LifeScienceXplained

In her science slam, Naomi Weitzel, PhD student at the Institute of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Regensburg, highlights the remarkable abilities of rare earth nanoparticles. These tiny particles can convert low-energy infrared light into high-energy visible, and even ultraviolet, light—a seemingly impossible process. She illustrates this principle using a piggy bank. The particles “accumulate” infrared energy until it equals the energy of blue or UV light and then release it in a concentrated form. This unique property opens new possibilities for rare earth nanoparticles in medicine, e.g. in cancer therapy, where active agents can be activated without damaging healthy tissue.

In her science slam, Eva Schäffer, senior physician and neurologist, who is habilitated at Kiel University Hospital, explains why prevention can be crucial for Parkinson's disease. With humor, personal anecdotes, and scientific information, she explains how a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing the disease. She emphasizes the benefits of moderate endurance sports and a Mediterranean diet, and critically examines risk factors, such as the influence of pesticides. Eva emphasizes that prevention can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life after its onset. Her core message is: It is never too early or too late to start preventing Parkinson's disease. 

In this episode, Bent Freiwald, science journalist and podcaster, sheds light on Alzheimer's disease, explaining what happens in the brain. The disease causes a deterioration of cognitive abilities, including attention, learning, memory, language, orientation, and motor skills. According to Bent, communication between nerve cells is disrupted by two “villains”. These processes cause nerve cells in people with Alzheimer's disease to become damaged and die. Through this podcast, Bent and the ACB Stories team successfully convey what Alzheimer's does to the brain in a clear and understandable way.