Researchers map how body parts interact under stress

A new study has mapped how different body parts communicate with each other under physiological stress, such as during exercise or sleep deprivation, which researchers say could one day help diagnose an illness earlier.

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Researchers at the University of Portsmouth and University College London, UK, said the study encourages a "whole-body" view of physiology, instead of focusing on isolated measurements such as heart or breathing rate. Using 'transfer entropy' — a method of monitoring body signals — a complex network of maps was created showing which body parts act as 'information hubs' under different stress conditions, the team explained. For example, during exercise, the heart — which is working hard to pump blood to muscles — receives the most input from other systems and therefore, "takes the lead" in helping the body adapt, the researchers said.