New perspectives on the physiological basis of muscle loss

This special issue of Experimental Physiology presents a collection of papers arising from The Physiological Society conference, ‘New perspectives on the physiological basis of muscle loss’, hosted by the University of Exeter in September 2024. The 2-day meeting brought together speakers of all career stages, from early-career researchers to leading authorities in their field, from across Europe and further afield, allowing a blend of cutting-edge research and career insights. Its intimate and focused format fostered a convivial yet scholarly environment that encouraged rigorous scientific exchange. In this Editorial, we outline the origins of the conference and highlight how each article in this special issue advances our understanding of the physiological basis of skeletal muscle loss.