The project describes the mechanisms behind serious complications in respiratory and brain functions after anesthesia, and how we will create new treatment methods and safer care after surgery/trauma in adults and children in the future. We study the most common causes of serious incidents and long-term effects after anesthesia, surgery and intensive care, namely disturbances in respiratory regulation in case of oxygen deficiency and consciousness and cognitive ability. Serious adverse events after anesthesia/surgery due to disturbances in respiration, consciousness or cognitive functions can be explained by interactions with vital signaling pathways in respiratory control and the nervous system. With unique analyses of human oxygen-sensitive cells, we can describe central and peripheral regulation of respiration and how this regulation is affected by anesthesia and surgery. In animal and cell models, we further map the body's natural response to surgery/trauma and how we can use specific neurotransmitters to prevent postoperative cognitive disorders and dementia. We have built up advanced cellular and molecular biological research methodologies as well as physiological measurements in humans, anesthetized animals and individual cells to map in detail the effects of anesthetics on key functions behind the regulation of breathing, consciousness and cognition. This project increases knowledge of these regulatory systems and how they are affected by anesthesia and intensive care and has already created new routines for postoperative care both nationally and internationally.