University hosts conference for brain cell experts
Posted on 24. Aug, 2010 by admin in Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Science, Uncategorized
Over 80 neuro-scientists from around the world gathered at the University of Portsmouth for a conference to share knowledge about the latest developments in brain cell research.
It’s the first time the university has hosted the annual conference of the Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland which allows national and international scientists to discuss the latest developments in the field.
The conference is hosted by Professor of cellular neurophysiology, Arthur Butt, from the School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences the University’s world expert on glial cells, and Dr Frank Schubert, from the School of Biological Sciences.
The scientists will focus on progressing research into the interaction between the two different types of cells in the brain. The brain contains two kinds of cell, nerve cells that transmit information and glial cells which were always thought to be simply the packing around the important parts of the brain. Recent research reveals that glial cells are relevant to every pathology in the brain and could hold crucial discoveries about some of the world’s currently incurable brain diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and brain tumours.
Professor Butt said: “”It’s staggering that glial cells are so important yet we know so little about them. Most people haven’t even heard of them and many neurologists are often unaware of their importance. Only in the last 20 years it has become evident that these highly active cells are essential for the nerve cells to function correctly and are involved in virtually every aspect of nervous system.
“With further dedicated research I’m very hopeful that we can make some groundbreaking discoveries into the causes of brain disease.”
The University of Portsmouth boasts the UK’s first dedicated laboratory-based brain tumour research centre under the direction of Professor Geoff Pilkington, a leading brain tumour expert with an international reputation.
