Appl. Physiol. 125, 723-736 (2018).
- Filingeri D (2016) Neurophysiology of Skin Thermal Sensations. Compr Physiol. 2016 Jun 13;6(3):1429. doi: 10.1002/cphy.c150040.
Collaborators:
Prof Ed Arens & Dr Hui Zhang (University of California at Berkeley, USA)
Nike Inc.
The role of the microclimate in skin tissue viability
Aim:
To characterize temperature-induced modulation of skin tolerance to applied mechanical loading and shear.
Research applications:
To inform the design of preventive strategies and technologies that maintain skin integrity and reduce the risk of pressure injury.
Recent publications:
Collaborators:
Dr Pete Worsley (University of Southampton)
Prof Dan Bader (University of Southampton)
Dr Konrad Rykaczewski (Arizona State University, USA)
To characterize temperature-induced modulation of skin tolerance to applied mechanical loading and shear.
Research applications:
To inform the design of preventive strategies and technologies that maintain skin integrity and reduce the risk of pressure injury.
Recent publications:
- Valenza A, Rykaczewski K, Martinez DM, Bianco A, Caggiari S, Worsley P, Filingeri D. (2023) Thermal modulation of skin friction at the finger pad. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2023 Aug 12;146:106072.
- D Filingeri, PR Worsley, DL Bader (2021) It is time to be" cool" about maintaining skin integrity. Journal of tissue viability 30 (4), 465
Collaborators:
Dr Pete Worsley (University of Southampton)
Prof Dan Bader (University of Southampton)
Dr Konrad Rykaczewski (Arizona State University, USA)
Temperature sensitivity in Multiple Sclerosis
Aim:
To elucidate pathological mechanisms behind the impact of changes in body temperature on motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms worsening in Multiple Sclerosis
Research applications:
To inform the design of public health interventions and smart wearables aimed at improving thermal resiliance in this clinical group.
Recent publications:
Collaborators:
Prof. Ian Galea (University Hospital Southampton, UK)
To elucidate pathological mechanisms behind the impact of changes in body temperature on motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms worsening in Multiple Sclerosis
Research applications:
To inform the design of public health interventions and smart wearables aimed at improving thermal resiliance in this clinical group.
Recent publications:
- A Christogianni, J O'Garro, R Bibb, A Filtness, D Filingeri (2022) Heat and cold sensitivity in multiple sclerosis: A patient-centred perspective on triggers, symptoms, and thermal resilience practices. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders 67, 104075
- A Christogianni, R Bibb, A Filtness, D Filingeri (2022) Regional skin wetness perception and its modulation by warm and cold whole-body skin temperatures in people with Multiple Sclerosis. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.
- Christogianni, A., Bibb, R., Davis, SL., Jay, O., Barnett, M., Evangelou, N. & Filingeri, D. (2018) Temperature sensitivity in multiple sclerosis: an overview of its impact on sensory and cognitive symptoms. Temperature 5, 208-223 (2018).
Collaborators:
Prof. Ian Galea (University Hospital Southampton, UK)