Current Approaches in Ecophysiology

Natural environment is under the influence of constant changes caused by natural processes or resulting of human activities. Thus, it is a challenge of modern human to protect surrounding environment with exploit its natural resources in a clever way, and at the same time keep the delicate balance of ecosystems functioning. Environmental changes evoked among others by harmful exploitation by human, for example, the usage of a large amount of synthetic pesticides in food production, emission of greenhouse gases or destruction of natural habitats lead to environment pollution and reduction of diversity. Nowadays, many scientists' efforts focus on searching for solutions limiting negative human impact on the biosphere using tools invented by nature. A good example are green pesticides, which are pesticides derived from organic sources and are considered environmentally friendly, causing less harm to human and animal health and the ecosystems. One of the most environmentally friendly biopesticides are plant or microorganismal-derived substances. What more, their potential could be also applied in creating of new pharmaceuticals used e.g., in cancer therapy. Due to the severity of the problem, either the impact of environmental pollution and/or climate changes on living organisms is the focus of attention of many researches in the world. Mechanisms of their adaptations are carefully analysed on different levels: cellular, organismal and population. Thus, in the proposed lectures we would like to rise two aspects: 1) animal adaptation in the face of a climate and environment changes, on the example of model organisms and, 2) the usage of natural substances of plant, insect, and microorganism origin in crop protection, regulation of pests and disease treatment. We invite scientists, which are specialists in the field, who present contemporary treats for human and other beings, paying attention to the enormous wealth of nature that we can skilfully use for health care and treatment of many diseases.