Stem cells and their influence on the processes taking place in the living organisms are the main scientific interests of Prof. Magdalena Rost-Roszkowska – the guest of the seventh edition of the Scientific Premiere Stage: Science Talk Show.
These are not the only issues that will be raised during our event. The invited researcher will also tell us about a certain type of caterpillar, which, thanks to its culinary preference, can contribute to saving the Earth.
What and why protects our organisms?
Prof. Rost-Roszkowska is interested in the processes of cell ageing and death in various organs and tissues of animal organisms and the role of stem cells in the organ regeneration process. The researcher focuses on the analysis of the influence of various factors from the external environment (microorganisms, heavy metals, pesticides, toxic substances, lack of food, lack of water, etc.) on organs and tissues. She wants to find an answer to the question of what mechanisms are triggered to protect such organs and maintain cell homeostasis for as long as possible.
Caterpillar’s plastic diet
Apart from carrying out research regarding the above-mentioned scope, Prof. Rost-Roszkowska also deals with the issue of plastic presence and its impact on the natural environment. The researcher, along with her team, carries out research on the larvae of a moth called Galleria mellonella (the greater wax moth). The experiments carried out several years ago indicate that the caterpillars of this species, which are parasites in bee colonies, are able to eat plastic bags (e.g., polyethylene). Such unusual food preferences could be therefore used in the plastic biodegradation processes. Currently, research is carried out to assess what changes occur in the animal’s tissues of the digestive system after consuming plastic and whether such changes will be present in their offspring.
Prof. Magdalena Rost-Roszkowska has been associated with the University of Silesia in Katowice for over 20 years. She received a Master’s degree at the Institute of Biology and Environmental Protection and a Master’s degree at the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Her doctoral studies and research work are associated with the Team of Animal Histology and Embryology.
We would like to invite you on that journey into the fascinating world of biology on 8 April 2021 at 6 p.m.
The meeting will be hosted by Jarosław Juszkiewicz, a journalist of Polskie Radio Katowice, ambassador of the Silesian Science Festival KATOWICE and UŚ graduate.
Links to the event
Facebook: https://fb.com/UniwersytetSlaski/live
YouTube: https://youtu.be/T2I1GB1tXtA
The previous meetings are available on the University’s YouTube Channel.