Here, we highlight the observations, the questions, the approaches and strategies that showcase the creativity and critical thinking inherent in scientific research.

In science, creativity stands as a crucial, albeit sometimes underappreciated, skill. Creativity comes in a wide variety of forms and shapes, and often emerges from collaborative interactions among diverse minds, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and varied perspectives in driving forward groundbreaking research.

A Call for one Research fellowship (Bolsa de Investigação) is open at Fundação D. Anna de Sommer Champalimaud e Dr. Carlos Montez Champalimaud (Champalimaud Foundation) in the context of the project entitled “Circadian regulation of pulmonary immunity by neuroendocrine signals”, with reference “PTDC/MED-IMU/2189/2021”, from the Call Nº PTDC 2021, funded by the FCT, through Portuguese National Funds. 

Whenever we look at the world in front of us, light falls onto our retina and is processed in a series of steps in the brain. The primary visual cortex is the first stage in the cerebral cortex, where visual information is processed. Nevertheless, neurons here do not only respond to patterns of light, but to sounds as well. A major question in the field, however, has been whether these responses truly represent auditory information, or are instead modulations due to body movements elicited by the sounds.

Slated to begin recruiting patients in 2025, the PsyPal study represents a significant step in exploring innovative treatments for deep psychological and existential distress in those with advanced illnesses. The CF, alongside three other European clinical sites, will treat over one hundred patients, each site focusing on a different condition.

The ERC Proof of Concept Grant is awarded exclusively to Principal Investigators who have previously won an ERC grant. Its primary goal is to support the commercial and social innovation potential of ERC-funded research. “It takes courage and skill to take an idea from the lab into the world of business. The Proof of Concept grants announced today are designed to enable researchers to take this brave step and transform groundbreaking research into tangible innovations”, remarked Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

The largest bottleneck medical research organisations at the forefront of technology face is access to useful data. These difficulties stem from strict policies that limit access to ML teams instead of allowing technology to enable and ensure responsible data use. Potential ML solutions are greatly stifled due to insufficient ability to access, standardise, and aggregate valuable data that continues to be siloed away. Yet, over the last years we have seen two general paradigms emerge to address important technical challenges.

This course is promoted by Champalimaud Foundation's Fior Lab.

The scientific programme will cover

- Protocols for preparation of human cancer cells for injection;
- Generation of zebrafish xenografts (microinjection in the perivitelline space);
- Metastatic assay;
- Protocols for immunofluorescence;
- Mounting xenografts for confocal imaging;
- Confocal session.

Venue

Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, Lisbon

Dates

06 - 10 May, 2024 - 9:00

Application

Deadline: March 15

“HALLO,” Robin typed on the keyboard.
“HALLO, HOW ARE YOU FEELING?” replied ELIZA, the printed words appearing instantly on the VDU [computer screen]. 
“I’M FEELING TERRIBLE,” Robin replied. 
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT PRECISELY?” 
“I’M FEELING DEPRESSED.” 
“WHY DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DEPRESSED?”
“BECAUSE I’M LONELY.” 
“DO YOU LIVE WITH YOUR FAMILY?”
“NO.”
“DO YOU HAVE ANY FRIENDS?” 
“NOT REALLY.” 
“WHY IS THAT?”

Imagine you’re teaching a dog to play fetch. You throw a ball, and your dog sprints after it, picks it up, and runs back. You then reward your panting pup with a treat.