79th ICREA Colloquium - Model organs in cancer research
Speakers: Prof. Roger Gomis and Prof. Marco Milán (both from IRB Barcelona)
When: Wednesday, 20th December 2017, 18:00h
Where: ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 6th floor
Abstract:
Metastasis continues to be a lethal hallmark of cancer. In this process, malignant cells spread from the primary tumor to distant sites, where they resist conventional treatments, proliferate, and cause the failure of vital organs. Systemic dissection of the molecular, cellular, genetic, and clinical mechanisms underlying metastatic progression is necessary for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat metastases. Different cancer types show distinct metastatic organ tropism. In addition, although steps in the metastatic cascade are part of a continuous biological sequence, their acquisition may vary from one tumor type to another. On the other hand, aneuploidy, described as an abnormal number of whole chromosomes or parts of them, has been observed in the majority of sporadic carcinomas, the most common type of cancer occurring in humans and derived from putative epithelial cells. However, the causal relationship between aneuploidy and tumorigenesis remains highly debated. Here we will review and discuss the use of fruit flies and mice to functionally characterize the highly metastatic behavior of tumor cells and the role of aneuploidy in the initiation and progression of cancer.
The ICREA colloquia are a great way to learn about remote fields of research from our best experts. The speakers offer their opinions on the same subject from very different angles. Open to all ICREAs and their guests. Please book in advance.
“After the end of the world”: next ICREA-CCCB cycle of debates
This November we will be having a new cycle of debates, with significant changes in format and orientation. We hope this new approach is even better at stimulating debate and the generation of ideas. This cycle of debates coincides with a new inauguration by CCCB of the same title and is focused on the impact of global warming on the immediate future of our civilisation. No less than 8 ICREA Research Professors will participate in the debate, which promises to be one of the highlights of 2017:
Tuesday 7th: Canviar el planeta, with Ricard Solé (@ UPF) and Patrizia Ziveri (@ ICTA-UAB)
Tuesday 14th: Clima extrem i noves malalties, with Xavier Rodó (@ ISGlobal) and Frederic Bartumeus (@ CEAB-CSIC)
Tuesday 21st: L’adaptació de les societats, with Viki Reyes (@ ICTA-UAB) and Paula Casal (@ UPF)
Tuesday 28th: Economia, conflicte i migracions globals, with Giorgos Kallis (@ ICTA-UAB) and Pau Baizán (@ UPF)
All talks will be moderated by journalist Mercè Folch and they will be held at the CCCB at 18:30h. Mark the dates!
78th ICREA Colloquium - The HIV/AIDS pandemic: from molecules to populations
Speakers: Prof. Javier Martinez-Picado (IrsiCAIXA) and Prof. Jordi Casabona (CEEISCAT)
When: 31st October 2017, 18:00h
Where: ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 6th floor
Abstract:
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections.
HIV/AIDS is a global health problem: over 70 million people have been infected with HIV, 35 million have died and 36.7 million people currently live with the disease. This infectious disease has been frantically studied for more than 30 years, resulting in remarkably effective chemotherapies. However, present therapies are not curative with the associated hassle that this represents. Moreover, extensive programs to improve prevention, early diagnosis and worldwide access to antiviral therapies progress slowly, and the development of an effective vaccine remains elusive.
This colloquium will focus on current basic research and public health challenges.
The ICREA colloquia are a great way to learn about remote fields of research from our best experts. We usually have two speakers, who offer their opinions on the same subject from very different angles. Open to all ICREAs and their guests. There’s wine and munchies at the end, please book in advance!
77th ICREA Colloquium - Some Aspects of Economic Consequences of Catalan Independence
Speakers: Prof. Albert Marcet (MOVE) and Prof. Jaume Ventura (CREI)
When: 26th September 2017, 18:00h
Where: ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 6th floor
Abstract:
The economic consequences of Catalan independence is a key issue of our time. Various measurements of economic aggregates play a key role on the discussion. For example, there has been a debate about whether the concept of fiscal balances is “right” or “wrong”. Or if the “right” measurement is by monetary flows or cost-benefit. Should the fiscal balance be adjusted for the cycle? Some have argued that the Catalan trade surplus with Spain “compensates” the fiscal balance deficit. Also that the trade surplus with Spain measures of how much Catalunya would loose, should it become independent. The political and journalistic discussion about these issues is often based on moral or philosophical values, we would like to show how it can be used for more scientific purposes.
The research of Marcet and Ventura revolves around the issues of fiscal policy and international macroeconomics that encompass the above issues. They will discuss how some measurements of economic aggregates can be used to make predictions about the consequences of Catalan independence. We hope this session will contribute to the current debate and it will also display how economics can focus on empirical measurements, model evaluation and predictions.
The ICREA colloquia are a great way to learn about remote fields of research from our best experts. We usually have two speakers, who offer their opinions on the same subject from very different angles. Open to all ICREAs and their guests. There’s wine and munchies at the end, please book in advance!
