Through AI and glue: future and present of Animal Science
Alchemy & adhesives: the evolution of frog glue
Shabnam Zaman
PhD Researcher
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
From traditional folk medicine to shamanistic rituals, toxic frog secretions have a long history in cultures and myths from around the world. Aside from being purveyors of poison, a small number of frogs have come up with a more obscure survival strategy: glue. When stressed, the animal’s skin releases a substance that becomes extremely sticky within seconds, making it nearly impossible for a predator to eat the frog. Using technologies ranging from Lego® to high-powered microscopes, we unravel the science behind the magic, and uncover the ingredients needed to produce this sticky potion.
AI Advancing Drug Safety: Revealing Hidden Liver Risks
Jian Jiang
Postdoctoral Researcher
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Traditional animal models fall short in predicting human responses, leaving us with a daunting 85% failure rate. But cutting-edge AI and omics technology are changing the game. Learn how we're identifying key gene markers to predict DIC (drug-induced cholestasis) in vitro, revolutionizing drug safety assessment. Join us for promising insights into the future of medicine!