What is the role of synapses in the development of neurodegenerative diseases and how can nervous tissue be protected from cell death? These are the questions addressed by members of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina as part of their research, with current findings being presented at the Online Symposium of Class III – Medicine on Tuesday, 30 November 2021.
Online Symposium of Class III – Medicine
“New advances in medicine”
Tuesday, 30 November 2021, 5:30pm to 6:30pm (CET)
Online via Zoom
At this Online Symposium, Academy members of Class III – Medicine provide insights into their research.
- Prof. Dr. Hilmar Bading, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, University of Heidelberg: “NMDAR/TRPM4 interface inhibitors: a new pharmacological principle for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases”. The neuroscientist is conducting research on degenerative processes of the nervous system and how these can be halted. He is investigating the role of NMDA receptors found on the neuronal cell surface. While their excessive activation can result in a toxic effect, their inhibition may protect nervous tissue from adverse cell death. Based on these findings, Bading is developing neuroprotective treatments.
- Prof. Dr. Tobias Böckers, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University: “Synapses and synaptopathies”. The physician is investigating how the central nervous system processes information. Communication between neurons occurs at synapses and is the foundation for any learning and memory formation in the brain. Böckers is researching the molecular composition of synapses and analysing proteins associated with the development of diseases such as dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Further information about the event is available here: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/events/event/event/2934/.
The symposium is open to the interested public and will be held in English. Attendance is free of charge. Registration is required up front by Sunday, 28 November, at the following link: https://www.leopoldina.org/en/form/anmeldung-klasse-iii-november-2021/. After successful registration, a confirmation email with a login link and password will be sent. By using the video conferencing platform Zoom, participants agree to the provider’s privacy statement: https://zoom.us/privacy.
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About the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
As the German National Academy of Sciences, the Leopoldina provides independent science-based policy advice on matters relevant to society. To this end, the Academy develops interdisciplinary statements based on scientific findings. In these publications, options for action are outlined; making decisions, however, is the responsibility of democratically legitimized politicians. The experts who prepare the statements work in a voluntary and unbiased manner. The Leopoldina represents the German scientific community in the international academy dialogue. This includes advising the annual summits of Heads of State and Government of the G7 and G20 countries. With 1,600 members from more than 30 countries, the Leopoldina combines expertise from almost all research areas. Founded in 1652, it was appointed the National Academy of Sciences of Germany in 2008. The Leopoldina is committed to the common good.