Experts Discuss Novel Developments in Neuroscience, AKUHS

Karachi- The 4^th Annual Neuroscience Conference was attended by leading scientists from various countries across the world, including USA, UK, and Spain. The conference was held at Agha Khan University (AKU), on October 13^th, where exchange of knowledge concerning the latest developments in neurobiology took place. Emerging facts on the various diseases of brain, and central nervous system were discussed; and views were shared on ways to upturn the breadth and depth of neuroscientific research in Pakistan.

The conference was jointly organized by the Pakistan Society of Basic and Applied Neuroscience (PASBAN), the Advanced Educational Institute and Research Center, and an international consortium of over 200 leading scientists; The Science Bridge. The conference provided a platform for speakers from several national and international universities, who came together to speak on therapies for brain diseases; new insights into warning signs or biomarkers for brain injuries and tumors; and new developments in our understanding of the mechanisms of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders that have the potential to treat and perhaps even cure such disorders in the future.

In his introductory address, Prof Ather Enam (Chair of the Department of Surgery AKU) said, “For a subject as important as neuroscience, there is a significant lack of interest in Pakistan. The Annual Neuroscience Conference is the only conference in Pakistan that brings the basic neuroscientists together.”

A number of puzzling areas in neuroscience were explored at the conference; for instance, how the replication of the brain’s memory circuits using computer simulations is shedding light on the complex operations of the brain; and how brainwave frequencies affect our health. Progress in research regarding the use of new electrical stimulation therapies in treating ailments such as migraine and dry eye syndrome was discussed.

The conference was preceded by a two-day short course on essentials of neuroscience, which was aimed at providing students and young researchers an overview of the key topics in this emerging field.

One of the conference partners, The Science Bridge, was launched to promote international bioscience collaborations and global harmony. It is supported by high-ranking institutions and includes 29 Nobel laureates. Last year, it paired with PASBAN for the annual conference with the goal of building stronger interactions between neuroscience research institutions in the East and the West. - PR