Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory - Mechanisms of Aging Meeting, Sept 22-25, 2020
The format of the event was new for all of us but it is the only possibility currently for the scientific world to stay in touch, present and discuss data and projects. The meeting was of great interest to me because the speakers were people I had communicated with and discussed different issues with in the past. All the talks focused on different aspects of aging – that is complex traits. Thus, a successful anti-aging strategy must have different targets, including use of specific drugs and interventions.
I presented a project on how parental nutrition affects traits in offspring across hundreds of generations. We found significant changes in offspring transriptome and proteome that together affected physiological traits such as lifespan, reproduction and stress resistance, and altered metabolism. During my presentation and questions from attendees I noticed many things I didn’t pay attention to earlier. Now I have fresh ideas how to continue the project. It is really sad not to have the possibility to personally participate is such an event but I hope the situation will change soon.
-Oleh Lushchak, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Natural Sciences Institute, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian University
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss ageing as a modifiable risk factor of diseases, to promote greater communication among the worldwide community of individuals engaged in ageing research and to attract young scientists to join this field of research. It was our first experience of an online conference. The conference program was very intense and included very informative and versatile plenary lectures and poster sessions.
Our team presented a poster on “Enteroblast cells affected by insulin signaling modulate longevity, stress resistance and metabolism in Drosophila”. We presented results concerned the survival-sustaining role for IS in a subset of cells in the gut of Drosophila melanogaster – enteroblast cells.
In general, the conference was very productive in terms of enriching new information and new ideas for further research. This was a great opportunity to participate in a high-level virtual conference, listen to reports in real time, and communicate with other participants.
-Olha Strilbytska, Senior Specialist, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Natural Sciences Institute, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian University
The program of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Mechanisms of Aging Meeting is most important for young people, since they are likely to benefit most from this meeting. This meeting was devoted to the molecular mechanism of aging, but it also included such topics as recent advances to extend both life- and health-span. The conference was dedicated to the field of my primary scientific interest - the mechanisms of aging. I presented a poster report called "2,4-DNP as an agent for losing weight and prolonging lifespan."
Despite the fact that due to the pandemic the conference was held in a virtual mode, the quality of reports was not affected. The organizers tried to make the conference as interactive as possible through open chats for discussion. Throughout the conference there was a friendly and encouraging atmosphere.
Participation in this event was an invaluable experience. One of the disadvantages for me was the time difference, but this was just a slight inconvenience. This was a new experience for me because it was the first such large-scale conference in which I participated. I was happy for the opportunity to attend this conference.
-Alina Zayachkivska, Student, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Natural Sciences Institute, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian University
Oleh, Olha and Alina received virtual travel grants from the USUF Biotech Initiative to participate in this meeting.