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:
- Merrick C, Rosati R, Filingeri D (2023). The visual perception of wetness: Multisensory integration of visual and tactile stimuli. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part H: Journal of Engineering in Medicine. 2023;237(9):1072-1081. doi:10.1177/09544119231189105
- Ploumitsakou, M., Muheim, J., Felouzis, A., Carbonell Muñoz, N.-I., Iberite, F., Akouissi, O., Morosato, F., Gruppioni, E., Filingeri, D., Micera, S. and Shokur, S. (2024), Remapping Wetness Perception in Upper Limb Amputees. Adv. Intell. Syst., 6: 2300512. https://doi.org/10.1002/aisy.202300512
- Christogianni A, Bibb R, Filtness A, Filingeri D (2022). Regional skin wetness perception and its modulation by warm and cold whole body skin temperatures in people with multiple sclerosis. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2022 Nov 1;323(5):R648-R660. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00149.2022. Epub 2022 Aug 29. PMID: 36036454; PMCID: PMC9602777.
Collaborators:
Dr Solaiman Shokur (EPFL, Switzerland)
Dr Rochelle Ackerley (Aix Marseille Universite, France)
Dr Antonino Bianco (University of Palermo, Italy)
Procter & Gamble
Female 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:
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:
- Blount H, Valenza A, Ward J, Caggiari S, Worsley PR, Filingeri D. The effect of female breast surface area on heat-activated sweat gland density and output. Exp Physiol. 2024 Jun 7. doi: 10.1113/EP091850. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38847458.
- Valenza A, Blount H, Bianco A, Worsley PR, Filingeri D. Biophysical, thermo-physiological and perceptual determinants of cool-seeking behaviour during exercise in younger and older women. Exp Physiol. 2024 Feb;109(2):255-270. doi: 10.1113/EP091533. Epub 2023 Nov 16. PMID: 37975151; PMCID: PMC10988754.
- Filingeri D, Blount H, Valenza A. Female thermal sensitivity and behaviour across the lifespan: A unique journey. Exp Physiol. 2024 Mar 7. doi: 10.1113/EP091454. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38451148.
Collaborators:
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:
- Gordon RJFH, Worsley PR, Filingeri D. An evaluation of the effects of localised skin cooling on microvascular, inflammatory, structural, and perceptual responses to sustained mechanical loading of the sacrum: A study protocol. PLoS One. 2024 May 10;19(5):e0303342. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303342. PMID: 38728306; PMCID: PMC11086830.
- 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:
- Christogianni A, Bibb R, Filingeri D. High-density thermal sensitivity maps of the body of people with multiple sclerosis: Implications for inclusive personal comfort systems. J Therm Biol. 2024 Jun 8;123:103887. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103887. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38878349.
- Christogianni A, Bibb R, Filingeri D. Body temperatures, thermal comfort, and neuropsychological responses to air temperatures ranging between 12°C and 39°C in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Physiol Behav. 2023 Jul 1;266:114179. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114179. Epub 2023 Apr 3. PMID: 37019295.
- 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
Collaborators:
Prof. Ian Galea (University Hospital Southampton, UK)