PINT OF SCIENCE FESTIVAL
13-15 MAY 2024
.png)
Beam me up and forget me no-no
SOLD OUT! We have run out of guaranteed seats, but feel free to come and see if we can find a cozy spot for you.
Join us for a fascinating evening where we'll explore the latest breakthroughs in medical science. In two exciting talks, we'll delve into new research on Alzheimer's therapy and plasma-based cancer treatments. How can you fight aAlzheimer with rust-free painting for cells ? How can you treat cancer from thunderbolts ?
Is biological rust the key to fighting Alzheimer's disease?
Greta Klejborowska
Postdoctoral Researcher (MSCA fellow), PhD
University of Antwerp (Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry)
Today, we live twice as long as our ancestors born in the early 20th century. And as we get older, our brains and nerves ‘rust’, causing cells to break down and lead to various diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Recently, scientists discovered a very promising therapeutic target: ferroptosis. This new iron-dependent form of cell death is a kind of cell rust that spreads easily in the surrounding cells, resulting in their failure. Within the NeuroFerro project, we aim to develop substances which act as rust-proof paint. And by stopping ferroptosis, they will prevent or even treat different age-related diseases, among others.
From Thunderbolts to Therapy
Abraham Lin
FWO Senior Researcher
University of Antwerp
Did you know that there are other states than solid, liquid, and gas? In fact, plasma – an ionized gas – is the most abundant state of matter in the universe. You are introduced to it every time you sunbathe on the beach, witness lightning in a thunderstorm, and if you’re very lucky, gaze up at the northern lights at night. Now, plasma is also emerging as a promising technology for medical applications, for exemple it can accelerate wound healing, treat various skin diseases, and even reduce cancerous tumors!
So how does this work? How scientists are harnessing its power for medicine? You'll discover all of that in my talk!
