International
Type: Research Cooperation
Activity description:
Cooperation between the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Auburn University (AU), Harvard University and Federal University of Pará (UFPA) to develop a translational and interdisciplinary program for biobehavioral research and research training focusing on the neurotoxic effects of exposure to heavy metals in humans and animal models. In this first collaborative project, the primary focus was on the effects of exposure to methylmercury. A test was developed to assess the neurobehavioral functioning in non-human primates and to translate the test to assess the sensory and neurocognitive functioning of children, to study the effects of exposure to mercury on behavior in children living near gold mining deposits in northern Brazil.
Institutions involved:
University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), Auburn University (AU), Harvard University, and Federal University of Pará (UFPA).
Type: Research Cooperation
Activity description:
The National Institute of Science and Technology on Behavior, Cognition and Teaching, is an expansion of the Center for Studies on Behavior, Cognition and Teaching that has, since 1996, organized the efforts of researchers from UFSCar, USP, UnB, UNESP, UFPA and University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS). The group obtained support from PRONEX in 1997, renewed in 2003 in the new edition of PRONEX (MCT / CNPQ / FAPESP). In the present proposal, the Institute plans to further develop, integrate and expand the existing laboratory network. This multi-institutional and multi-regional network focuses on behavioral science and technology that addresses symbolic functioning and its functional deficits, particularly in children (e.g. dysfunctional communication skills, delayed language development due to congenital deafness, failure to achieve basic reading skills and math etc.). Deficits in symbolic functioning represent a substantial challenge for affected individuals, their families and their wider communities. Such deficits can result from neurological disorders, impoverished environments and / or their interactions with each other and with other variables. Whatever the etiology, however, the primary approach to preventing or remedying deficits in symbolic functioning is to provide behavioral intervention and strengthen educational support, combined with other interventions that reduce its impact.
Research Project to which it is linked:
National Institute of Science and Technology on Behavior, Cognition and Teaching.
Institutions involved:
UFSCar, USP, UnB, UNESP, UFPA and University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS).
National
Type: Research Cooperation
Activity description:
Through an unprecedented action by the Post-Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Cell Biology (PNBC) at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), we intend to contribute to the consolidation of a program already underway at the UFOPA Oriximiná campus, known as PAI, Interdisciplinary Support Program, aimed at the student community of public elementary and high school schools; in addition to the strengthening of the second postgraduate program in the northern region linked to the Biological Sciences Committee 2, the recently approved Postgraduate Program in Biosciences (PPGBiociência) at the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA).
Institutions involved:
Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA) and Federal University of Pará (UFPA).
Type: Research Cooperation
Activity description:
Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience (IBN Net) network works in two domains of theoretical-experimental approach: 1) Studies of physiological processes of the central nervous system; 2) Studies of dysfunction and protection of the central nervous system. These domains are contemplated in multi and interdisciplinary projects through a central thematic axis represented by neuroplasticity. IBN Net was born with 30 research groups formed by 121 teaching-researchers from 10 public HEIs and one private HEI, based in all regions of the country, some working in Neuroscience for over forty years. The embryo of the thematic-experimental integration proposed for IBN Net can be seen in the existing collaborations between the various research groups, attested in about half of the group's publications in the last five years. IBN Net studies brain injury and neuroprotection. Various conditions of injury to the nervous system are investigated, both in exposed subjects and in in vivo and in vitro models, including: toxicity of mercury and other environmental contaminants, important even for the Amazon; cerebral ischemia and excitotoxicity; neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's; metabolic diseases; malnutrition; inflammation of the nervous system; and bipolar disorder. The molecular mechanisms involved in neuroprotection induced by endogenous substances, plant extracts, tolerance induction, environmental stimulation are investigated.
Research Project to which it is linked:
Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience (IBN Net).
Institutions involved:
10 public HEIs and one private HEI.
Number of professor and students involved:
121 professor-researchers.