Insect brain: neuroprotection, cell death and signalling. A thrilling talk with Prof. Ralf Heinrich

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In this episode, we talk to Prof. Ralf Heinrich, a Professor at the Department of Cellular Neurobiology at the University of Göttingen. The focus this time is on insects and the fascinating neuroscientific insights one can learn from them! We discuss evolutionary preserved mechanisms throughout the animal kingdom. We also talk about the research on cytokines - the signalling molecules involved in the immune system and apoptosis - a mechanism of cellular self-destruction. Prof. Heinrich delves into the mechanism of hearing in insects and their social behaviour. We also asked our guest to share his opinion on some problems in academia and advice for young scientists.

Our channel is supported by International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Neurosciences as well as Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging (MBExC) in Göttingen, Germany. The views presented on this channel are not representative of IMPRS or MBExC.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:05 Early career and motivation for doing science

00:04:12 Why Göttingen?

00:05:10 Working in academia in the USA and in Germany

00:08:55 Teaching and interacting with the students

00:14:06 Organising the biggest conference of the German Neuroscience Society

00:20:08 Research interest: cytokines in immunity, evolution of the nervous system

00:23:42 Insects as model organisms in neuroscience

00:25:44 The brain of an insect

00:36:51 The role of a molecule erythropoietin

00:45:39 Apoptosis and neuroprotection - what is programmed cell death and how to prevent it?

00:54:30 How do insects hear?

00:56:14 Social behaviour of insects

01:01:59 Problems in academia: publishing system and peculiarities of the academic career

01:16:59 Advice for young scientists

References:

https://www.nwg-info.de/

Intro music by penguinmusic from Pixabay

Following footage downloaded from videvo.net:

Storage of samples in a hospital setting. Ungraded Prores file by MaartenLCF

A scientist adjusting the magnification on a microscope by Videvo

Stock footage provided by Pressmaster

Like and subscribe animation downloaded from SweetPhilMedia

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Neuroscience and Beyond team:

Svilen Georgiev

Kristina Jevdokimenko

Sabina Nowakowska

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