The rhythms in physiological networks: mechanisms and applications

Network Physiology is an multidisciplinary field dedicated to uncovering the complexity of physiological interactions across diverse physiological systems and hierarchical networks to understand integrative functions in health and disease. Manuscripts submitted to this Research Topic should be in the context of Network Physiology and explicitly consider, utilize, or inform perspectives and methodologies from Network Physiology.Oscillation is a fundamental and ubiquitous feature of living systems, evident across all physiological scales. From the intricate firing patterns of neuronal networks, the synchronized beating of cardiac cells and the master clock of circadian rhythms to calcium oscillation in T cells, these rhythmic activities are not mere consequences but are central to maintaining homeostasis, processing information, and orchestrating complex physiological functions. The emerging field of network physiology provides a powerful framework to understand how these diverse oscillators interact within and across systems, giving rise to emergent collective behaviors that define health and disease. This Research Topic, situated within the "Networks of Dynamical Systems" section, aims to gather cutting-edge research that explores diverse oscillatory dynamics in physiological networks. The oscillatory phenomena include, but are not limited to, synchronization, cross-frequency coupling, amplitude and frequency modulation, and critical dynamics such as neuronal avalanches. The contributions should link these dynamic behaviors to the underlying network topology and explore their functional roles in one or more physiological systems, including immune system, neuronal system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gut-brain axis, and endocrine networks, to name a few. Unraveling the complexity of these oscillatory networks requires the development and application of advanced theoretical and computational methods. This topic thus encourages submissions that present novel methodologies for modeling, analyzing physiological data, and for physiologically-inspired or clinical applications.We specifically encourage original research, methods, review, and perspectives related to:• Modelling: This theme is dedicated to the development and analysis of computational models that replicate and predict the rhythmic dynamics of various physiological systems. We welcome both principle- and data- driven models that bridge different spatial and temporal scales and integrate experimental data.• Theory: This theme focuses on the core mathematical and physical principles governing the collective behavior of coupled oscillators in physiological contexts. We encourage contributions that advance our fundamental understanding of how network properties shape emergent oscillatory dynamics and their functional roles by developing or applying analytical tools.• Technique: This theme calls for the development of novel techniques and algorithms essential for analyzing and modulating network oscillations. We encourage submissions that present innovative methodologies with broad applicability. These include, but are not limited to, dimension reduction techniques, machine learning algorithms, signal processing methods, and causal inference methods.• Application: This theme focuses on the practical and translational impact of studying physiological oscillations. We are interested in work that connects fundamental research to real-world problems in medicine (e.g., understanding calcium oscillation for pertaining T-cell functionality, identifying oscillatory biomarkers, therapeutic intervention such as deep brain stimulation) and technology (e.g., brain-inspired AI based on principles of neuronal oscillations, reservoir computing leveraging dynamics of physiological systems).Our goal is to create a comprehensive collection that showcases the latest advances, highlights current challenges, and charts future directions in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of physiological network rhythms. Topic editors: Wei Lin, Bo-Wei Qin, Yu Meng, Daniel Koch Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75024/the-rhythms-in-physiological-networks-mechanisms-and-applications