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We will learn how understanding genetics and metabolism help us in the fight against the impact of neurodegeneration and hearing loss and how we can treat some forms of cancer without chemotherapy.
Brain Puzzles: Understanding Neurodegenerative Diseases
Professor Flaviano Giorgini
(Professor of Neurogenetics)
Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable disorders in which progressive death of specific nerve cells occurs, often within the brain. These devastating conditions – such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases – are increasing in incidence because of our ageing population, and therefore represent an enormous challenge for our healthcare system. Many of these disorders have a significant genetic component that can cause, increase susceptibility to, or alter onset of disease.
Metabolism and Age Related Hearing Loss
Tom Austin
(PhD student in Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour)
A leading cause of age-related hearing loss is hypothesised to be a decrease in metabolism. Using the Dessert Locust we measure the decreasing rate of metabolism in its ear as it ages. To test the hypothesis that metabolic decline is responsible for age related hearing loss, we slowed metabolism with a decrease in temperature. Metabolic and electrophysiological measurements of different aged Locusts suggest the importance of metabolic activity on the ability of the ear to function optimally.
Can we successfully treat some forms of cancer without chemotherapy? YES we can!
Professor Martin Dyer
(Professor of Haemato-Oncology and Honorary Consultant Physician)
Further details to follow
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