Ep. 16: Knowledge of Russian language significantly accelerates activation of Polish language among foreigners

Ep. 15: Engineering an artificial skeletal muscle

At the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Dr. Marco Costantini, in collaboration with Dr. Cesare Gargioli from the Tor Vergata University in Rome, are working on solutions for producing a muscle substitute on the basis of a biocompatible gel, the structure of which resembles spaghetti noodles. To obtain this aim, they developed a 3D bioprinting technique to process inks containing precursor muscle cells of the animal or patient origin and precursor hydrogel biopolymers. Similar to the increasingly popular 3D printers of today, three-dimensional constructs with biomimetic structures were produced, which, after a short in vitro maturation period, demonstrated the ability to produce an artificial muscle capable of contracting, i.e. developing force. In particular, the constructs showed a high capacity for regeneration in vivo. Within just 20 days of implantation, they were able to regenerate the damaged tibialis anterior muscle in a mouse model to 90% of its volume, both in terms of mass and strength.
Ep. 14: Between Faith and Reason. On the significance of groundbreaking religious thought for the birth of modernity in Europe.

The Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences is excellent proof that internationalisation in the humanities is not only possible, but necessary, and that it results in excellent publications and prestigious grants. Professor Danilo Facca, who cooperates with Polish scientists at IFiS PAN, but also with Italian researcher prof. Valentina Lepri, emphasizes that joint research, apart from recognizable publications, also results in the creation of a solid network of personal and intellectual exchange.