The next Conversa Improvável (Improbable Conversation), with the theme Mitochondria on the loose - where's the energy? will take place on September 26, from 12 noon to 1pm, at the Colégio de Santo António da Pedreira (Casa Museu Elysio de Moura, R. Dr. Guilherme Moreira 24, 3000-210 Coimbra - next to the Stairs of Minerva).
This conversation will feature the father of a child with mitochondrial disease, who will give his testimony, Professor Luísa Diogo, a specialist in metabolic diseases, Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra, researcher at CNC-UC, Pediatrician and coordinator of the Reference Center for Hereditary Metabolic Diseases at ULS-Coimbra, Professor Manuela Grazina, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Coimbra, neuroscientist and specialist in Precision Medicine/Mitochondrial Biomedicine, researcher at the CNC-UC, director of the Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biomedicine and Theranostics (LBioMiT), Scientific Mentor (Coimbra Surgical Center) and Science Communicator. The talk will be moderated by Manuela Grazina and will be illustrated live by comic artist Rui Tavares. The cultural moment will be hosted by the curator of the Casa Museu Elysio de Moura, Dr. Milton Pacheco. All participants will be given a book on the theme.
The mitochondria are the cells' energy factories. Each molecule of ATP formed contributes to maintaining cellular order, the metabolic functioning of the organism and the maintenance of life, in an intricate and complex network of events. When energy production is deficient, mitochondrial cytopathies arise, or “malfunctions in the energy factory”. The genetic causes of these diseases are many and can be found in two genomes. Their diagnosis requires multidisciplinary teams. There are several types and they affect the human body in different ways, at different ages and in different conditions. We will unravel their mysteries and debunk some myths, such as: “so it's the mother's fault?”. The event is in Portuguese, open to the whole community and admission is free.
The Conversas Improváveis are an initiative of the communication action group of the Metabolism, Aging and Disease (MAD) research line of the Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CiBB) of the University of Coimbra, and aims to foster science and health literacy with informal discussions, approaching topics from various perspectives, to promote awareness of various diseases, and encourage early and informed actions and decisions, ultimately contributing to a healthier society.
The Conversas Improváveis take place in various iconic locations at the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, namely at the Rómulo - UC Science Center, the Science Museum, the Botanical Garden and the UC Exploratory, just to name a few.
Coordinating this initiative is CiBB's MAD area communications working group: Ana Isabel Duarte, Anabela Marisa Azul, Ermelindo Leal, Ilda Ribeiro, Manuela Grazina, Raquel Alves, Salomé Pires, Sandra Amaral.
