Moderation: Petra Schultheiß-Reimann
Against the background of the planned legalization of cannabis, which is presented in detail, the abuse of drugs (morphine, heroin, cocaine, crack, mescaline, kath, etc.) and stimulants (alcohol, nicotine, caffeine) is addressed. The development of addiction and habituation as well as dependence on drugs (amphetamines, fentanyl derivatives, propofol, benzodiazepines, etc.) are discussed. Using well-known artists as examples, the influence of drugs on the international music scene is shown. Methods of therapy and prevention are presented.
Moderation: Wolfgang Gerhartz
Cells, with their synthesis apparatus, are important tools for the industrial production of new substances, especially biopharmaceuticals. Through the production of primary and secondary metabolites, the metabolism of a cell is an important source of pharmaceutical active ingredients or lead substances, the semi-synthetic modification of which provides new, therapeutically valuable drugs.
An important aspect of using "cells as a chemical factory" is the production of even complex molecules in enantiomerically pure form under mild conditions, as demonstrated by the large-scale production of vitamin B12. Both prokaryotic [bacterial cells] and eukaryotic cells [animal, plant and fungal (yeast) cells] are used to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The importance of plant ingredients such as morphine, cocaine or quinine for the development of highly effective analgesics, local anesthetics or antimalarial drugs is presented. The development of taxanes and the discovery of the antimalarial drug artemisinin are outlined as recent examples of therapeutically important natural substances.
The metabolic products of numerous bacteria and fungi are now used therapeutically as antibiotics and are an indispensable tool in modern medicine for treating the most serious infections. Insulin is an example of the extraction of drugs from animal cells.
Biotechnological processes and thus the use of cells as active ingredient producers today make a significant contribution to the production of effective drugs, an important tool of modern medicine for the treatment of life-threatening diseases.
Moderation: still open
Diabetes is a widespread disease. Around 10% of Germans and around 6% of the world's population suffer from it. The basics of the disease, the subsequent damage, and the treatment options and therapy goals are discussed.
The peptide hormone insulin plays a central role in this disease. The discovery of the hormone, its structural elucidation and other milestones in 100 years of insulin research are presented. Based on an estimate of insulin requirements, various options for its industrial production are discussed, particularly biotechnological ones. The terms 'genetic engineering' and 'biotechnology' are defined.
The genetic engineering of human insulin is a success story. Large-scale production is explained using the example of the production of human insulin in E. coli strains; the basic principles of biotechnological processes and protein biosynthesis are explained.
The genetic engineering of insulin analogues has made new active ingredient molecules with an improved efficacy profile available to diabetics. In addition, newer therapeutic approaches for diabetes treatment are presented. Some aspects of the topic "How does pharmaceutical research work?" are addressed.
Moderation: Klaus-Peter Jäckel
At the turn of the century, it was almost impossible for women to enter the domains of men. A high school diploma and university were largely a male privilege. With acquired knowledge, a lot of persistence, a high degree of moral courage and immense hard work, some women did achieve the highest educational qualifications. They often came from wealthy families and often had male colleagues as sponsors. Some women worked as teachers, but only a few found their way into the natural sciences. Today we will talk about such strong women who left their mark in the natural sciences - but also about women who failed and whose life's work was not recognized and appreciated.
Did you like the lecture ? Or are you unable to attend the lecture ? Then write to Professor Ehlers by email; he will be happy to provide you with the slides from his lecture.
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last modified: 10.07.2024 18:59 H from N/A
