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Our bodies are fascinating machines, but like most machines, they aren’t without faults! Come and hear about emerging diseases and what we are doing about it. We will talk about what causes disease within the body including how disrupted rhythms in the brain can lead to Alzheimer's disease. We will also discuss new ways to address such problems including the use of nerve agents to restore cognitive function and innovative vaccine design. Pint of Science pint glasses and t-shirts to be won! (Please note: event located on the first floor, only accessible via stairs.)
Brain rhythms: from speed of thought to Alzheimer’s disease and Novichok.
Dr Roland Jones
(Professor)
My research has focused on how synchronised activity occurs neuronal networks of the brain, how synchronisation facilitates cognitive processes, and how it can be disordered in disease states such as epilepsy. In this talk, I will discuss how synchronous neuronal rhythms are essential for the speed at which we process information in the brain, examine how disrupted rhythms are involved in cognitive deficits associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and speculate on how and why nerve agents could provide a useful therapeutic approach to restoring or enhancing cognitive function.
The need for safe and effective single-dose vaccines.
Dr Jean van den Elsen
(Professor)
Many of the vaccines currently used are still based on old technology, comprising of a protein mixture from bacterial/viral culture mixed with an aluminium hydroxide adjuvant, that can cause immune side-effects and require repeated administration. We are developing a pro-vaccine for a range of diseases, including TB, that is based on a unique adjuvant protein derived from Staphylococcus aureus, with the aim to improve a vaccine’s ability to be given on a single dose basis and improve rates of protection, which would vastly reduce vaccination costs and provide increased assurance of safety
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