The second annual Neuroscience Conference, organized by the Neuroscience Association for Undergraduate Students (NAUS), was held at the Bahen Centre on November 2. This year’s theme was Neuroscience in Translation, with topics ranging from basic neuroscience research to its clinical use. Despite the name of the conference, other disciplines played a significant role during the presentations: chemical engineering, genetics, ecology, and kinesiology.
The morning panel included Dr. Gabrielle Boulianne, Dr. Charles Tator, and Dr. Jose Nobrega. All three have carried out basic research in the field and are applying it to clinical use in their respective careers. They conduct experiments using model organisms, and use the information they gather to apply it to clinical cases. Their innovations, with the assistance of those that work in their laboratories, improve the quality of healthcare across the world
After the morning speakers presented their work, the panel of three scientists fielded questions from the moderator, Dr. Ju, and the audience. One of the questions asked was “Which of the following factors influences the choice of model organisms the most The period of time allocated to conduct the study; cost, pressure groups, efficacy in translational medicine; or the availability of the organism?” Tator responded by explaining that all of those factors are considered when making the decision, however, it is important to note that fundamental questions require more than just one model organism. “Do you advocate for holistic or targeted approaches?”, asked another participant. According to =Nobrega, when it comes to neuropsychiatric disorders, some treatment models are too simple. It was suggested that basic research should shift from model organisms to the use of cultures in the lab; Boulianne opposes this move due to the fact that diseases are multidisciplinary, and therefore require a holistic approach.
During the lunch break, students presented their research posters to the rest of the participants. In the afternoon, there were three breakout sessions: Genetics of Neurodevelopment, Regenerative medicine and Medical Imaging. The regenerative medicine session was presented by Dr. Peter Roy and Dr. Mike Cooke. Roy uses C.elegans as a model organism to identify the target of a bioactive small molecule through the process of forward genetics. The findings of his work can be applied to developing molecules that kill parasitic worms in humans as well as livestock, without harming the hosts.
Cooke works in the Shoichet lab, run by Dr. Molly Shoichet, on local drug and cell delivery strategies. He uses HAMC (hyaluronan methyl cellulose) as a drug delivery strategy since it improves cell distribution in the brain tissue. HAMC works like a gel: before it is injected into brain or spinal cord tissue, it is in a solid state,but once pressure is applied to the syringe it liquefies and returns back into a solid when in contact with the tissue.
Attendants said the conference was a success.
