KAUST researcher Corrado Calì won an award at the Brainstorming Research Assembly for Young Neuroscientists (BraYn) in Italy for his work on glycogen modulation and synapse stabilization. Calì presented research in collaboration with KAUST Professor Andrea Falqui and Dr. Elena Vezzoli from the University of Milan, investigating the lactate shuttle's involvement in synaptic plasticity. Calì and KAUST colleagues are also collaborating with the Blue Brain Project to produce a computer simulation of astrocyte-neuron coupling, using 3D virtual reality to investigate brain cell morphologies at the nanoscale. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to neuroscience research and highlights the university's collaborative efforts in understanding brain plasticity and developing advanced tools for studying brain structures.
Margaret Livingstone, a neurobiology professor at Harvard Medical School, lectured at KAUST's Winter Enrichment Program 2018 on how art can reveal insights into the human brain. She discussed how artists have long understood the independent roles of color and luminance in visual perception. Livingstone highlighted examples from Picasso, Monet, and Warhol to illustrate how artists manipulate visual cues. Why it matters: This interdisciplinary approach can potentially lead to new understandings of how the brain processes visual information and inform advances in both neuroscience and art.
Dr. Yves Agid from the ICM Paris Institute of Translational Neuroscience lectured at KAUST's 2018 Winter Enrichment Program about the role of glial cells in brain function and behavior. He highlighted that glial cells, often overlooked in research, are crucial for neural synchronization and overall intelligence. Dysfunction of glial cells can induce pathologies like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Why it matters: The lecture underscored the importance of studying glial cells in addition to neurons for understanding and treating neurodegenerative disorders, which could influence future research directions at KAUST and in the region.
KAUST researchers collaborated with the Blue Brain Project to study astrocytes, brain cells crucial for memory and learning. Dr. Corrado Calì produced 3D models of astrocytes using serial block-face electron microscopy to understand their structure. The study, published in Progress in Neurobiology, reveals how lactate transfer from astrocytes to neurons contributes to brain energy usage. Why it matters: Understanding astrocyte function could lead to new drugs for treating conditions like stroke and Alzheimer's disease by improving brain cell function.
KAUST hosted the Nature Conferences: Brain Energy Metabolism in Health and Disease, convening experts to discuss brain energy use and its impact on function and disease. Researchers from KAUST and global institutions shared insights on metabolic interactions among brain cells and the brain's role in whole-body energy regulation. KAUST's President Sir Edward Byrne emphasized brain health as essential for the cognitive economy, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Why it matters: The conference highlights KAUST's growing role in global neuroscience research and its commitment to addressing critical health challenges through international collaboration.
KAUST researchers in the Sensors Lab are developing neuromorphic circuits for vision sensors, drawing inspiration from the human eye. They created flexible photoreceptors using hybrid perovskite materials, with capacitance tunable by light stimulation, mimicking the human retina. The team collaborates with experts in image characterization and brain pattern recognition to connect the 'eye' to the 'brain' for object identification. Why it matters: This biomimetic approach promises advancements in AI, machine learning, and smart city development within the region.
KAUST Professor Pierre Magistretti received the 2016 Fondation IPSEN Neuronal Plasticity prize for his work in neuroenergetics. The award recognizes Magistretti's contributions to understanding the relationship between neuronal activity and brain energy consumption. He shares the award with Dr. David Attwell and Dr. Marcus Raichle, and will be honored at FENS in Copenhagen. Why it matters: This award highlights KAUST's contribution to international neuroscience research and strengthens its reputation in biological and environmental science.
KAUST professor Pierre Magistretti has been elected to the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. His election recognizes his contributions to neuroscience, specifically his work on lactate's role in brain function. Magistretti's research focuses on the lactate shuttle system and how neurons and glial cells cooperate to meet energy demands. Why it matters: This honor highlights KAUST's contribution to international neuroscience and can foster further collaboration in the field.