Neuroverse 12. A Podcast by Neuroverse: Tools for Looking into the Brain - Neuronal Excitability and Communication in Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disorders (with Dr Paula Pousinha)
About the episode
In the twelfth episode of Tools for Looking into the Brain, created in collaboration with the Neuroverse Podcast, Clara and Carolina are joined by Dr Paula Pousinha. Paula is a neuroscientist and Associate Professor at Université Côte d’Azur, whose research looks at the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. Paula explains how we can use rodent models to understand the neural mechanisms that lead up to Alzheimer's disease, and in particular how neuronal firing and physiological properties gradually change alongside changes in synapses and connectivity. They also discuss bridging the gap between single neurons and cognition, what defines excitability, how similar approaches can be used to tackle several neurodegenerative disorders, and how this knowledge can shape future therapies to treat neurodegenerative disorders.
As part of her research, Paula’s lab uses Scientifica’s SliceScope Pro system.
Scientifica SliceScope Pro 1000
An integrated electrophysiology system for patch clamp recording. The versatility of the system means that you can perform slice electrophysiology, fluorescent imaging, and in vivo experiments.
About Dr Paula Pousinha
Dr Paula Pousinha is a neuroscientist and Associate Professor of Physiology at Université Côte d’Azur in Nice, France. She earned her PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Lisbon, before completing a postdoctoral fellowship in the lab of Hélène Marie at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology in France. There, she investigated how synaptic plasticity and neuronal activity change during ageing and contribute to cognitive decline.
Her lab’s current research focuses on the synaptic and circuit mechanisms underlying brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease.
About Carolina and Clara
Carolina and Clara are both neuroscientists and curious about the world and our perception of it. Their love for exploring ideas and bridging connections across various disciplines drew them to the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience. Together, they established Neuroverse as a platform for exploring and sharing ideas within and beyond neuroscience. Their goal is to create content that is accessible and engaging for both scientists and non-scientists alike.
The podcast series
In collaboration with Neuroverse, this podcast series, "Tools for Looking into the Brain," is dedicated to creating engaging and informative content exploring various techniques used by researchers in neuroscience (with a focus on electrophysiology), as well as general advice on navigating the world or research. Throughout this series, we'll have special guest appearances, offering valuable insights and perspectives from experts in the field.
