Video and talks

July 17 and 18, 2 pm - 2:30 pm | The video traces the history of the Santa Chiara Hospital in Pisa, from its medieval origins linked to the Via Francigena and the reconciliation between Pisa and the Church, to its current role, with a particular focus on the current location of the oncology radiotherapy. The narrative connects the care practices of the past with contemporary medical technologies, such as FLASH radiotherapy. Parallels are shown between Italy and Japan in addressing public health challenges.

Scientific coordinators: Margherita Maffei, Mario Costa, Valentina Tozzini (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Pisa) - margherita.maffei(AT)cnr.it

July 17, 3:10 pm - 4 pm | A short video of the AA@THE project (ActiveAging @THE: a pilot experience on the impact of physical activity on healthy adults) created in THE. The video will explain the impact of physical activity on healthy adults through the collection and analysis of data of physiological and behavioral parameters, with the use of artificial intelligence algorithms for the identification of risks and personalized feedback. The video, in English with Japanese subtitles, will be accessible to the general public.

Scientific coordinator: Franca Delmastro (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Pisa) - franca.delmastro(AT)iit.cnr.it

July 17, 2:30 pm - 3:10 pm | At the heart of resilience lies the brain’s extraordinary capacity to adapt and reorganize itself—known as neuroplasticity. Throughout life our brain retains the ability to learn from experience and respond to new challenges. Practices that support brain health—such as physical activity, quality sleep, meaningful social interactions, and enriched environments—are essential for children’s development, helping to build strong cognitive and emotional foundations. These same practices are equally vital for our aging population, helping to preserve brain function, autonomy, and well-being. 

Scientific coordinator: Michela Fagiolini (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Pisa) - direttore(AT)in.cnr.it

July 17, 3:10 pm - 4 pm | The video takes us into the heart of advanced scientific research in the field of personalized medicine and therapeutic drug monitoring. The project addresses the issues related to real-time monitoring of the health status of transplant patients, to make sure they are receiving the right medication levels. Using miniaturized optical biosensors, NANODEM aims to revolutionize the way the concentration of immunosuppressants in a patient's blood is monitores. This video focuses on the interdisciplinary path of scientists, engineers and doctors who collaborate to improve the quality of life of patients and make medicine increasingly personalized and precise.

Scientific coordinator: Francesco Baldini (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Firenze) - f.baldini(AT)ifac.cnr.it

July 17, 4 pm - 6 pm | A journey into the CNR laboratories in Pisa where “extreme” laser light is used for applications of new radiotherapies. Ultrashort laser pulses, lasting 30 millionths of a billionth of a second, are concentrated, thanks to a special parabolic mirror, in a microsphere of “extreme” light that collides with a thin sheet of gas placed at the center of the accelerator, forming a plasma that acts as a microscopic and very powerful accelerator of electrons of hundreds of mega electron-volts, the so-called high-energy electron beams (VHEE). With these technologies, the laboratory develops new-generation medical accelerators for the radiotherapy of the future.

Scientific coordinator: Leonida Gizzi (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Pisa) - la.gizzi(AT)ino.cnr.it