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italianoIFOM News and Press Releases
2011
In the brain, a type of cell was discovered that does not activate the molecular alarms normally sounded when the genome is damaged. They are the astrocytes, named for their spectacular cellular shape reminiscent of a star. When their differentiation is completed and their maximum functional specialisation attained, astrocytes turn off the genes that are responsible for triggering alarms in the presence of such damage and consequently no longer activate a series of responses related to it. For example they do not undergo programmed cell death if exposed to ionizing radiation, as other cells do. This surprising discovery was made by a group of scientists at IFOM in Milan, led by Fabrizio d’Adda di Fagagna, and is published online today in the authoritative scientific journal Cell Death and Differentiation.
Immunity: here is the motor that moves the body's defences 31/08/2011 - Eps8 is called the key component of the motor that ensures that dendritic cells, a specialised patrol of the immune system, are activated in moments of danger and run to sound the alarm and activate the body’s cellular defence teams. Without this protein dendritic cells, which monitor organs and tissues for viruses, bacteria parasites and also altered cells, including tumour cells, are still able to sense danger signals, but like amputees, they remain almost immobile and cannot effectively reach the command centres where they should sound the alarm. The disastrous result of their poor ability to move is failure to activate the immune response. The discovery, made by a team of researchers at the IFOM and the IEO in Milan directed by Giorgio Scita and Maria Rescigno, working in collaboration with the University of Milan, is published in the latest issue of the scientific journal Immunity. Rigid and fragile chromosomes: the double-edged sword of tumour cells 21/07/2011 - A new mechanism giving rise to DNA fragility has been identified in malignant cells. This fragility is one of the tumour’s strong points, through which the integrity of the genome is dramatically compromised. Thanks to this accomplishment, though, it could become a point of attack for targeting cancer with its own weapon. The discovery was made by a team of scientists from IFOM in Milan led by Marco Foiani, in collaboration with the University of Milan, and will be published today in the authoritative scientific journal Cell. Nippon Science Support Network 12/04/2011 -
The massive earthquake and the tsunami that recently hit Japan, had a massive impact over the local scientific community. Universities such as Tohoku University in Senday have been severly affected with damages to buildings, researchers and their families. The international scientific community is setting-up initiatives such as the Nippon Science Support Network promoted by Nature Networks in order to coordinate relief efforts for Japanese scientists so heavily affected by the events. IFOM, which has a vibrant network of collaborations with Japanese Universities and research institutes, has decided to join the Nippon Science Support Network and invites other research organizations around the world to participate to similar initiatives.
Nippon Science Support Network:
http://www.nipponsciencesupport.net
“The Long Road Back”, Nature:
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v471/n7339/full/471409a.html
この度の東北地方太平洋沖地震により、お亡くなりになられた方々のご冥福をお祈り致すとともに、被災された方々に心からお見舞い申し上げます。
被災地に於かれましては、サイエンスコミュニティも大きな被害を被られました。大地震及び大津波は、弊研究所と友好関係にある東北大学にも、物理的被害のみではなく、研究者の方々に甚大なる人的被害をもたらしました。
世界中のサイエンスコミュニティは、苦境に立たされている日本の研究者の方々を援助すべく立ち上がりました。中でも特に Nature Networks が支持する Nippon Science Support Network は、研究所やポストのオファー、日本との文化交流などの情報を統括・提供出来るプラットフォームを作り、日本への援助を国際的にコーデイネートし、呼びかけています。
長年に渡り日本の研究所や大学とコラボレーション及び交流関係を築いているIFOMも、逆境にある日本の同僚達をサポートすべく、Nippon Science Support Network に参加することを発表すると同時に、IFOM以外のイタリアの研究機関や大学等にも参加を呼びかけます。
IFOM一同、 現地の一刻も早い復興を心からお祈り申し上げます。
外部リンク
Nippon Science Support Network:
http://www.nipponsciencesupport.net
“The Long Road Back”, Nature:
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v471/n7339/full/471409a.html
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