Sardinian scientist Miriam Melis at the top in Europe: her studies are worth a prize of 2 million euros
The research on dopamine by the Unica pharmacologist has obtained the prestigious "Consolidator Grant" of the European Research Council
Miriam Melis (Unique Photo)
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A Sardinian scientist at the top in Europe.
We are talking about the neuroscientist and pharmacologist from Cagliari Miriam Melis , who has been awarded one of the "Consolidator Grants" , a prestigious recognition by the European Research Council.
An award that brings with it almost 2 million euros to continue the research started by the professor of the Biomedical Sciences department of the University of Cagliari on dopamine and its importance in the context of problems related to learning, development, behavior and social interactions.
«The funded project – explains a note – is entitled “Resolving sEx DIffeREnces in proCessing sensory informaTion” and foresees a very high profile scientific challenge to find a solution to neuropsychiatric disorders that worsen under stress conditions. Such as, for example, on the autism spectrum, from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, Tourette's syndrome, psychosis and schizophrenia».
«With the funding from Redirect - confirms the UniCa pharmacologist - there will be the opportunity to recruit four post-doctoral researchers and one on a fixed-term basis, and I hope to involve young Sardinian and Italian talents in the studies, currently all 'abroad. If possible, also male and female students of the doctoral program in neuroscience».
Redirect, in particular, aims to understand why some people are more prone to manifest mental disorders while others remain healthy even after experiencing adverse conditions or traumas, recovering or even increasing their psychosocial functioning.
In this study the role of dopamine is central. "Understanding the neural and molecular mechanisms that finely regulate sensory integration - concludes Melis - is therefore essential to identify what distinguishes healthy individuals from hypersensitive and deficient ones, precisely to capitalize on resilience mechanisms and protect individuals at risk for enable them to develop normally and lead a fulfilling life".
(Unioneonline/lf)
