With over 220 thousand venomous species, each venom is a unique blend, typically containing more than 100 different pharmacologically active polypeptides or toxins. The collection of toxins comprises millions of distinct molecules, each with varying specificity in their effects on physiological targets. Understanding the composition of these venoms is crucial for developing effective treatments for envenomations. Animal toxins also play an exceptional role as molecular tools in fundamental research on complex physiological systems. They serve as a rich reservoir of potential medicinal compounds and contribute to advancements in fields such as medical diagnostics, agriculture, and biotechnology. I will conclude the lecture by presenting groundbreaking discoveries that offer hope for breakthroughs in treating two of today’s most pressing pathologies: Alzheimer’s disease and venous thromboembolism, conditions whose consequences significantly impact people’s lives through disability, dependence, and mortality.
Dose assessment: from conceptual model to environmental radioactivity monitoring
Radionuclides are discharged into the environment from a variety of nuclear and radiation facilities, potentially causing harmful effects on human health and the environment. If discharges are likely to result in adverse radiological effects, they must be evaluated in...
