Physiology in the age of transformation: From synapse to sustainability

Abstract

Physiology is evolving from a traditional science of life processes into a dynamic discipline at the intersection of biology, technology, and global responsibility. At the molecular level, the synapse symbolizes adaptability and intelligence, offering insights for artificial neural networks while reminding us that survival, not computation, defines authentic learning. Education is shifting from rote memory to meaning, fostering inquiry, reasoning, and clinical integration. Meanwhile, physiology’s principles of balance and resilience extend to planetary health, underscoring its ethical role in sustainability. From synapse to sustainability, physiology now teaches not only how life works but also how it can flourish responsibly.