Institutes of the Centre for Experimental Medicine of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (CEM SAV) will participate in the European Researchers’ Night, which will take place in Slovakia on 29 September 2023. The Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, the Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology and the Institute for Heart Research will bring science closer to the public in the info booths installed in front of Bratislava’s Old Market Hall.
The event starts on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 9:00 and will last until 22:00. Visitors, including the youngest ones, can look forward to a rich scientific programme and demonstrations of work in the laboratory, including microscopy, pipetting and computer modelling.
What have the CEM SAS institutes prepared for the public?
Institute of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology (IEPT)
will present pharmaceuticals under the microscope.
IEPT will talk about the fascinating world of pharmacology and toxicology and explain the drug development process from computer modelling, through experiments on target structures, tissues, and cells, to in vivo animal tests. A drug can be a double-edged weapon depending on the concentration used. Scientists are looking for the dose at which the desired pharmacological effect will occur while also monitoring the potential toxic properties of substances. Researchers at the IEPT are heavily involved in toxicity studies using modern 3D tissue models. Visitors will see how computer modelling of new structures (drugs) is conducted, how human and animal cells look under a microscope, how an antioxidant works, look closely at the structure of their own skin or hair with a camera. In addition, they will have the unique opportunity to talk to our experts and specialists on topics of interest to them in the field of pharmaceuticals and clinical drug trials.
Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology (INPP)
will show that life in equilibrium begins with blood vessels.
Researchers at the INPP will introduce the structure and function of the cardiovascular system and the effects of harmful influences on blood vessels, the heart and the blood that can result in diseases of civilisation. The INPP will show how the balance system works, how it can be experimentally influenced and, in doing so, observe the physiological reactions to stress. It will explain the structure and function of the cardiovascular system and the effects of harmful influences on the blood vessels, heart and blood that can result in disease. People will view the structure of healthy and diseased (atherosclerotic) blood vessels under a microscope, discuss the causes of instability and possible risks of falls in seniors, and learn about the importance of daily exercise. Children and adults alike will experience how balance can be influenced, and the bravest will go to the top of a skyscraper in virtual reality. Those who are interested will have the opportunity to measure their blood glucose and cholesterol levels and check their blood type. For the little ones, there will be fun puzzles on the topic of balance, and pupils will test their knowledge in a simple quiz.
Institute for Heart Research (IHR)
will demonstrate the heart in motion.
IHR has prepared practical and creative demonstrations to learn about heart function, energy output, understanding the impact of physical stress on the heart and the impact of changes in the heart on human health. People can measure their blood pressure and heart rate or find out their weight, fat and muscle mass using diagnostic scales in the information booth. There will be 3D models of the heart, blood vessels and blood circulation, as well as demonstrations of microscopy or echocardiography. There will be a variety of interesting competitions, heart drawing, pipetting and simple laboratory demonstrations for young visitors. There will be materials with simple exercises for a healthy heart, posters about the cardiovascular system, diseases, prevention, properly balanced lifestyle and the need to include physical activity in the daily regime.
